Updates from the September Park Board Meetings
September 3: Master Planning Committee Meeting
Representatives from BerryDunn presented the findings from the Recreation Assessment. The assessment evaluated current parks and recreation programs and services to identify community needs, opportunities for growth, and alignment with performance measures. Areas analyzed included enrollment-based programs, memberships, rentals, drop-in activities, events, and services.
September 3: Special Meeting of the Park Board
The Park Board approved Resolution 2025-11, authorizing a contract amendment with W.B. Olson, Inc., as Construction Manager at Risk, in an amount not to exceed $1,504,169.36 to complete the West Ridge Project.
September 10: Finance Committee Meeting
Staff reviewed the Five-Year Capital Plan going through each line item by Parks and Facilities and reviewed the Capital Plan Ten-Year Funding Model.
September 10: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board
Staff reported that the District has now entered the Analysis Phase of the Master Planning Process Update. Staff are working with aQity, Berry Dunn, and the Lakota Group to review existing plans, data, and community feedback to help shape the direction of the Master Plan. Findings will be shared at an upcoming community meeting.
City of Highland Park is evaluating potential locations for the “Miss Nitro” art sculpture. The City, the Cultural Arts Advisory Group, and the Park District are considering Brown Park, the East Parcel of property adjacent to the Highland Park Library, and Lincoln Place.
Staff provided construction project updates the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, aquatic center renovations at Park Fitness, improvements at Lincoln Park, Highland Park Community Nursery School Playground expansion, and the Consolidated Skokie Drainage project at Danny Cunniff Park.
September 25: Regular Meeting of the Park Board
This meeting was canceled.
Pumpkin Smash is a community-driven event dedicated to sustainability and reducing waste during Halloween. Join us as we come together to compost your carved and uncarved pumpkins, turning them into valuable nutrient-rich soil. This fun and eco-friendly initiative not only helps divert tons of organic waste from landfills but also educates participants on the importance of composting for environmental conservation.