FEBRUARY 11 WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD

Williams Architects was engaged to evaluate feasibility of relocating the ceramics program to the Danny Cunniff South Shelter, including needed modifications, timeline, and cost estimate. West Ridge Center demolition is scheduled for May; if approved, programming would begin in 2027. Feasibility results and Board action are pending; in the interim, staff partnered with the Art Center of Highland Park to provide alternative ceramics programming.

Staff reviewed proposed annual updates to ensure policies/handbook content remain compliant with federal and Illinois employment law and standard practice.

The Board rejected the initial 2026 Park Fitness Locker Room Renovations bids (received December 19, 2025) and directed a rebid issued January 27, 2026. Staff reviewed rebid results; the Board authorized the Executive Director to enter into an agreement with Kandu Construction Inc. for the Base Bid and Alternates 1 and 2.

The City of Highland Park is considering placing the “Miss Nitro” sculpture at Brown Park or Lincoln Place Park; the City will make the final determination. Staff will hold two neighborhood meetings in February to gather input on park visions and potential impacts of relocating “Miss Nitro.”

Staff provided construction updates for the West Ridge Park New Facility/Site Improvements project and the Lincoln Park Improvements project.

FEBRUARY 17 FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING 

Staff reviewed items scheduled for the February 21, 2026 consent agenda and provided contract recommendations, including: Resolution 2026-01 Authorizing the Purchase of Electricity, Club Pickle and Padel Change Order 19 for Fire Alarm Coverage, the 2026 Electrical Gear Upgrade at Centennial Ice Arena, 2026 Hidden Creek AquaPark Mechanical Pump/Motor Replacement, and the Purchase and Installation of a Geothermal HVAC Unit at Rosewood Interpretative Center.

Staff reviewed the 2026 Hidden Creek AquaPark and Rosewood Beach license agreement proposals and provided a contract recommendation.

Staff reviewed the West Ridge Community Center change order for the fire alarm system permit.

Staff reviewed 2026 Devonshire Park Playground Refresh bids and provided a contract recommendation.

FEBRUARY 25 REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD

Champions Point LLC (2700 Point Lane) submitted a report regarding environmental, maintenance, and infrastructure considerations related to proposed access/use of Heller Nature Center; findings were presented by John Cooper and Hey and Associates.

Staff identified remaining environmental and operational concerns and outlined recommended follow-up actions.

1) Vegetation/wetlands: Increased traffic and trail work may impact remnant plants; staff noted the wetland investigation was preliminary and recommended completing field work during the growing season and submitting a preliminary jurisdictional determination request to LCSMC once boundaries are confirmed.

2) Wildlife: Staff recommended a wildlife impact assessment to evaluate potential effects of increased visitation and disruption on habitat-dependent species.

3) Trees: Although no removals are proposed, staff noted nearby trees may be impacted by compaction/earthwork and recommended a certified arborist tree health assessment.

4) Trail/program impacts: Widening the trail from 5′ to 8′ would require excavation/screening and result in an estimated ~1,000 sq. ft. prairie loss; staff also noted potential conflicts with existing Heller programming (camps, rentals, school groups, events, archery, etc.).

Staff recommended further evaluation after completion of the additional investigations and assessments noted above.

Staff reviewed the employee-driven DEI and employee engagement task force purpose and summarized accomplishments since 2021, including education/training, team-building, and philanthropic campaigns supporting Highland Park, Highwood, and Lake County.

The Park Board approved: Resolution 2026-01 (electricity purchase); Club Pickle and Padel CO #19 (fire alarm coverage); updates to the Employee Handbook (intro section and Policies 5.1, 5.5, 6.3, 6.7, 7.4, 7.5, 7.8, 7.10); Centennial Ice Arena electrical gear upgrade; Hidden Creek AquaPark pump/motor replacement; Rosewood Interpretive Center geothermal HVAC unit purchase/installation; West Ridge fire alarm permit revision change order ($81,275); Devonshire Park Playground Refresh base bid (excluding items 5.00, 5.01, 5.02, 6.03) and Alternates 1 and 2 with Hacienda Landscaping Inc. ($185,255); and the 2026 Hidden Creek AquaPark/Rosewood Beach concessions license agreement with Catering with Relish, Inc.