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Park Foundation Receives Grant for FYI Scholarship Fund

The Parks Foundation of Highland Park is pleased to announce it has received a grant from the Highland Park Community Foundation. These funds will be used to support the Foundation Youth Initiative (FYI). The Parks Foundation provides financial assistance to residents in need to ensure that all families can participate in the Park District of Highland Park’s recreational offerings. FYI was established in 2018 to expand the Foundation’s reach to residents of surrounding communities, including Highwood, who rely on programs offered by the Park District of Highland Park. The Parks Foundation bridges the gap between public resources and the funding needed to maintain a vibrant park system.

FYI currently supports the successful Paddlers Learn to Swim Program by offering free swim instruction to young children, predominantly Highwood residents. The Community Foundation grant will be instrumental in allowing more youngsters to learn this critical life skill. Along with contributions from other generous sponsors and donors, this grant will help the Parks Foundation expand and fulfill its mission of ensuring equal access to quality athletic instruction, year-round outdoor activities, and other recreational opportunities for all community members.

“We are grateful that the Highland Park Community Foundation recognizes the immense value of the Parks Foundation and its Foundation Youth Initiative,” said Parks Foundation Board President Bob Bernstein. “Our mission is to support our Park District to enrich community life through healthy leisure pursuits and an appreciation of the natural world. That includes addressing the needs of all families who use our facilities, live in our community, and attend our schools. The Foundation recently launched FYI to augment our already successful SMILE program which serves Highland Park residents. We are proud of our outreach and believe it is good business to be as good a neighbor to our Highwood friends as they are to us. We thank the Community Foundation for supporting these efforts.”

The Highland Park Community Foundation annually awards grants though a competitive application and review process. For more information, visit www.hpcfil.org.

The Parks Foundation of Highland Park believes every resident deserves the opportunity for an enriched healthy life. It provides the resources necessary for everyone in our community to have access to the benefits of our world-class park district and contributes to enduring legacies within the community for future generations. The Parks Foundation of Highland Park is an independent, community-led, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. For more information, visit https://pfhpil.aplos.org/

The Highland Park Community Foundation was established in 1992 at the request of the City of Highland Park to build and maintain a permanent endowment fund. The fund serves to support and expand the services of social service, cultural, and educational agencies in Highland Park and Highwood. It is also used to nurture the early stages of new and innovative programs. As the philanthropic heart of the community, the HPCF strives to improve and enrich people’s lives with annual grants to nonprofits that provide programs and services for Highland Park and Highwood residents. For more information, visit www.hpcfil.org.

On Wednesday, November 13, the Park District of Highland Park invited Park Avenue powerboat launch pass holders to a meeting, at which an update was provided on the current status of boat launching via the concrete ramp at the Park Avenue Boating Facility.   Park District staff indicated that the barge, which acts as a breakwater for the concrete boat launch, has met its useful structural life and needs repair or replacement.  The costs associated with a repair or replacement of the barge is estimated to range between $550,000 – $1.6 Million.  The Park District is seeking third party funding for this project and asked the boaters to share their feedback.  Currently, the Park District plans to operate all facilities at Park Avenue Boating Facility in 2020.  However, numerous factors will play a role in the future of boating at Park Avenue. 

Park Avenue Recreational Boating

Park Avenue Boating Facility provides value to its users, including sailors, paddleboarders, fishermen, powerboaters, and leisure visitors.  The benefits these users receive are consistent with the Park District’s Mission to enrich community life through healthy leisure pursuits and an appreciation of the natural world. 

Portions of Park Avenue are owned by both the Park District and the City of Highland Park.  The Park District owns the northernmost property, including the boat storage and beach.  The property to the south is owned by the City of Highland Park, which includes the road, parking spaces, and land where the south storage pad, building, and concrete boat launch are located.  The barge, owned by the Park District, is located adjacent to the south property.  The site is also home to the Highland Park Water Treatment Plant, which provides safe drinking water to Highland Park and surrounding communities.   

The Park District has operated the Park Avenue concrete boat ramp and decommissioned barge since they were installed by the Park District in 1981.  Over the past five years, an average of 56 power boaters, and 56 non-power boaters including their family members and guests have enjoyed the benefits of boat launching and boat storage at Park Avenue Boating Facility.  Additionally, many enjoy the benefits of kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding, and simply appreciating the natural beauty of Lake Michigan. 

Visiting Park Avenue by bike or by foot, or even taking advantage of the small parking area to the north, are benefits offered to all Highland Park residents.  Consistent with Park District Policy, these benefits are available to the entire community and are critical to the Park District’s Mission.  The land owned by the Park District at the north end of Park Avenue, like all the parks and natural areas, is managed by the Park District and subsidized through taxation because it protects and conserves open space and promotes physical and mental well-being of our residents.

Boat launching and boat storage is also a service provided by the Park District.  Like many recreation programs and services offered through the Park District, these services provide the most benefit to the individual participant. In keeping with Park District Policy, recreation services must be supported by user fees and are expected to exceed the direct operating cost.  User fees support the administration, staffing, annual dredging and maintenance for the barge, concrete boat launch, and beach at Park Avenue.  The Park District works with the North Shore Yacht Club (NSYC) providing small craft boating programs and services to the community. NSYC is an affiliate of the Park District and provides its own leadership and administration.

The Park District works closely with the City of Highland Park and the NSYC providing programs and services to the community.  Currently, the Park District and City are meeting to update the presently expired lease agreement that dates back to 1981.  The Park District is also in regular communication with the NSYC to update terms associated with their affiliate agreement. 

As many residents know, Lake Michigan is experiencing near record-high lake levels that are expected to continue rising in 2020.  Additionally, storms with increased wave action have been occurring more frequently.  These conditions have created additional challenges at all beachfront locations in Highland Park, as well as across all north shore communities.  High lake levels and increased storms put all lakefront activities at risk.  Providing safe recreation and leisure activities for our community and Park District users is a top priority. 

While the Park District current plans are to continue all operations at Park Avenue in 2020, the future of boating at Park Avenue is contingent upon all the aforementioned factors including third party funding for the barge repair or replacement, an agreement with the NSYC, a lease agreement with the City of Highland Park, and the ability to provide programs and services safely amidst Lake Michigan water levels and weather-related conditions. 

Park District Planning

The Park District is committed to providing extraordinary recreational programs and services to the Highland Park community in a manner that is consistent with its mission, vision, values, and operational policies.  With over 800 acres of property that includes 45 parks, 24 playgrounds, four beaches, 12 acres of trails, 200 acres of natural area, nine facilities, and over 3,000 annual programs that serve the community, careful and responsible planning is a priority.  The Park District consistently evaluates the development, delivery, and operational expenses that support our programs, services, facilities, parks, and playgrounds.  Our hope is to serve all unique community needs. 

However, since District resources are not unlimited, we must often prioritize the programs and services that meet the needs of the largest, most diverse population, based on the current attitudes and interests of the community.  To do so, the Park District conducts a community-wide attitude and interest survey. The results of this survey, along with internal usage reports, help provide a basis for program offerings and capital projects that support the development, improvement, repair or replacement of facilities, parks, and equipment.  For more information on the Park District’s attitude and interest survey, annual budget, capital plan, and Master Plan (GreenPrint 2024), please click on the related links below. 

The Park District of Highland Park Board of Commissioners signed an agreement with the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) to receive a portion of 2019 Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (lllinois EPA) 319 grant funding to enhance the shoreline of the north pond located at the Community Park at the Recreation Center of Highland Park.  Funding for this project is provided, in part, by the Illinois EPA through Section 319 of the Clean Water Act.  The project will include planting of native plants and minor regrading to improve water quality, contribute to flood reduction and enhance wildlife habitat in keeping with the conservation values of the property.

The total cost for the project is $289,344.86, half of which is reimbursable by the grant upon project completion and approval from the Illinois EPA.  The SMC will administer the Illinois EPA 319 grant funds in the amount of $144,672.73 and will partner with the Park District to complete the project to include:

The Park District match for the project is budgeted in the 2020 Park capital budget. Park District staff will incorporate the design, engineering and implementation of this work into the overall community park project. According to the agreement, the Park District has two years from the date of the agreement to complete the project.  

In the coming weeks, work will begin to design the project and incorporate it into the overall master plan of the park which already features an additional 50 acres of native plantings designed to create new wetland savanna and grassland habitat.   

Did you know that every winter, weather permitting, the Park District creates a skating area at Sunset Woods Park? Starting in November, Parks crew members construct the outer shell of what will become the hockey rink.  That process typically takes two to three days to complete. Then it is a waiting game for Mother Nature to deliver five consecutive days of below-freezing temperatures for the ground to become hard enough to begin creating the ice.

Crews spray water over the frozen ground 24 hours a day over five to six days to create the thick ice floor for the hockey rink and adjacent family skating rink. To ensure the ice rinks are safe and skater ready, crews inspect, spray, and groom the rinks daily. 

Building and maintaining our outdoor rinks is a labor of love for our Park District.  It supports our mission to provide Highland Park with healthy outdoor recreational opportunities all year long.   Ice skating has been shown to reduce stress and improves cardiovascular and muscular fitness for all ages.  And, skating outdoors, especially in the sunlight and fresh air, provides a boost from the winter blues.

Other great outdoor winter activities at the Park District: 

Seven figure skaters from the Park District of Highland Park’s Centennial Ice Arena competed in the 2020 Upper Great Lakes Regionals held in Saint Paul, Minnesota October 23 through 27.   The Centennial skaters included Danielle Simon, Campbell Saks, Ellie Kavadas, Lucy Millman, Greta Hollander, Leah Wernick, and Taylor Keno.  All seven skaters are involved in Centennial’s skating program.

“It is wonderful to have seven of our skaters compete in the regionals,” said Carol Sassorossi, Program Manager at Centennial Ice Arena.  “These girls work tirelessly, and it is fabulous to see their hard work and dedication pay off.”

Centennial Ice Arena is a premier regional center for ice skating with a highly qualified staff and progressive programming.  The arena is a proud member of US Figure Skating and Learn to Skate USA.  For more information about Centennial Ice Arena recreational and competitive skating programs, please contact Sheila Lonergan slonergan@pdhp.org, or Carol Sassorossi, csassorossi@pdhp.org.

Photo:  (left to right) Danielle Simon, Campbell Saks, Ellie Kavadas, Lucy Millman, Greta Hollander, Leah Wernick, Taylor Keno

Ilya Mondrowski, a Centennial Ice Arena ice skater has advanced to the 2020 National Ice Dance Finals that take place in Hyannis, Massachusetts November 13 – 14.   Mondrowski, 14, of Highland Park and his ice dance partner Kiana Pan, 12, of Bolingbrook, have competed together for two years at the Novice level. The team placed fifth at the 2020 Midwestern Ice Dance Sectionals in East Lansing, Michigan in October.  Earlier this year the pair won the USFSA Championship Juvenile Ice Dance Division. 

“We are incredibly proud of Ilya,” said Carol Sassorossi, Program Manager at Centennial Ice Arena.  “It is an amazing feat to advance to the nationals.  Special thanks go out to their coaches and supportive families.”

Centennial Ice Arena is a premier regional center for ice skating with a highly qualified staff and progressive programming.  The arena is a proud member of US Figure Skating and Learn to Skate USA.  For more information about Centennial Ice Arena recreational and competitive skating programs, please contact Sheila Lonergan slonergan@pdhp.org, or Carol Sassorossi, csassorossi@pdhp.org.

At the October 22 Board Meeting, Park Commissioners were provided with an overview of the successful 2019 camp season.  Over 1,200 campers participated in the Park District camps this summer — that is a 5.5% increase over 2018.  The Park District’s full 7-week camps also had a 13% increase in participation.  

Providing a memorable summer camp experience at a value is at the core of the Park District’s   mission.  Generations of Highland Park families have attended our summer camps, and many of our campers come back as camp counselors and camp directors.  

The Park District is proud to be one of Highland Park’s largest summer employers.  And, for many teens, working at the Park District is their first job experience.  This summer, 200 camp directors, counselors, and specialists joined the Park District team.  Approximately 60% of our summer camp staff were retained from 2018.  

Building on the successful 2019 camp season, the Park District will be offering new exciting options to the 2020 camp line-up.  Residents will receive the 2020 Camp Brochure in the mail the week of November 25, and registration begins December 4. 

                 Click to Enlarge

The Parks Foundation of Highland Park is raising funds for a new
state-of-the-art Youth Golf Development and Short Game Center
at Sunset Valley Golf Club.

This unique facility, typically only seen at private clubs and learning centers, will be Highland Park’s primary center for youth short game skill instruction and development and the practice facility for all Sunset Valley’s valued golfers.

The new center will feature:

We are already more than halfway to our goal of fully funding this project!

The Park District of Highland Park Board of Commissioners approved a resolution waiving competitive bidding for an emergency sand nourishment project at Rosewood Beach. The resolution included awarding project contracts to Thelen Sand & Gravel for materials and John Keno & Company for labor services.  Both companies provided the lowest responsible quote for services that are in the best interest of the Park District.

Under the Illinois Park District Code, 70 ILSC 1205/1, Section 8-1, competitive bidding for the procurement of goods and services exceeding $25,000 can be waived when the Board of Park Commissioners finds that emergency circumstances exist.

The estimated cost for the project is $310,000 including engineering, material, and construction costs.  Construction is expected to begin October 21, 2019.   Project details and a timeline will be presented to the Park Board of Commissioners at the October 15 Board Workshop Meeting.

Rosewood Beach is one of the Park District’s most heavily used facilities, and one of the most beautiful of our community’s assets.  It is a priority for the Park Board of Commissioners to move quickly to protect that asset and continue providing safe beach access to the thousands of children, adults and families that use this facility for recreation and leisure.

The near-historic high Lake Michigan water levels this past summer have resulted in rapid beach erosion at Rosewood Beach. Infrastructure located at the back of the beach is currently in jeopardy of damage or future failure as sand erodes underneath the boardwalk in the interpretive cove.  The shoreline is also approaching the boardwalk in the swimming cove. Statistically, fall and winter storms are more energetic and result in more erosion and sand movement. To prevent further erosion, protect lakefront structures and ensure this community asset will serve the community for current and future generations, emergency placement of sand is necessary this fall.

Ten new outdoor tennis courts and six new pickleball courts are open for play at Danny Cunniff Park.  The tennis courts were closed earlier this summer for renovation including:

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports. The Sports and Fitness Industry Association reported that in 2018 there were 3.3 million pickleball players in the United States. That represents a 34 percent increase from 2014. The Park District of Highland Park is keeping up with the trends and listening to interest expressed by community members for dedicated pickleball courts. In addition to the six new pickleball courts at Danny Cunniff Park, six new courts were opened earlier this summer at Woodridge Park.  This is in addition to the existing indoor pickleball opportunities offered by the Park District at the Deer Creek Racquet Club.