Survey prompts changes to Elmhurst egg hunt

Ten thousand eggs will await participants in Elmhurst Park District's annual Egg Hunt Saturday, March 31, in Wilder Park.

Several changes to this year's hunt are a direct result of community feedback from a January survey that drew nearly 700 responses.

One area of improvement is the parking situation surrounding Wilder Park. Parking is limited within the park itself, so the district has teamed with Immaculate Conception, Elmhurst College and Hawthorne Elementary School to offer overflow parking in those lots. Residents also are encouraged to walk to the park when possible.

A fourth age group category has been added to help alleviate congestion and group similar aged kids together. The new categories are for youngsters ages 1 and 2, ages 3 and 4, ages 5 to 7 and ages 8 to 10. A map of the egg hunt locations can be found at epd.org.

The hunt for the largest age group, 5- to 7-year-olds, is located in the main lawn area in front of the mansion and was a main source of many residents' frustrations, according to the community survey. In an effort to minimize congestion and allow kids an equal opportunity to hunt for eggs, parents will not be allowed within the hunt area.

As always, free photos with the Easter Bunny will be available starting at 9 a.m., and the hunt will start at 10 a.m. sharp at 211 S. Prospect Ave.

The egg hunt will be followed by the Doggie Eggstravaganza at 10:30 a.m., when the fun goes to the dogs. Treat-filled eggs will be spread throughout the lawn in front of the mansion and prizes will be awarded for best doggy costume.