Rosewood Park and Beach

This park is designated a natural area. Rosewood Park was once part of the Julius Rosenwald estate. It was purchased from the Rosenwald family in two parts, the first in 1928 and the second in 1945. Renowned architect Jens Jensen landscaped the estate. The reflecting pool and surroundings at Upper Rosewood is what remains of his work.

Features, Amenities and Activities

Rosewood Park consists of 11 acres that are designated into Upper Rosewood and Lower Rosewood. Upper Rosewood is an oak savanna bluff with trails that lead down into a wooded ravine and to the shoreline. Lower Rosewood is a wooded ravine that leads to the Lake Michigan shoreline with beach access. Ravines offer a cool climate for plants and animals so cooler climate tree species such as beech, aspens and junipers can be found here. Rosewood Park has trails for hiking, parking lots, beach access, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Lower Rosewood offers restrooms June through August. Upper Rosewood has a Jens Jensen reflecting pond. White-tailed deer frequent Rosewood park ravines, which are considered deer highways. Shore birds are common on the beach, and various species of songbirds are found in the wooded areas. For more information about Rosewood Swimming Beach please contact Nick Meo at 847.432.4790.

Fees

Picnic Permit for group of 12-59 individuals
$35/resident, $60/nonresident
Min/Max is 12/60

Picnic Permit for group of 60-99 individuals
$45/resident, $80/nonresident
Min/Max is 60/100

Picnic Permit for group of 100+ individuals
$60/resident, $110/nonresident
Min/Max is 100/200

Picnic Permit Daily Damage Deposit Fee
$45

Schedule

Hours of Operation
Rosewood Beach is open from dawn until dusk.  Lifegaurds are on duty from 10 a.m - 6 p.m. from June 9-August 17 & August 23, 24, 30, 31 and September 1. 

Picnic Permits
Groups of 12 or more wishing to use or picnic in Rosewood Park are required to secure a permit prior to their visit for a designated location. The District’s park ranger and City police patrol and check for valid permit holders. Residents only may make reservations beginning March 1, 2010. Open reservations begin April 2, 2010. Permits are required/available for: Mon-Sun, May 1-September 30, 2010 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Picnic Permit Reservations
Residents only may make reservations beginning March 2, 2010. Open reservations begin April 1, 2010.

Policies

Beach Closings
The EPA monitors beach closings for Rosewood. Please click here or call the Lake County Health Department at 847.377.8030 for more information.

Rules and Regulations

Parking
Parking at Rosewood Park and Beach is reserved for Highland Park residents with a city sticker or non-residents with a Beach Parking Sticker.  In order to purchase a Beach Parking Sticker, please go to the West Ridge Front Desk during operating hours.  Beach Parking Stickers are $100.

Park Permit Registration
Accepted in-person at West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge Road, at least 10 days prior to picnic date to secure a permit. Registration hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Saturday, 9:00-11:30 a.m.