This summer, the Park District will replace the Centennial Ice Arena compressor system. The compressor system makes and maintains the ice rink. The replacement of the compressor is prompted by the discontinuation of the R-22 refrigerant that is used by the current compressor system.

The current system was installed when the building was first built in 1972.  The typical life expectancy of a rink refrigeration system is 20 years. The refrigerant that the existing system uses is typical to ice rinks but has since been categorized as an ozone-depleting substance by the US Environmental Protection Agency and is being phased out. In 2020, the R-22 coolant is no longer being produced.

The $1.8M system upgrade will take advantage of the latest advancements in efficiency, operability and sustainability by leveraging the Official Refrigerant Solution of the NHL® and direct digital controls infrastructure.  The upgraded system will also use 40% less water.   

The ice rink will be down during the replacement. Construction begins Monday, May 18. The new system will be operational the first week of September.

Centennial Ice Arena is currently closed as a result of the Covid-19 closures, and therefore the construction will not impact any programs or activities at this time.

Construction will primarily be limited to the interior of the building and is not expected to impact the neighborhood.

Please contact aschwartz@pdhp.org with any questions about the project.

The Park District Board of Commissioners approved a new name for our new park–The Preserve of Highland Park.   Located behind the Recreation Center of Highland Park, the park was once the location of the Highland Park Country Club golf course.  Over the past year, the property was temporarily named Community Park until a new permanent name was decided.   

The Preserve of Highland Park was chosen following a several-month planning process that included a resident advisory committee and Park District staff.  The new name reflects the park’s role in the preservation of open space and habitat for our community.   

The Park District Board also approved necessary amendments to the Intergovernmental Agreement guiding conservation and development of the property between the Lake County Forest Preserve District and City of Highland Park.  This document was also approved, along with the Concept Master Plan, by the Lake County Forest Preserve District Board on March 2 and the City of Highland Park on April 6.

Find more information on the project, here.

The Prairie Room at Heller Nature Center is showcasing a unique photography exhibit of Illinois’ endangered and threatened species by renowned photographer Carol Freeman.  The exhibition, which runs through April 2020, includes extraordinary photos of endangered orchids, dragonflies, and owls.   Freeman hopes these images will inspire some to learn more about these species and to help preserve them.

Carol Freeman’s true passion is photographing nature. Her images reflect her philosophy of finding beauty in everything. She sees with an artist’s eye and feels with a naturalist’s heart. Her respect for nature has led her to create beautiful, light-filled images with low-impact techniques that leave the habitat just as she found it. Her shots are all achieved without the use of flash, fill, or tripod.  Her photos have appeared in many publications, including several Photoshop books by Scott Kelby, Audubon Wildflower Calendar, and magazines, including National Geographic, Canadian Geographic, Better Homes & Gardens, Garden Design, Kew, Nikon World, Northshore, Nature Photographer, and Birds & Blooms. Her images adorn the covers of Chicago Wilderness, Illinois Now, Chicago Home & Garden, Outdoor Illinois, and Horizons. She was featured in The Costco Connection and Professional Photographer magazines. In the winter 2010 issue of Nikon World Magazine featured Freeman’s photography.

Freeman founded a not-for-profit called Team Green Environmental Network, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to environmental education. Its mission is to educate, enlighten, and inspire people to reconnect with and learn to appreciate nature.  From 1990-2003 she owned and operated a successful graphic design company, Freeman Design. She also art-directed the award-winning Chicago Wilderness Magazine for four years.  Freeman received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Illinois, with a minor in photography. She continues taking classes to earn a Naturalist Certificate.

Heller Nature Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm, and Saturdays from 9 am to 3 pm. Please contact Heller Nature Center at 847.433.6901 before your visit to be sure the Prairie Room is accessible for your viewing.

On Saturday February 22, the third ranked Syracuse Orange Man (8-3 overall record)  defeated  number one ranked Michigan (9-1 overall record)  to win the NCAA Boys Grades 3-4 Championship. The final score was 24-19.  The Syracuse team is coached by Richard Goldberg
and Tyler Kraines.

Other winning teams in the league are:
3^rd Place Winner: #2 Ohio State (7-4)  winning against  #4 Notre Dame (5-6) 29-17
5^th Place Winner: #7 Wake Forest (3-7)  winning against #5 Indiana (3-7)  30-27

Syracuse Team Photo:

First row (left to right):  Asher Goldberg, Reese Luczkowiak, Chase Horwitch, Gavin Felsenthal, Jace Marrone
Second row (left to right): Phineas Lewis, Max Rothbart, Mason Seiffer
Third row (left to right): Coach Richard Goldberg, Coach Tyler Kraines

The Parks Foundation of Highland Park invites families to take a hike while enjoying a book about the wonders of nature. Join us at Heller Nature Center March 21^st from 10 a.m. to noon for the opening of Constance’s Story Trail, an interactive walk featuring a children’s nature-themed book with pages displayed at intervals along the trail. The opening event will include a craft project and complimentary hot cocoa. Visitors will be able to enjoy the Story Trail through the year, with books changing regularly.

Constance’s Story Trail is made possible through a generous grant to the Parks Foundation by former Highland Park resident Marc Mar-Yohana as a touching tribute to his late daughter and to celebrate her love of nature and reading. Constance and her father had shared many joyous hours wandering among books posted on Heller’s scenic trails before the display was severely damaged and removed last spring.

“It was something we always loved to do together,” said Mar-Yohana, explaining that Constance was on the autism spectrum and had difficulty with physical coordination and speaking. “The Nature Center really gave her a chance to exercise. She liked seeing the trees and shuffling her feet through the leaves in the fall and got excited watching squirrels running, birds flying by, and frogs jumping in the pond.”

The posted stories made their visits to Heller even more rewarding since Constance’s ability to speak was at its best when reading aloud. “The books gave her an extra incentive to walk the full trail,” Mar-Yohana said. “Our goal in bringing it back is to make it last with the best available equipment. I really want other families to be able to enjoy it.”

Featured stories will include some of Constance’s favorites and books selected by the Highland Park Public Library staff. Organizers also hope to offer a chance for local youth to display their writing.

Heller Nature Center is a 97-acre woodland preserve of the Park District of Highland Park located at 2821 Ridge Rd. The Story Trail will be open to all visitors free of charge.

The Parks Foundation of Highland Park is dedicated to the belief that every resident deserves the opportunity for an enriched healthy life. The Foundation supports and enhances the Park District of Highland Park’s exceptional facilities and provides resources to ensure that all community members are able to participate in Park District programs. The Parks Foundation of Highland Park is an independent, community-led, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To make a donation to the Parks Foundation, click here.  For more information, visit https://pfhpil.org

Constance’s Story Trail is based on the StoryWalk® Project. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.

Photo:  Constance Mar-Yohana, a lover of nature and reading. 

The Park District of Highland Park’s competitive gymnastics team participated in the Gymnastics Factory Meet held on Sunday, February 16.  Our level Three Team won the first place team award and five first place all-around awards.  Standing on the top of the podium in their respective age groups were Hannah Maletsky, Rowan Kach, Fiona Brownstein, Lauren Smiley and Charlie Weisbart.  Sydney Genser placed second in her age division, and Naomi Rago placed sixth in her age division. 

The team finished the meet strong winning beam and floor exercise events.  Coach Bruce Keeshin is impressed with the improvement he has seen from the girls, and is looking forward to our next meet in March.

Photo:
First row (left to right) Charlie Weisbart, Sydney Genser, Hannah Maletsky, Naomi Rago 
Second row (left to right) Alexa Spector, Rowan Kach, Lauren Smiley, Fiona Brownstein

The Park District of Highland Park will celebrate the community’s talented young athletes and their dedicated coaches at the fifth annual “Champions Banquet.”  The guest speaker will be Chris Chelios, former Chicago Blackhawks player and Hockey Hall of Famer. The Champions Banquet will take place on Thursday, April 30, 2020,  at 6 p.m. at the Highland Park Country Club, 1201 Park Avenue West. Co-presenters of the event are Banner Kitchen & Bath Showroom and Robert J. Semrad Foundation.

Every year, hundreds of Highland Park kids participate in Park District athletics programs to become champions at building their skills and love of the sport as well as learning the value of good sportsmanship. The Champions Banquet is a way to celebrate these great young athletes, their families, and the Park District’s dedicated coaches with a memorable evening and to raise funds so less fortunate kids can have the same great sports experiences.

Chris Chelios is a former professional ice hockey defenseman and one of the longest-tenured players in the National Hockey League (NHL). He is a three-time Stanley Cup champion, was inducted in the Hockey Hall of fame in 2013, and in 2017 was named one of the ‘100 Greatest NHL Players’ in history.      

During his professional career, Chelios played for the Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and the Atlanta Thrashers. He holds several NHL records including:

• Was the oldest active player in the NHL and the second oldest of all time when he was called up to play for the Thrashers during the 2009–10 NHL season.
• Held the record for most games played by an active player in the NHL, was the last player from the 1981 NHL Entry Draft still active (or any draft from 1986 and earlier). On May 1, 2009, he appeared in the playoffs for an NHL record 24th time.
• Had the most career penalty minutes of any active player.

“Chris Chelios not only epitomizes everything a champion is but, he also is one of the most recognizable figures in hockey history,” said Chris Maliszewski, Assistant Director of Recreation with the Park District of Highland Park.  “We are very fortunate to have Chris as this year’s guest of honor at the 2020 Champions Banquet, and I look forward to our guests having the opportunity to interact with him and hear his message for our community.”

The Scholarships Mean Involvement in Leisure for Everyone (SMILE) Grant-In-Aid Program has enabled hundreds of families in need of financial assistance access to all recreation programs,  including summer camps, swimming lessons, sports, and fitness programs.  With support from residents and local businesses through donations and a variety of community events, approximately  $100,000 in grants are awarded each year to Park District of Highland Park families through this worthwhile program.

The Park District of Highland Park offers a wide array of sports opportunities for all ages, including baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse, softball, volleyball, track & field, tennis, golf, figure skating, hockey, gymnastics, and swimming.  The District’s athletic departments are staffed by professionals in their field and share a common goal of providing high-quality experiences for every athlete.

For more information or to become a “Champions Banquet” sponsor, please contact Chris Maliszewski, Assistant Director of Recreation at the Park District of Highland Park at 847.579.3108 or cmaliszewski@pdhp.org

The Park District has formed a Park Avenue Working Group to seek feasible options that provide long-term access to boating activities at Park Avenue Boating Facility,  The Group consists of Park District Staff and Board, City of Highland Park Staff and Council, North Shore Yacht Club Members, and resident boaters. Consistent with the Park District’s Mission and Board-approved policies, the Park Avenue Working Group is working with SmithGroup, our coastal engineer to seek fiscally responsible site improvements that provide long term access to boating activities at Park Avenue Boating Facility. The Park Avenue Working Group’s objectives are to:

• Gain a clear understanding of the current lake conditions, the proposed concepts for the barge/breakwater repair or replacement, and the risks associated with activities and shoreline protection at Park Avenue. 
• Explore fiscally responsible funding options to support site improvements. 
• Evaluate site improvement options and determine priorities based on feasibility. 
• Provide a recommendation to the Park Board on proposed site improvements and funding options.

On January 14,  SmithGroup presented an overview on lake levels and the effects to the beach if the barge were completely removed.  In addition, the following barge repair/replacement options were presented:

1. Barge Repair Encapsulation:
   The barge would be cut down and encapsulated with sheet pile. However, the length of the barge cannot be extended nor is there a pedestrian walking surface. (65-70 year lifespan)
2. Barge Replacement In-Kind: 
   The barge would be removed and replaced in-kind. This option includes a pedestrian walking surface, however,  the length of the barge cannot be extended. (28-34 year lifespan)
3.  Cellular Sheetpile:
   The barge would be removed and replaced with a cellular sheet pile. The sheet pile can be adjusted to any width or length, which increases the project costs, but provides flexibility.  Low cost maintenance would be required every 10-15 years.  A floating dock is included with this option.  A cantilever dock is an alternative option. (65-70 year lifespan) 
4. Rubble Fill & H-Piles:
   The current barge would remain, H-Piles installed for support, the cargo box will be filled with rubble. (20-25 year lifespan) 
5. Rubble Breakwater with Sheetpile:
   The barge would be removed, a sheet pile would be driven and surrounded with rubble breakwater. A floating dock can be attached for an additional cost. (50 year lifespan)
6. Rubble Breakwater with Raised Core:
   The barge would be removed and replaced with a breakwater. A floating dock can be attached for an additional cost. (50 year lifespan) 
7. Rubble Breakwater with Pre-Cast Walkway:
   The barge would be removed and a breakwater would be built around a pre-cast narrow pedestrian walking surface.  High cost optional items are an H-Pile with an attached floating dock and the pier or groin can be widened.  Low cost infrequent maintenance would be required. ( 50 year lifespan)
8. Cantilevered Sheetpile Wall:
   The barge would be removed and replaced with a sheet pile wall and stiffeners. The wall would block the view of the lake from certain points of the beach when the lake levels are low.  (65-70 year lifespan)
9. H-Pile Adaptive Panel Wall:
   H-Piles would be installed behind the current barge to extend its life. This project can be completed in two phases to maximize the life of the current barge and reduce upfront costs. Once the barge is completely removed a floating dock can be attached for an added cost, but this will reduce the launch to a single lane. There are potential high costs for ongoing maintenance, because the panels can break easily during severe storms. (50 years beyond residual barge) 
10. Trapbag Barrier Wall:
    A leveling base material and trapbags filled with tremie concrete would be placed inside the cargo box of the barge. Tremie concrete is $300 per cubic area and requires special equipment to place the trapbags into the cargo box, so this  increases the costs of the project. The residual life of the barge is dependent on the stability of the trapbags.  (Lifespan based on residual life of barge.) 

The Working Group met again on January 29, and SmithGroup presented additional options for the repair or replacement of the barge/breakwater including a Trapbag Cofferdam with Walkway and an H Pile adaptive wall.  After extensive discussion, the Working group recommended that the only options considered going forward should include removal of the current barge, and replacement with a new structure.  The Park Avenue Working Group identified two of the options as viable including:  Option #3 Cellular Sheet pile and Option #7 Rubble Breakwater with Pre-Cast Walkway. 

Park District staff will discuss the two options to refine costs and begin working on funding models to be shared with the Park District Finance Committee.  The Working Group will reconvene in March. 

For more information on Park Avenue Boating Facility and the project, click here.

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the Park District of Highland Park by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for the 2018 fiscal year. This is the 30th year in a row that the district has received this recognition. The Certificate of Achievement Award is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

“This award demonstrates the Park District of Highland Park’s continued commitment to ensure our CAFR is thorough and provides the information required for a full assessment of the district’s financial strength,” said Park District of Highland Park Executive Director Brian Romes.

The Park District of Highland Park CAFR was judged by an impartial panel and meets the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR. The Certificate Program was established by the GFOA in 1945. It was instituted to encourage all governments to prepare and publish an easily readable and understandable financial report.          

The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association advancing excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources and practical research for more than 20,500 government finance professionals and the communities they serve. 

On Friday, January 24, the Park District of Highland Park was presented with the 2020 Illinois Park and Recreation Association’s (IPRA) Outstanding Program Award for the Park District’s new ParkSchool early childhood program. The award was presented at the IPRA annual business meeting held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. It is the association’s top award given to one agency out of over 2,000 from across Illinois for outstanding and unique achievements in the development and implementation of a program.  The Park District of Highland Park won the IPRA Outstanding Facility Award for the renovation of Sunset Valley Golf Club in 2019 and Rosewood Beach in 2016.

“We are very pleased to kick off the new year with this significant honor and recognition from IPRA,” commented Brian Kaplan, President of the Board of Commissioners for the Park District of Highland Park. “It has been gratifying to work cooperatively with Highland Park families and our dedicated staff to create this one-of-a-kind program.”

Based on the extensive parent feedback, in the Fall of 2019, the new ParkSchool opened its doors, offering Highland Park a fresh new concept in early childhood education.

What sets ParkSchool apart, is a new combination of modern early childhood education methods along with the expertise in recreation and access to the natural world that only the Park District can provide. The educational staff partnered with the Park District’s entire team of recreational professionals to deliver a new level of STREAM (science, technology, recreation, engineering, art, and math) for young learners.

Core to ParkSchool is introducing children to activities like tennis, golf, art, dance, gymnastics, nature, and athletics to develop

fine and gross motor skills that are essential to successful learning.  Professional staff from our golf and tennis clubs, athletics and performing arts departments, gymnastics, and nature centers teach ParkSchool students the fundamentals of sports and creative movement.

The program’s progressive curriculum with creative projects and interactive lessons embraces children’s natural curiosity and builds toward kindergarten-readiness. Children build confidence, learn to follow instructions, receive a progressive introduction to reading, writing, color, number and letter recognition, and develop social skills to form friendships through sharing, collaborating, and creative expression.

It is a priority at ParkSchool to foster a sense of community. Through weekly communication, newsletters, and evening events, the goal is to connect parents within our community who have children of similar ages and interests. Events include our Introduction to ParkSchool evening held in early Fall, a Fall Family Campfire, and a Graduation Day event in May.