The first time you see the massive white dome rising above Skokie Valley Road, you know something is different. This isn’t just another indoor sports complex. It’s not just another makeshift space trying to ride the wave of pickleball’s popularity. This is something bigger. Something bolder. Something that lives up to the promise that your Park District of Highland Park has made: The Game Changes Now.

From the minute you open the doors of the brand-new Club Pickle & Padel, that promise rings true. The space buzzes with energy. There’s laughter from players gathering in the lounge, the rhythmic pop-pop of paddles against balls echoing from the courts, and the unmistakable hum of a community coming together.

“From the moment members and guests step into Club Pickle & Padel, they immediately feel the energy and warmth of the space. The lobby, lounge, pro shop, and rental areas were designed to be welcoming and comfortable, creating an environment where people want to gather, linger, and connect, said Nick Baird, Director of Recreation for the Park District.

You’ve been in a bunch of sports facilities. You’ve probably been in renovated strip-mall stores that just feel weird now that they’re masquerading as a “sports venue.”

The Club is not just another place to play pickleball or padel. This is where the future of paddle sports lives.

Step inside and you’re immediately greeted by 50,000 square feet of air, light, and possibility. The dome soars high overhead, but it never feels cavernous. The lighting is flawless. No glare, no shadows, no excuses. Every court looks like it’s been lit for prime time.

Even when the club is bustling, the sound doesn’t overwhelm you. The acoustics have been carefully engineered so the joyful chaos of paddle sports stays contained, allowing conversation to flow naturally on the courts and in the lounge and pro shop.

Let’s talk about the lounge. Imagine the lobby of a boutique hotel, not a sports dome. Comfortable seating, sleek décor, and a vibe that says: stay awhile. Members sip wine, grab a snack, or linger with friends after a hard-fought match. There are private shower rooms and a large indoor rental space we call “The Lawn,” perfect for parties or corporate outings.

This is what happens when you stop thinking of pickleball and padel as hobbies and start treating them like the serious, joyful, community-building sports they are.

• 50,000 sq. ft. year-round climate-controlled facility
• 10 dedicated pickleball courts built to pro standards
• 4 padel courts with glass walls and turf for optimal play
• Lounge & rental space with snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks
• Showers and restrooms designed for comfort
• Pro shop with high-quality gear and accessories

This place didn’t happen by accident. It was the product of vision, persistence, and a community that believed in doing something extraordinary.

Highland Park native and Founding member of Club Pickle & Padel Ron Saslow is a lifelong athlete and self-described “Park District kid” who grew up on local courts and fields. When he saw the meteoric rise of pickleball and the untapped potential of padel, he knew this community deserved something world-class.

“Pickleball brings people together in a way few other sports can,” Saslow said. “It’s inclusive, easy to learn, and fun for all ages.”

We worked hard to create a space where people can play every day, at the highest level, in an environment that feels welcoming and premium at the same time.

Your Park District Board of Commissioners and the entire staff have embraced Ron’s vision, replacing an aging seasonal dome with a year-round facility designed for the next generation of paddle sports. The result is Club Pickle & Padel: equal parts competition, community social hub, and game-changer.

When you walk from the lounge into the Club, the courts open up in a way that feels almost cinematic. The space is generous. No cramped sidelines, no bumping elbows with the next court over.

This was intentional. “We designed these courts for serious players,” said Robyn Liewehr, General Manager of Racquet Sports for the Park District. “We wanted the spacing, the lighting, the acoustics—absolutely everything in the Club—to support the best possible playing experience.”

And you can feel it. The ball travels cleanly. The courts breathe. The environment elevates your game.

For newcomers, getting started is just as smooth. Head Pro Justin Dill offers quick 15-minute evaluations to assign your skill rating, then guides you toward leagues, drills, or open play that fit your level. There’s no awkward guessing or mismatched pairings. It’s structured, smart, and fun.

Pickleball may be the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., but padel is quietly building its own revolution. Hugely popular in Europe and South America, padel is now taking root stateside, and Club Pickle & Padel is one of the few places in the area offering true professional-grade courts.

At first glance, padel looks like a mash-up of tennis and squash. The court is enclosed by glass walls, the paddles are solid, and the ball looks like a tennis ball, but with less pressure. The result? Fast, thrilling rallies that combine power, finesse, and creativity.

“We’re seeing a lot of tennis players come in curious,” Robyn explained. “And once they try it, they’re hooked. The price makes it really accessible, plus it’s just plain fun!”

Come and watch a doubles match in action. The walls come alive with ricochets, the pace is relentless, and the camaraderie is infectious. It’s easy to see why padel is exploding worldwide, and why Club Pickle & Padel is perfectly positioned to ride that wave.

For all the innovation and amenities, the heart of Club Pickle & Padel is community. You can see it everywhere you look: friends laughing between games, retirees competing fiercely but shaking hands warmly, and players of all ages drilling under the watchful eye of a generous coach.

Memberships are structured to keep that community spirit alive. There are options for juniors, families, and seniors, each designed to maximize value. And memberships give you sweet perks no private venue can compete with, like priority reservations on outdoor courts in the Park District!

Events and parties bring another layer of connection. The rental space can transform into a corporate team-builder, a birthday celebration, or a casual night out with friends. The ability to blend socializing and sport makes the Club a friendly hub in more ways than one.

Nick expressed what a lot of us who worked on this project are feeling: “It’s incredibly rewarding to hear how much our community enjoys spending time here—not just playing, but socializing, learning, and sharing experiences. This facility truly elevates the way people experience paddle sports, and it reflects our commitment to building spaces that are both extraordinary and inclusive.”

When you come to the Club, pause for a moment at the entrance where the Saslow family’s welcome message greets every guest. It’s warm, it’s personal, and it underscores everything you are about to experience: a facility built not just for games, but for people.

Pickleball and padel aren’t fads. They’re movements. And Club Pickle & Padel has created a space worthy of that momentum. It’s where beginners discover their new passion, where competitors sharpen their edge, and where community thrives.

At Club Pickle & Padel, The Game Changes Now is not a tagline. It’s our promise to you. It’s the truth.

Come see for yourself what the buzz is all about. We’ll meet you at the net!

Before heading out to a Park District of Highland Park facility on July 4, be sure to check our hours listed below. Learn about Highland Park Independence events here.

May 12: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff provided a purchase recommendation to replace wireless access point equipment. 

Staff provided a programming, and operations update for Club Pickle and Padel, highlighting the membership and permanent court time options. Staff also compared budgeted programming revenues and expenses with estimated figures for the fall of 2025.

Staff reviewed the two bids for the pickleball court divider and enclosure system purchase and installation. Staff recommended rejecting both bids and requested the Park Board allow the Executive Director to enter into a Sole Source Purchase Agreement instead.

Staff reviewed the natural gas bids and provided contract recommendations. 

May 7: Special Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board approved to reject the 2025 Pickleball Court Divider and Enclosure System Purchase and Installation Bids, to ratify the 2024 Club Pickel and Padel Change Order No. 9, to approve Resolution 2025-07 Authorizing a Sole Source Contract for Procurement of InfinityGlass Pickleball Court Divider and Enclosure System, to approve the Interstate Gas Supply, LLC Commercial Gas Sales Agreement for  Natural Gas bid via Alternative Utility Services, Inc. (AUS Energy), to approve the Mansfield Power and Gas, LLC Master Commercial Gas Sales Agreement     for  Natural Gas bid via Alternative Utility Services, Inc. (AUS Energy), to approve the Wireless Access Point Agreement, to approve the Settlement Agreement with I.B. Storey.

The Park Board of Commissioners adopted the Beach and Boating Safety Week Proclamation declaring May 17 – 23, 2025 as Highland Park Beach and Boasting Safety Week.

The Park Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2025-06 A Declaration Honoring Brian Kaplan for his Contributions to the Park District of Highland Park While Serving as a Park Board Commissioner from May 2011 through June 2024, Resolution 2025-05 – A Declaration Honoring Barnett Ruttenberg for his Contributions to the Park District of Highland Park While Serving as a Park Board Commissioner from May 2013 through May 2025, and 2025-04 – A Declaration Honoring Calvin Bernstein for his Contributions to the Park District of Highland Park While Serving as a Park Board Commissioner from May 2007 through May 2025.

May 13: Finance Committee Meeting

During excavation for the new recreation facility at West Ridge Park, soil testing was completed, and it was recommended to install waterproofing and additional drainage to avoid pooling in the gymnastics foam pit.  Staff reviewed the total change to the contract for this work.

Staff reviewed the bid results and provided contract recommendations for the 2025 Larry Fink Batting Cage and the 2025. The Recreation Center of Highland Park Landscape Installation bid was awarded a contract to Autus Group, LLC dba Property First by the Park Board on April 23, 2025. The contractor is not proceeding with the project, so staff recommended the second lowest bidder who had favorable references and the Park District has worked with in the past, Langton Group.

May 21: Annual Meeting of the Park Board

Commissioner Grossberg was elected for President of the Park Board and Commissioner Freeman was elected for Vice President.

Executive Director Romes was appointed as Secretary to the Park Board, Coordinator Hejnowski was appointed as Assistant Secretary acting under the general supervisor of the Secretary, Director Peters was appointed as Treasurer, Director Hall was appointed as the District’s IMRF authorized agent, Executive Director Romes, Director Hall, and Coordinator Hejnowski were appointed as Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officers, Executive Director Romes and Coordinator Hejnowski were appointed as Open Meetings Act (OMA) Officers, Executive Director Romes was appointed as the American With Disabilities Act Coordinator (ADA), Sikich, LLP was appointed as the District’s auditor, and Ancel Glink was appointed as the District’s attorney.

May 21: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

Fitness Manager, Jodi DiTomasso, received a Resolution Honoring her for performing lifesaving CPR to a patron at the Recreation Center of Highland Park.

The Park Board approved the 2025 Larry Fink Park Batting Cage, the 2025 Recreation Center of Highland Park Parking Lot Landscape Installation, Ordinance 2025-07- Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the Ratification of PCCO #8: Waterproofing/Drainage at Pits in Gymnasium, New Recreation Facility at West Ridge Park and the New Restaurant License Agreement for Sunset Valley Golf Club.

The Park District is currently in the engagement phase of the three-phased approach to update the Masterplan. The Lakota Group has been hosting community focus groups and taking public input online and at predetermined special events. A survey was released to targeted community members this month. The same survey will be released to the entire community in June. 

Staff provided construction project updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, Club Pickle and Padel, South Boat Storage Restoration at Park Avenue, improvements at Sunset Woods Park, renovations at Old Elm and Port Clinton Playgrounds, and the renovations to the Larry Fink Park Tot Lot.

Staff provided an annual report on Recreation Programming comparing budgeted vs actual programming, league, and camp enrollments and revenues and expenses.

This fall, it’s more than just a game—it’s a chance to build confidence, strength, and leadership through sports. Registration is now open for our Girls Fall Sports programs, including Basketball, Softball, Volleyball, and Flag Football.

Our leagues are designed to empower girls both on and off the field. Through teamwork, skill-building, and positive coaching, players gain more than athletic ability. They gain self-belief, friendships, and a strong sense of community.

Programs between in September/October. Register today!

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Explore the trails in a whole new way with our new app! This interactive augmented reality game provides nature-themed challenges on your phone as you walk along the trails. Download the app and Heller’s “Spring into Nature!” Mission, and you’re ready for action! Complete the fun, educational challenges, games, and puzzles to earn rewards and prizes—fun for kids and adults alike!

Join us on Saturday, May 17 from 10am-Noon for a special launch event where you can play the game, explore the trails, and win prizes!

Construction is in full swing, and key spaces like the reception desk, lounge, and restrooms are starting to take shape. We can’t wait to welcome you this August!

The Park District of Highland Park’s competitive gymnastics team had an incredible showing at the 2025 AAU State Meet, held May 3 in Romeoville, IL. Our talented athletes competed with passion, poise, and power, bringing home top finishes and showcasing the strength of our program.

Leading the charge was Shay Kessel, who delivered a stellar performance to become the All-Around Champion in the Senior B division. Shay also claimed individual state titles on Vault and Floor, standing proudly atop the podium.

Teammate Naomi Mandel impressed with a 2nd place finish on Beam, and strong placements on Vault (4th), Floor (4th), and All-Around (5th).

Kelsey Woelfle rounded out the Level 3 success with a 2nd place finish on Floor and 7th in the All-Around (Senior A division).

Our Level 4 gymnasts also brought home a slew of Top 10 finishes:

• Canella Papakos placed 4th on Beam, 6th on Bars, and 5th on Floor and All-Around in the Senior A division.
• In the Senior B division, Elise Martin secured a 9th place finish on Beam.
• Lena Whittman took 5th on Vault, while
• Noa Schwab earned 5th on Bars and 6th on Floor.
• Olivia Rogic had a strong all-around showing, placing 7th on Vault, 5th on Beam and Floor, and 7th in the All-Around.

We’re incredibly proud of all our athletes and their hard work leading up to this event. Their dedication, sportsmanship, and team spirit truly stood out on the state stage.

Spring is the time of year you may notice dandelions popping up in our parks.  You might wonder why the Park District doesn’t do something about all those yellow flowers.  Letting them bloom is one way we keep our parks at their healthiest. Though not a complete source of nutrition for bee pollinators, dandelions also fill in early spring food source gaps.

As part of our best management practices, we aim to avoid spraying lawn chemicals to eliminate what some might deem an unsightly nuisance.   Instead, the yellow blooms can open to their glory across our parks.  Once the grass is long enough, crews will mow the dandelions giving our parks a more uniform “green grass” appearance.  

The Park District of Highland Park was one of the first Park Districts in Illinois to adopt an Environmental Policy which includes maintaining our parks, facilities and natural areas in a manner that enhances and protects the environment by minimizing the adverse impact on air and water quality. This includes “Integrated Pest Management” practices that minimize chemical use in favor of other management efforts such as careful mowing, aeration and–in the case of dandelions–working with nature to provide healthy places to play.

Turn off your screen and turn on LIFE! Screen Break Week is celebrated every year in the first week of May. This week, celebrated all over the world, is an invitation for everyone — children, adults, and entire communities — to switch off completely from staring at screens and take a well-deserved break. We are offering a variety of events this week.

All events are free but registration is required.

The Empire Bikes Back

Sunday, May 4 • 9:30-11am

Celebrate May the Fourth with a Star Wars-themed family bike event! Bring and decorate your bikes, strollers, scooters, wheelchairs-some supplies will be provided, but participants are also encouraged to bring their own. While you are decorating, visit with the Highland Park Police Department and local bike shops for safety and tune up tips. Prizes will be awarded for the most out of this world decoration! After decorating, take part in a fun, family-friendly ride along our designated route. Perfect for kids ages 3+ and their families!

Ages 3+ with an adult

Location: Wayne Thomas Elementary School (2939 Summit Drive)

Mini Golf

Monday. May 5 • 4-5pm

Mini golf at Highland Park’s Rivers Edge for ages 5+ (must be accompanied by an adult): Bring your enthusiasm and join us for a memorable day of laughter, camaraderie, and a “hole” lot of fun!

Location: River’s Edge Mini Golf (2205 Skokie Valley Road)

Sip, Stroll and Stride

Tuesday, May 6 • 9-10am

Perfect for parents, grandparents, and caregivers, this community event invites you to take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Preserve of Highland Park with your little ones in strollers.

All Ages

Location: The Preserve of Highland Park (1207 Park Ave West)

Hike with a Naturalist

Tuesday, May 6 • 4-5pm

Hike with a Naturalist at Heller Nature Center for all ages. Find the beauty in spring with a guided hike from a Heller Naturalist. Discover spring ephemerals, bird calls, and more as the forest re-awakens during spring.

Location: Heller Nature Center (2821 Ridge Road)

Chalk-a-Palooza

Wednesday, May 7 • 10-11am

Chalk-a-Palooza at West Ridge Park for all ages: Unleash your colorful creativity on a sidewalk canvas!

All Ages (ages 2-8 must be accompanied by an adult)

Location: West Ridge Center (636 Ridge Road)

Open Swim

Thursday, May 8 • 4-6pm

Open Swim at the Recreation Center for all ages: Put on your swimsuits, and dive into some Aquatic fun!

All Ages (ages 2-12 with an adult)

Location: Recreation Center of Highland Park (1207 Park Avenue West)

Open Gym

Friday, May 9 • 3:15-7:45pm

Shoot some hoops at the Recreation Center of Highland Park!

All Ages: (Ages 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult)

Location: Recreation Center of Highland Park (1207 Park Avenue West)