NOVEMBER 08 MATER PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING 

Staff, the Park Board of Commissioners and Representatives from The Lakota Group met to identify key Master Planning priorities related to Capital Development Projects, Capital Improvement Projects, Planning Initiatives, and Operational Goals.

NOVEMBER 11 FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

Staff outlined key considerations and assumptions guiding development of the 2026 budget.

Staff provided an update on the IDOT culvert replacement project on Sheridan Road, which includes installation of a pedestrian sidewalk from Dean Road to Roger Williams Road. At the Committee’s request, staff will gather cost estimates for a potential boardwalk or sidewalk extension leading to Rosewood Beach (Lower Rosewood).

Staff presented the proposed five-year Restaurant/Bar License Agreement with Catering by Relish, Inc. for Sunset Valley Golf Club, effective January 1, 2026–December 31, 2030.

Staff also reported ongoing collaboration with the Glencoe Park District on shared services. Due to challenges in offering outdoor winter ice, Glencoe has agreed to extend its resident rate on a Season Pass—providing access to open skate, open hockey, and open broomball—to Highland Park residents.

NOVEMBER 12 WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD

Staff provided a brief overview of the Five-Year Capital Plan and Ten-Year Funding Model, previously reviewed in detail at the September 10 Finance Committee Meeting.

The Park Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2025-16 Granting a Nonexclusive Easement for Storm Water Utilities.

Staff and Commissioners reviewed proposed revisions to Policies 3.00–3.28 (Financials), 4.00–4.25 (General Policies), 5.00–5.15 (Recreation and Facilities), and 6.00–6.04 (Information Technologies). Committee liaisons presented recommended updates, which were reviewed by legal counsel for compliance.

The City of Highland Park is evaluating potential locations for the “Miss Nitro” art sculpture, including sites owned by the Park District. Staff reviewed applicable policies, procedures, and evaluation criteria for placing art on park property, with emphasis on Brown Park and Lincoln Place Park. Should both parties agree on a Park District location, an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) will be drafted and presented for approval at a future meeting.

Staff provided construction updates on the new facility and site improvements at West Ridge Park, improvements at Lincoln Park, and playground replacement at Rosewood Park.

Staff also reported ongoing collaboration with the Glencoe Park District on shared services. Due to challenges in offering outdoor winter ice, Glencoe has agreed to extend its resident rate on a Season Pass—providing access to open skate, open hockey, and open broomball—to Highland Park residents.  Park Staff will attempt to make outdoor ice at Sunset Woods, if the weather conditions permit, but the hockey boards will not be constructed this season.  

NOVEMBER 19 REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD

The Park Board approved the 2026 Board Meeting Calendar, 2026 IAPD/IPRA Credentials Certificate, Revisions to Policies 3.00 – 3.28, 4.00 – 4.25, 5.00 – 5.15, and 6.00 – 6.04 of the PDHP Policy Manual, Ordinance 2025-10 Establishing a Travel Reimbursement Policy, Ordinance 2025-15 Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the Restaurant/Bar License Agreement with Catering with Relish, Inc at Sunset Valley Golf Club, and the Truth in Taxation Resolution #2025-14, where the estimated percentage increase in the proposed 2026 aggregate levy over the amount of real estate taxes extended upon the final 2025 aggregate levy based on CPI of 2.9% tax cap and anticipated growth is 4.99%.  

Staff presented the annual report for Centennial Ice Arena, summarizing operations and financial performance from August 2024 through July 2025.