Your Lakefront
A plan to revitalize Highland Park’s unique resources for today and for the future
Rosewood Beach & Central Park: Inspiring Design
In
2006, the Park District of Highland Park began a wide-ranging process
to renovate all four of our lakefront properties. A Lakefront Planning
Commission was convened to guide development of Highland Park’s four
lakefront parks. During an intensive and inclusive process with public
involvement and input, award-winning waterfront planners JJR, LLC generated a lakefront master plan that embodies the vision of the community. Click here to see how we got to this stage.
After examining the costs involved, we narrowed our focus to two beaches to renovate immediately: Rosewood Beach and Central Park. Millard Park and Beach and Moraine Beach will be slated for renovation in the future.
View the Plans & ImprovementsLakefront Planning Documents
Central Park Perspective
Rosewood Beach Plan
Rosewood Beach Perspective
Central Park Plan
- Naturally inspired breakwaters along the shoreline that will replace the unsightly metal “groins” currently preserving our beaches from erosion. The proposed new breakwaters are constructed of rockpile with vegetation to provide wildlife habitat and blend in with the environment, allowing swimmers to explore their natural beauty.
- A ravine loop trail, bluff walk, and walking paths along the upper bluffs, which includes the upper Rosewood park and playground, an original Jens Jensen landscape design that is being restored to its original intent.
- A year-round education center with classrooms, a beautiful plaza and boardwalk around the perimeter of the facility with lake and ravine views. Heller Nature Center will conduct educational classes throughout the year from this center.
- A seasonal bathhouse for summertime beach-goers with changing rooms and showers, a concession stand, outdoor grills, and a beach office.
- A 950-foot promenade along the length of the lakefront that winds softly through the natural areas and features picnic tables, and shelters, that will be available for party rentals. Lifeguard stations will also be located along the length of the beachfront.
- A “spray play” playground area for families with young children (in the shape of Lake Michigan!). This unique playground features climbing, sliding, and swinging fun for kids, who can cool off under the sprays of water from every angle. Dry benches will be available on the perimeter, for Moms and Dads, of course!
- A completely renovated fishing pier at the south end of the beach for those quiet mornings with a rod and reel.
Central Park has always been a boater’s beach. And now our plan envisions that Central Park will become a boater’s paradise and a haven for those who want to enjoy a leisurely stroll on the beach or promenade, or simply grab a bite to eat on the water at the new harbor house cafe.
- A expanded and renovated boat launch just to the south of the current water plant facility.
- A boating educational center and small-craft sailing facility.
- A completely new, naturally inspired lakefill breakwater and promenade. Residents could stroll along the breakwater path to gaze out over Lake Michigan and the views of the bluffs.
- A swimming area at the north end of the beach.
- Enhanced connectivity between the upper and lower parks, with a proposed new picnic shelter located in the upper park.
- A harbor featuring approximately 125 boat slips that could be reserved through a licensing agreement with the Park District. IMPORTANT: The Park District intends to pay for these elements of the plan through user fees and private funding.
- A harbor house that will feature a beautiful lake view, a seasonal public cafe, a marine store, and amenities including showers, restrooms, and laundry for boaters and beachgoers.
