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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.
OCTOBER 08 POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
Staff reviewed the final set of proposed updates to Policy 5.02 Registration, Policy 5.03 Refunds of Recreation and Facility Services, and Policy 5.04 Grant-In-Aid. The Committee supported staff’s recommendations.
Staff also reviewed updates to the policies within Chapter 6: Information Technologies. Highlights included:
OCTOBER 08 WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD
The Park Board approved Resolution 2025-12 Honoring Bill Quirk for his 50 Years of Continuing Contributions to the Park District of Highland Park While Serving the Parks Department.
Staff presented an end of season summer camp report comparing 2024 to 2025 operations and financials.
The Park District is hosting a Master Planning Retreat with the Lakota Group and the Park Board of Commissioners on November 8, 2025.
Staff provided construction project updates, the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, locker room renovations at Park Fitness, and improvements at Lincoln Park and Rosewood Park.
OCTOBER 16 FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
Staff presented the Truth in Taxation Resolution and Tax Levy recommendation.
At the October 8 Workshop Meeting, staff reviewed the design and pricing for the West Ridge Park Parking Lot Project. Due to utility delays with ComEd, staff recommended scheduling the repaving and curbing for spring 2026. To proceed with this work, a change order is required. It was the consensus of the Committee to place the change order on tonight’s consent agenda.
Staff also reviewed the bid results and provided a contract recommendation for the 2025 Gymnastics Equipment Purchase and Installation bid.
OCTOBER 22 REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD
The Park Board approved 2025 Gymnastics Equipment Purchase and Installation Bid, Change Order 1 for the 2025 Gymnastics Equipment Purchase and Installation bid, and Resolution 2025-15 for a Change Order for the West Ridge Recreation Facility Construction Management Agreement with W.B. Olson.
Staff presented an end of season report for Hidden Creek AquaPark and Lakefront comparing 2024 to 2025 operations and financials.
Representatives from Holabird and Root presented drainage and design plans for possible ballfield renovations at West Ridge Park.
Staff shared images of construction progress at Club Pickel and Padel.
Representatives from W.B. Olson presented cost estimates related to the drainage and design plans developed by Holabird and Root for ballfield renovations at West Ridge Park.
Staff reported there is a community interest in converting the gymnastics space at Centennial Ice Arena into a studio ice rink. Ice Builders were engaged to prepare a cost estimate for the conversion, and staff reviewed the estimated construction costs. In addition, staff visited neighboring ice arenas to compare rink dimensions and assess utilization in order to develop a proforma. Staff also shared the rink dimensions.
Staff reviewed the bid results and provided contract recommendations for the 2025 Concrete Improvements project and the 2025 Asphalt Improvements project.
Staff presented the semi-annual review of cost centers. Revenues and expenses are through July 31, 2025.
Staff revisited Policies 4.16 (Compensation) and 4.17 (Transgender Park Patron), which had been returned to the District’s legal counsel with Board edits. Following an incident on July 3, 2025, staff also reexamined Policy 4.18 (Anti-Harassment and Behavior Management). In collaboration with the Policy Liaisons, staff further reviewed the remaining policies in Chapter 4: General Policies and Chapter 5: Recreation and Facilities.
No additional changes were recommended for Chapter 4: General Policies.
Commissioner Beck raised a concern regarding Policy 5.02 (Registration), specifically the provisions related to Double Registration, and suggested relocating them to Policy 5.03 (Refunds of Recreation and Facility Services). Commissioner Beck also requested the addition of a new guideline in Policy 5.03 to address Drop-In Fee Refunds.
Staff will review Policies 5.02 and 5.03 and present recommended revisions at the next meeting.
The Park Board approved Resolution 2025-10 Granting a Nonexclusive Easement for Storm Water Utilities, 2025 Asphalt Improvements Project Bid, the 2025 Concrete Improvements Project Bid, Ordinance 2025-12: Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, Ordinance 2025-09 to name the new recreation facility at West Ridge Park “West Ridge Community Center”
Holabird and Root solicited contractors to reduce costs for the drainage and design plans for ballfield renovations at West Ridge Park. Staff presented updated cost options. The Park Board supported Option B: Suspenders – Standard Infield with Underdrains. Staff will seek approval of a Resolution for a Change Order at the upcoming Special Meeting in early September.
From September 15 to October 15, we honor and celebrate the rich cultural tapestry, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic communities. This is a time to recognize the resilience, creativity, and diversity that have shaped our nation’s history and continue to enrich our lives today.
Join us in the celebrations by exploring Hispanic art, music, cuisine, literature, and history.
Let your imagination take flight with Alebrijes from Nature, a hands-on workshop where art, culture, and the natural world come together. Inspired by the rich Mexican tradition of crafting alebrijes—brightly colored, fantastical creatures—create your own unique animals using materials found in nature.
Ages 6+
Price: $14
Join us around the Campfire and listen to tales of Hispanic Folklore. Learn some Spanish words and create a folktale of your own, while we enjoy some campfire churros.
Ages: 2+
Price: $12
Tiny Altars, Big Meaning
Discover the power of remembrance through miniature art.
In this creative, hands-on workshop, participants will design and build their own Matchbox Ofrendas—small, personal altars inspired by the traditions of Día de los Muertos. Using matchboxes as your canvas, you’ll honor a loved one, memory, or idea with symbolic decorations, miniature offerings, and heartfelt creativity. One ofrenda per family.
Ages: 6+
Price: $6
Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Future, and Bridging Our Communities
Join us for a vibrant day of traditional dance, music, and family-friendly fun! This free, all-ages event will feature:
Would you like to honor a loved one? You’re invited to contribute to our community ofrenda (altar). To include a photo, please contact Jessica Soto at [email protected] or bring a printed picture to the event.
Registration is not required for this free event.
All ages
50,000-square-foot indoor complex with pickleball, padel, and year-round play!
Highland Park, IL – AUGUST 27, 2025 – The Park District of Highland Park is cutting the ribbon on Club Pickle & Padel, a new indoor sports facility opening its doors to the public on Tuesday, September 2. Located at 2205 Skokie Valley Road, the 50,000-square-foot venue offers residents and visitors a year-round destination to play two of the fastest-growing sports in the world: pickleball and pade
The design of Club Pickle & Padel emphasizes both player comfort and high-quality competition, with advanced LED lighting, climate control, and layouts that make it easy for players of all skill levels and abilities to get in the game. Replacing the roughly 25 year old seasonal dome with the new year-round, climate-controlled air structure allows for ideal playing conditions regardless of weather.
The facility features:
This transformative project comes to life thanks in large part to Ron Saslow, founder and managing partner of Thirty-5 Capital, a Highland Park native, athlete, and self-described “Park District kid.” Growing up, Saslow took part in countless Park District programs crediting local coaches for instilling the values of teamwork and sportsmanship.
Through his investment firm, Thirty-5 Capital, Saslow has focused on advancing sports technology and innovation, with a particular passion for pickleball. His proposal for the dome site, accepted by the Park District in January 2024, outlined the vision for Club Pickle & Padel and included a significant personal investment to help bring it to life.
“Pickleball brings people together in a way few other sports can,” says Saslow. “It’s inclusive, easy to learn, and fun for all ages. I’m proud to help make Club Pickle & Padel a place where this community can connect and play every day.”
Park District leadership sees the facility as a key milestone for the community. “We’ve heard from residents for years about the need for more indoor pickleball courts,” says Brian Romes, Executive Director of the Park District of Highland Park. “With Club Pickle & Padel, we’re delivering on that request and creating a destination that will benefit our community for decades to come.”
Club Pickle & Padel is now offering drop-in open play, court bookings, leagues, clinics, and special events for all skill levels. Membership options are available for exclusive perks such as complimentary or reduced fees, early registration, and priority booking. Equipment is available on-site for rent or purchase.
For schedules, rates, and program information, visit pdhp.org or clubpicklepadel.com.
About Thirty-5 Capital
Thirty-5 Capital holds a robust portfolio of investments in professional sports teams, leagues, and innovative technology-driven sports companies. https://www.thirtyfivecapital.com/
About the Park District of Highland Park
The Park District of Highland Park is in Highland Park, Illinois, a north shore suburb of Chicago and operates and manages approximately 800 acres of land in 44 park areas; and offers approximately 3,000 recreational and seasonal programs. Facilities include the new Club Pickle and Padel indoor facility featuring ten pickleball courts and four padel courts; indoor ice arena; indoor tennis complex; fitness center; nature center; 18-hole golf course; golf learning center; aquapark; beaches; boat launch ramp and yacht club on Lake Michigan. For more information, contact the Park District 847.831.3810 or pdhp.org.
Grab two or three of your best “Dad Bod” friends, lace up your sneakers, and shoot some hoops for a great cause at the 2nd Annual Dad Bods 3v3 Charity Basketball Tournament on Sunday, October 12, 9am-2:30pm, at Northwood Middle School. This indoor, half-court tournament features a 3-game guarantee, group stage into playoffs or consolation brackets, and games played to 11 (semis/finals to 21).
Because every dollar makes a difference. Our goal is to raise $10,000 in support of the Parks Foundation of Highland Park—helping ensure all Highwood and Highland Park families can participate in Park District programs and supporting exceptional Park District projects.
Teams are comprised of 3-4 players. Each player must raise a minimum of $75 to participate (minimum $225 for a 3-player team or minimum $300 for a 4-player team. Each participant will receive an official event tee shirt. Teams can also raise additional funds – the top fundraising team wins a prize!
The deadline to register is Sunday, October 5. Let’s make this year bigger, better, and even more fun than last!
Staff presented a summary of changes to policies 4.00 – 4.25 (general policies). Commissioner Beck recommended changes to policies 4.16 Compensation and 4.17 Transgender Park Patron. The recommended changes from Commissioner Beck will be shared with the Park District’s legal counsel. The Park Board Policy liaisons supported staff’s recommended changes to policies 4.00 – 4.21, with the caveat that legal supports Commissioner Beck’s recommendations.
Representative from aQity Research & Insights, Inc. presented the topline results from the 2025 Statistically Valid Community Interest and Attitude Survey. The findings included community rankings on key topics such as overall opinion of the Park District, the most frequently visited parks and facilities, and the types of recreational activities most commonly used by park visitors. The survey also measured user experience, satisfaction, and perceptions of safety when visiting parks and facilities.
Staff provided an overview of the Sustainability Plan (GreenPath) goals, performance measures, and objectives. Year one is focused on launching the brand and familiarizing the community with GreenPath, which will guide sustainability efforts at the Park District through 2035.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2025-09 approving a Lease Agreement with Realgy, LLC for the installation, operation, and maintenance of a Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant on the West Ridge Community Center roof.
Staff provided construction project updates the Club Pickle and Padel facility, landscaping, parking lot improvements, and replacing the monument sign at Park Fitness (Recreation Center of Highland Park), the Highland Park Senior Center, the Preserve of Highland Park, and Moraine Events, aquatic center renovations at Park Fitness, renovations at Port Clinton Playground and Larry Fink Park Tot Lot, and New facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park.
Staff reviewed the terms and financial impacts to extend the First Student Transportation Services Agreement for the 2026 and 2027 camp season.
Representatives from BerryDunn provided a progress update of the Park District’s Recreation Assessment, which is an exploration of recreation programs and services through a series of analyses that identifies what the District is doing well, strengthening and growth opportunities, performance measures and alignments with community needs. The assessment informs future direction.
Representatives from the Lakota Group provided a recap of community engagement share points and the topics discussed and identified Key Themes from the initial Engagement, Survey, Assessments, and Staff SWOC Analysis.
The Park Board approved the 2025 GreenPath Sustainability Plan, the First Student Transportation Services Agreement Extension for Summer Camp, the Ordinance 2025-11- Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the Total Base Bid from Cahill Heating and Cooling Electric Plumbing & Sewer, Inc for the 2025 Centennial Ice Arena RTU Replacement and authorize the Executive Director to enter into an agreement in the amount of $47,900, and the Resolution to Grant Temporary Construction Easement to Illinois Department of Transportation.
Staff reviewed summer 2024 – spring 2025 actual vs budgeted program participation for adult tennis, adult pickleball, and junior tennis, 2024 summer camp actual vs. budgeted participation and revenue and expenses, and the actual vs budgeted hours for tennis and pickleball court utilization and privatesbeginning June 2024 – June 2025.
The Park Board went into closed session pursuant to Section 2(c) 21: the discussion of minutes lawfully closed under the Act, whether for the purposes of approval of said minutes or for conducting the semi-annual review of the minutes as set forth in section 2.06 of the Act. The Park Board approved releasing the Closed Session minutes from January 29, 2025 for public inspection.
The Closed Session minutes from January 08, 2025 Finance Committee Meeting, January 15, 2025 Workshop Meeting, March 12, 2025 Workshop Meeting, March 18, 2025 Finance Committee Meeting, March 19, 2025 Regular Meeting, April 09, 2025 Workshop Meeting, April 15, 2025 Finance Committee Meeting, April 23, 2025 Regular Meeting, May 02, 2025 Finance Committee Meeting, May 13, 2025 Finance Committee Meeting, May 21, 2025 Regular Meeting, June 11, 2025 Workshop Meeting, and June 25, 2025 Regular Meeting shall not be released for public inspection, the need for confidentiality still exists as to all or part of those minutes.
Representative from Williams Architects presented the Schematic Design Final Design for the renovation of the Park Fitness (Recreation Center of Highland Park) locker room shower area.
Staff shared the process (why or why not change a name) and findings (pros vs. cons) for the proposed name for the new recreational center at West Ridge Park. Staff recommends changing the name to West Ridge Community Center. Staff received consent from the Park Board of Commissioners to allow the recommended new name to wait the sixty-day period prior to vote.
A statistically valid survey was released to community members that represents the demographic to gather feedback for the updated masterplan.
Staff reviewed and made changes to the Park District of Highland Park Policy Manual in its entirety. All draft policies have been reviewed by legal, Ancel Glink, to ensure up-to-date compliance with the Park District Code. The Park Board reviewed and approved the changes to chapters 1-2. Staff presented a review schedule for chapters 3-6.
Staff provided construction project updates for the Park Fitness (Recreation Center of Highland Park) Landscaping project, Port Clinton Playground renovation, Sunset Woods Park improvements, Larry Fink Toto Lot renovation, Centennial Ice Arena Dehumidification project, New facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, and Club Pickle and Padel Facility project.
The Park District is reviewing and updating our ordinance and working with the Highland Park Police as they review their Ordinance and regulations regarding e-bikes on park paths. Also, staff are installing signs at Park Avenue “Bicycles, Skateboard and Scooters are not allowed on sidewalks or boardwalk”.
A Representative from Sikich LLP presented a draft of the Park District’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
Staff reviewed and provided a contract recommendation for the 2025 Lincoln Park Renovation bid.
Staff proposed the Finance Committee move their meetings to the third Thursday of every month at 8:00 a.m.
The Park Board adopted a Proclamation for the designation of July as Parks and Recreation Month.
The Park Board approved Ordinance 2025-08- Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of the Park District of Highland Park, the bid from Hacienda Landscaping Inc. for the 2025 Lincoln Park Improvements, including value engineering recommendations and Alternates 1 and 4, and the additional scope items proposed by Holabird and Root Authorizing Additional Architectural and Engineering Services for West Ridge Park Site Planning and Project Improvements including the proposal for Site-Based Owner Revisions Post-Bid, Permit & GMP Issuance for Programming & Scope Work Sessions in the amount not to exceed $29,000, and Site-Based Owner Revisions Post-Bid, Permit & GMP Issuance for the South Ballfield.
The statistically valid community survey is complete for the updated masterplan. A separate survey will be released this week to the entire community to further community engagement.
Staff provided a year in review for 2024 and year to date scholarship spending.
The Recreation Center of Highland Park has been one of the premier facilities at your Park District of Highland Park for nearly 20 years. Through fitness fads that came and went, and workout trends that we refined and helped you incorporate into your personal routines, we’ve stayed an integral part of the community. We’re grateful for your support, and for the lasting friendships we’ve built.
Today, we’re announcing a significant change: we will now be known as Park Fitness!
Our new name highlights not only who we are, but who we aspire to be. Park aligns with our history as a major facility at your Park District, and also references our physical locations—just steps away from The Preserve, a magnificent 100-acre nature-based park full of walking and biking trails—and Park Avenue West that brings you right to our door. Fitness highlights who we are at our core: extensive offerings for physical health and overall well-being in a place designed to be a community hub—where social engagement enhances every workout in an inclusive, welcoming, caring environment. It’s a combination that makes Park Fitness truly extraordinary.
If you are new to the community, or the Park District, we invite you to see the transformation that our members have been watching over the past two years. The 5,850 square foot Fitness Floor has been redesigned to be more comfortable, and quieter, with an exceptional range of equipment that gives you more opportunities to create a personalized workout routine—on your own or with one of our expert trainers. All of the requisite machines and stations are here: treadmills, elliptical trainers, cross trainers, rowing machines, stair climbers, arc trainers, upright and recumbent bikes, plus a full line of strength and resistance equipment and an extensive free weight area. Whatever you’ve built your routine on, it’s here. And there’s more. Stages Studio Pro Plus Cycling. A Pilates Reformer Training Studio. A dedicated functional training space on the turf.
Take a free tour. You’ll feel the difference from the moment you walk in.
Our popular Group Exercise program is another big reason why Park Fitness is not your typical workout place. Classes are held in the Gymnasium (that’s right, we have a full gym and a track), in the specialized Group Ex Studio, Mind/Body Studio, and Spin Studio. We have Aqua Fit classes—because we have a pool!—and we hold some group classes outdoors, where nature helps move your personal growth to a whole new level. Take a deep breath. That’s fresh air!
“Park Fitness is so much more than a name change,” said Jodi DiTomasso, our long-time Fitness Manager—who members all know as the heart and soul of the facility. “It represents a new era in our commitment to the health and well-being of the community. Our robust group exercise program features awide range of formats, from yoga to high-intensity interval training.” You can add these classes to your basic membership, or sign up for them as exclusive offerings. Jodi added, “Flexibility and variety are key to creating a routine you’ll stay with as you get healthier and stronger.”
“Whether you’re shooting hoops on our two full-court basketball courts, swimming laps in our 6-lane 25-yard pool, or joining one of our group exercise classes, there’s truly no better place to meet friends and stay active together,” said Jodi.
From the warm welcome as you come into the lobby, to the friendly assistance from our team members with memberships, program registrations, and daily drop-ins, to the expertise of our instructors, Park Fitness will be the place where you connect healthy activities and socialization on the road to a better life. Start your journey today on our website, with a call, or a tour.
Until next time… we’ll see you around the parks!
July is Park and Recreation Month, and this year’s theme, “Build Together, Play Together“, is all about celebrating how parks create spaces where everyone belongs. From quiet moments in nature to big community events, parks and recreation connect us, inspire us, and help us thrive.
At the June 25 meeting, the Park Board of Commissioners approved a resolution declaring July as Parks & Recreation Month in Highland Park, recognizing the many ways parks, facilities, and programs enrich our community.
Here in Highland Park, we’re proud to offer parks, facilities, and programs that make our community stronger, more vibrant, and more connected. Here are ten ways parks and recreation bring us together and ideas for how you can celebrate this July and beyond.
This July, we invite you to explore, play, and connect. Together, we’re building a community where everyone feels at home. Let’s celebrate Park and Recreation Month and everything that makes Highland Park special!