The City of Highland Park (City) and the Park District of Highland Park (Park District) announce plans for community events during the Independence Day holiday. New this year, Independence Day festivities will begin on July 3 with the Park District’s festival for all ages. The City’s “Dream Team”-themed parade, which includes entertainment coordinated by the Park District, will bring vibrant community spirit to Downtown Highland Park when it steps off at 11am on July 4. Cognizant of the importance of dedicating time for reflection and support, the City will also coordinate a remembrance in the morning.
“Highland Park’s Independence Day events reflect the community’s patriotic spirit and steadfast commitment to supporting and celebrating each other,” said Mayor Nancy Rotering. “This year’s parade theme reminds us that teams bring people together in support of a common goal, and that we are most resilient when we support each other.”
“Celebrating this national holiday with our loved ones is crucial to our community’s identity,” said Cal Bernstein, president of the Park District of Highland Park Board of Commissioners. “It is an opportunity to come together to share special moments with our neighbors and friends while we celebrate our nation.”
A drone or fireworks show is not being organized by the City in 2025. Recognizing the diverse array of community needs to balance, particularly as it pertains to community trauma, sustainability concerns, and pet needs, at this time, the City Council supported a pause on evening events for further community discussion. The City will request community engagement and feedback later this year as City staff plan for 2026.
As Independence Day events have evolved over the past two years, the City and Park District have applied a trauma-informed approach with guidance from the Department of Justice Office of Victims of Crime and community-based mental health clinicians. The approach reflects a commitment to building community resiliency in reclaiming Highland Park’s Independence Day traditions while continuing to provide compassionate support.
The Park District of Highland Park will commence Independence Day activities with a community festival on Thursday, July 3, at Highland Park’s largest outdoor community park – The Preserve of Highland Park (1207 Park Ave. W). This year’s reimagined celebration will be the kick-off to a variety of inclusive Independence Day-themed activities continuing July 4th and throughout the weekend. The July 3 festival will be a great opportunity for everyone to gather, celebrate and enjoy an evening with family, friends, dinner, music, games, and various attractions. Food trucks will be available on-site. Further details will be available soon on the Park District website.
The City will host a remembrance in the morning of July 4, 2025 to honor the memories of the people whose lives were taken and share solidarity with those who were injured or traumatized. Further details will be shared when available. (Updated June 13, 2025: Please join us on Friday, July 4, at 9 AM at The Moraine, 1201 Park Ave. W., for a meaningful remembrance. The program will include a candle-lighting ceremony, music, and the opportunity to help create a mosaic that will pay tribute to those whose lives were taken and honor the community’s resiliency. Advance registration is required. To register and to learn more, visit resilienthpil.org.)
The temporary memorial, located in the Rose Garden adjacent to City Hall (1707 St. Johns Avenue), will continue to be open to the public. Visitors who may be concerned about re-traumatization from patriotic décor, floats, etc. related to the parade itself may wish to avoid visiting the memorial on July 4 between 10am-2pm as parade staging is anticipated to begin at 10:30am.
What’s your dream team? This year’s parade theme is a celebration of all that brings us together. Whether that’s family or friends, sports, dance, faith, community or neighborhood, tap into team spirit as Highland Park’s community-focused parade returns to Downtown Highland Park! The parade will follow the same route as 2024, beginning at First St. & Laurel Ave. and progressing through Downtown Highland Park to Sunset Woods Park. Parade participants and attendees are encouraged to wear team jerseys and apparel, and floats will celebrate the colors and mascots of favorite teams and organizations. Parade participation sign-ups will begin on Monday, March 3, 2025. Information will be available at cityhpil.com/independenceday when available.
Please note that there will not be a City or Park District-sponsored evening event on Independence Day. Information regarding Independence Day activities will be shared by both the City and Park District as planning continues. Updates from the City are available at cityhpil.com, and updates from the Park District are available at pdhp.org. Individuals are welcome to share their feedback via email to the City at [email protected].
The Park District of Highland Park is excited to announce that on January 15, the Park Board of Commissioners approved construction for a new recreation facility at West Ridge Park. Construction is scheduled to begin in March.
The new recreation facility will replace the existing West Ridge Center, and will feature:
The innovative building design will maximize space efficiency and blend seamlessly into the park, offering flexible, inclusive, and functional rooms for recreational services. After the new building is operational, the current West Ridge Center will be demolished.
NO CHANGE TO WEST RIDGE CENTER PROGRAMS
All programs at West Ridge Center will continue as scheduled through 2025. We do not anticipate any disruption to recreation programs during the transition to the new recreation facility.
NEW PARKING LOT ORIENTATION
Construction fencing is expected to be installed in March 2025. Once installed, the orientation of the south parking lot along Ridge Road will be modified.
During construction the south parking lot entrance will be restricted for construction personnel. The north parking lot entrance, formerly the exit of the lot, will become two-way traffic and will be the entrance and exit for patron use of the parking lot. Signage will be installed to assist in the transition. See map below.
PLAYGROUND, BASKETBALL, WESTERN BALLFIELD, AND MOST OF THE PATHS WILL REMAIN OPEN
The park areas outside of the construction fencing will remain open for patron use. See map below.
GYMNASTICS PROGRAMS WILL CONTINUE AT CENTENNIAL ICE ARENA
The Park District is excited to announce the future introduction of a 10,000-square-foot gymnastics gym to the community. The new gymnastics gym is over double the size of the existing gym at Centennial Ice Arena providing expanded opportunities to the community. Gymnastics programs will continue at Centennial Ice Arena until officially announced otherwise.
The project is on track to reach completion by Spring 2026. Toward the end of 2025 the Park District will share detailed information about the transition to the New Recreation Facility.
We are thrilled to enter the final stages of our renovation! Please take note of the key dates below for our temporary closure as we make necessary preparations to prepare for our reopening on February 8.
February 6-7: We will be completing the transition back to our upgraded fitness floor from its temporary location! During this time, the fitness floor and all equipment will be temporarily unavailable.
February 8: REOPENING! Join us as we unveil the newly enhanced space with a little party including snacks and drinks
We understand how important it is to stay active, so while our fitness floor undergoes its final touches, all members will have free access to the following nearby facilities (Thu, Feb 6-Fri, Feb 7).
(Simply bring your Recreation Center scan card and a photo ID to gain entry)
*Please consult with your trainer
The Park District of Highland Park is partnering with SaLT: Service and Learning Together to support the brave firefighters in California battling the devastating wildfires.
Each “Take Care” Package is filled with self-care items and, most importantly, heartfelt notes of appreciation and encouragement. These packages send a powerful message of support and solidarity, reminding recipients they are not alone in their challenges.
Cocktail/Dressy Casual Attire
Participate in the Champions Celebration Online Auction including extravagant trips and experiences, golf packages, collector items, one-of-a-kind sports memorabilia, and more!
Every year, hundreds of Highland Park and Highwood 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 Celebration celebrates the dedicated coaches who deliver these great experiences for our community’s youth with a memorable evening. Funds raised at the event benefit the Parks Foundation of Highland Park.
Hosted by Chet and Elissa Evans.
Staff reviewed the proposed three-year audit extension contract with Sikich. The District has had a positive experience with Sikich over the past five years.
Staff provided a detailed review of the 2025 Budget Book.
Staff recommends purchasing golf and playground equipment through a Sourcewell Purchasing contract. Staff reviewed the proposed contracts: a Toro Multipro 5800-G with GeoLink Precision Spray System from Reinder’s, Inc. and Play Equipment for the Lincoln Park and Rosewood Park Renovation projects from BCI Burke Company.
Staff received 85 bids for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park.
Staff reviewed the project schedule, budget, and bid results for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park.
WT Group has completed the ADA Audit throughout District facilities and site reports. Staff are reviewing the site reports and the draft transition plan with WT and expect to present the plan with the Park Board in February.
Staff provided a recap of the final draft of the revised Employee Handbook. The Employee Handbook was revised and rewritten in its entirety.
Staff reviewed the proposed renewal terms for the 2025 License Agreement with the North Shore Yacht Club.
Staff reviewed the proposed renewal terms for the 2025 Independent Contractor Agreement between the Park District of Highland Park and The Golf Practice for golf programs and services.
Staff provided construction updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, Club Pickle and Padel Facility project, the Recreation Center of Highland Park scheduled construction projects and emergency repairs, Old Elm and Port Clinton Playground Improvements project, Sunset Woods Park Improvements project, and Park Avenue Boating Facility North Beach Improvements project.
The Parks Foundation met with the Park Board of Commissioners to present 2024 fundraising accomplishments.
Architects Holabird and Root shared facility and site renderings and presented sustainability elements for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park project.
A public hearing was held for the tax levy ordinance. Staff presented the 2025 proposed budget and the budget and appropriation ordinance.
Group Exercise Instructor, Lisa Hodges, received a Resolution Honoring her for performing lifesaving CPR to a patron at the Recreation Center of Highland Park.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved Ordinance #2024-09 – Tax Levy for 2024, Sikich 2024-2026 Audit Contract Extension, 2025 Highland Park Pops Affiliate Organization Agreement, 2025 Highland Park Players Affiliate Organization Agreement, 2025 American Youth Soccer Organization Affiliate Agreement, 2025 IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference Attendance, 2025 Uptown Music Theater of Highland Park Affiliate Organization Agreement, Renewal Letter of the Independent Contractor’s Agreement The Golf Practice, SourceWell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement for Golf Maintenance Equipment, Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract for Playground Equipment at Lincoln Park, Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract for Playground Equipment at Rosewood Park, Ordinance 2024-12 Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, 2025 License Agreement between the Park District of Highland Park and the North Shore Yacht Club, the Updated Policies in the Employee Handbook, and Resolution 2024-04, waiving the competitive bidding and awarding contracts for emergency restoration and preservation measures, authorizing the Executive Director to enter into agreement with Direct Fitness Solutions to purchase and install replacement fitness flooring for the Recreation Center of Highland Park.
Staff provided a progress update on the request for proposals process for the 2025 Master Plan Review and Revision project.
It takes a dedicated team of expert planners, world-class landscape architects, and highly skilled craftspeople, to keep your parks beautiful and the facilities working perfectly, providing you with the recreational, fitness, and educational services you’ve come to expect from your Park District. We’d like to introduce you to some of the people who dream big, and then make sure every little detail is in place, so that you, your kids, your family, and your friends and neighbors can enjoy everything we have to offer.
The Planning and Projects team, led by Jeff Smith, our Director of Projects, Planning, and IT, works to a large degree behind the scenes, but the results are out front and visible to everyone every day. It starts with planning sessions, where big concepts like sustainability are addressed. “We are starting to take the lead on sustainability across the Park District,” said Planning Manager, Amalia Schwartz, “so we can ensure that what we do is systematic, actionable, measurable, and efficient.
Casey Lawler, Planning & Projects Supervisor, is leading the collaborative process to revise and update the Sustainability Plan. “We’ve done a great deal of research this year, looking at what cities and park districts across Illinois are doing. “We take a very holistic approach, looking at effects on the district and the community”
The new plan is due to be approved in 2025. “The plan will be robust, actionable, and impactful,” Lawler added, “and then my job will be to facilitate the implementation of that plan.”
The planning process for projects large and small that are required to keep the District running smoothly year-round is an integral part of the budgeting process. Jeff Smith explained “For our five-year Capital Plan we allocate funds and plan purchases for items over $10,000, and that happens every year. We developed a process where items in the plan have priorities, and we assign a tier to them to allocate funding. Amalia meets with every area of the district and we talk through their needs.”
Jeff’s team also includes Landscape Architect, Mike Evans—who has been with the District for more than 40 years—and Projects Manager, Ben Kutscheid, who is also a Landscape Architect with more than 30 years of experience. For planning and budgeting, Jeff said “We track the life expectancy of equipment, playgrounds, courts, and roofs—everything right down to the asphalt. I can tell you which courts are going to need to be replaced in 20 years, for example. All that comes together to inform the current plan, and in 2025 that becomes part of the budget. But our department’s plans always go out well beyond the next few years.”
How does even the most experienced planning and projects team continue to know what’s best for the District? By talking to staff in every department. That’s a given. But they do something that’s even more important. They talk to you! Community outreach is an integral part of their planning process, and it informs much of what the team puts into projects like the playground renovations that are so important to families.
“We go out and meet people in the parks,” said Casey. “For example, this summer I was out at Rosewood Park, Larry Fink Park, and Lincoln Park, talking to people and sharing our plans for the playground equipment. We like to bring them options, and the community is very much involved in the process of deciding what they want in their park.” Not only does that impact the playgrounds, but it affects decisions on things that might be overlooked, but are important to people who live around the park, “like the color of a building.”
For that, Amalia added “I think the renovations at Old Elm are a good example of how we communicate and interact with the neighbors and tailor our approach for each project. We sent out a postcard that alerted everybody to the planned improvements; we distributed and analyzed the results of a survey; we held community meetings and kept everyone informed of progress on the project through our website and social media. We did have quite a bit of interest in that playground, which was expected, but throughout the process we also heard an interest in the color of the bathroom building. We responded to that interest by offering three different color options for the building and for the trim. Over the course of the survey we heard from over 70 respondents. It’s exciting and fun when people want to engage with us about the parks.”
It’s the philosophy behind how these planners engage. It’s not theory. It’s real life. Sure, it’s big concepts, but it comes down to the details that make people’s lives a little bit better every day.
This feels like a good time to tell you about some of the projects that were completed in 2024 and a few that you’ll want to watch for in 2025. The new Jeff Fox Field, at Larry Fink Memorial Park, had a celebratory Grand Opening in August. The Compton Avenue Trail project finished in July, connecting The Preserve of Highland Park’s trail system to Half Day Road. Walkers and bikers rejoiced! Up above your head, there were a number of roofs replaced, keeping us all safe and dry. Tennis players enjoyed beautiful new courts at Woodridge Park. Kennedy Park has a brand new north field backstop, and there are new Tot Lot surfaces, and a new entry walk and gates at Danny Cunniff Park. In progress for 2025 are more than a dozen significant projects, including parks, playgrounds and Tot Lots, beaches and bluffs, and the opening of Club Pickle & Padel, a state-of-the-art 50,000 square foot venue designed to bring the community together to enjoy these two great sports. And did we mention that construction of a new West Ridge Center, will start next year? Dreams becoming reality, all across your Park District.
Ben Kutscheid talked about another important project. “With Lincoln School being torn down, they’re removing the 5 to 12 year-old playground. Our original plan for Lincoln Park was to replace the 2 to 5 year-old playground. We had gone through our usual robust public process, and chosen a direction. But because of the school being demolished, the community came to us with concerns about losing their ages 5 to 12 playground. So, we changed direction and the plan now includes both playgrounds. That’s how we try to respond to community needs.”
Two playgrounds cost more than one. Unplanned costs. But because this team has extensive experience with state and federal grants, they applied for and were awarded an Open Space Land and Development grant (OSLAD). Good news for everyone, and construction is scheduled to begin in July 2025. Ben added, “Grant funding was critical in this process, and will allow us to accomplish more for the community. It’s a great story.”
You can stay up-to-date on the plans and projects you’re interested in by visiting our dedicated website section. It always has the most current information about your neighborhood park and the beautiful spaces that the whole community enjoys.
As part of the team’s efforts to “meet people where they are, and not rely only on surveys” This year, Casey collaborated with the recreation department to create something unique in the ‘information gathering world’. “We joined forces with the recreation team to meet people where they are. The Recreation team planned a wonderful series of pop-ups in the parks and the planning team attended and was available to talk with community members interested in upcoming projects.” It worked like a charm. “There was a magician in a park, there was music in parks, they had arts and crafts in the parks. So, when they were out doing those pop-up events, I would be there too. It was crazy. It was huge!” Ben added, “120 people came out to watch a magician in the park!”
About the on-site listening sessions, Amalia said, “I started listening sessions in Highland Park when we did the lakefront for Master Plan update, and I was surprised at how well it worked. Sometimes I’d get tons of people, or I’d just get somebody who passed by and gave me a little piece of information that we’d never thought of. It’s a great way to get honest feedback. Last summer we went to every one of our parks at least twice, sat and talked to people. We got a lot of great information, and value the feedback from the people that depend on the parks.”
Surveys are still an important part of our process. The Summer 2024 “Your Parks, Your Perspectives” initiative involved hundreds of interviews during dozens of park visits, plus a substantial online survey. Read what you told us here.
Maybe you were one of those people who talked to Amalia, Ben, Casey, Mike and Jeff. Now that you know they are out there, you can add your personal experiences to the mix of great information being gathered. Perhaps now you know just a bit more about how your Park District works behind the scenes to make life better for the Highland Park and Highwood communities. The work continues, and we’ll be bringing you more stories about specific projects that were completed in 2024 and are on track to be finished in 2025. Have a question? The answer is likely on our website.
Until next time… See you around the parks!
We are happy to report that the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Park District of Highland Park for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. This is the 35th consecutive year the Park District has received the award. The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 21,000 members and the communities they serve.
The Human Resources Department is revising the current Employee Handbook. Staff reviewed proposed revisions to policies impacting work conditions (safety and security), employee benefits programs, and time off benefits.
Staff reviewed the sponsorship program report comparing sponsorship and advertising partners and revenues over the last five years and 2025 plans.
Staff provided construction updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, Club Pickle and Padel Facility project, the Recreation Center of Highland Park Construction projects, Sunset Valley Golf Club Cart Path project, Old Elm and Port Clinton Playground Improvements project, Rosewood Park Playground Replacement Design Concepts, Sunset Woods Park Improvements project, and Park Avenue Boating Facility North Beach Improvements project.
Staff provided a preview of the proposed process to update the GreenPrint Master Plan.
Staff provided a brief overview of the participant survey results for the ceramics program.
Staff reviewed the bid results for the 2024 Track Aerial Lift and provided a purchase recommendation.
Staff provided a construction cost update for the Club Pickle and Padel project.
Staff reviewed the proposed 2025 Budget.
Staff reviewed the process from 2014 to develop the GreenPrint 2024 Master Plan and compared it to the proposed process to update the master plan through the next five years.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2025 Board Meeting Calendar, 2025 IAPD/IPRA Credentials Certificate, the 2024 Track Aerial Lift Bid Purchase, Ordinance 2024-11 Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, and the Truth in Taxation Resolution #2024-02.
Staff provided an end of season lakefront report comparing attendance and revenues and expenses at Rosewood Beach from 2022 – 2024. Staff also compared actual vs. budgeted revenues and expenses for Park Avenue Beach and Boating Facility Loyalty Memberships.
In 2015, Park District staff developed the District’s first Sustainability Plan to identify strategies to achieve sustainability goals and better coordinate with City-wide priorities. The 2015 plan has since been used as an internal document guiding practices leading to quantifiable achievements in District operations. Staff presented a progress report on recent sustainability efforts and shared draft goals and objectives for a new Sustainability plan.
Staff provided construction updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, the Recreation Center of Highland Park Construction projects, Danny Cunniff Playground Resurfacing and Fencing project, Old Elm and Port Clinton Playground Improvements project, Rosewood Park Playground Replacement Design Concepts, Sunset Woods Park Improvements project, and Park Avenue Boating Facility North Beach Improvements project.
Staff presented the updated agreement terms between the Park District and the Homeowners Association for the Rory David Deutsch Tot Lot and the proposed playground and site improvements.
Staff provided a tax levy recommendation and the impacts for an individual taxpayer.
Staff reviewed the five-year health insurance cost trends at the District and management’s strategy to address rising costs while continuing to offer employees a quality health benefits structure.
The Human Resources Department is revising the current Employee Handbook. Staff reviewed proposed revisions to policies impacting military leave and bereavement leave, payroll and recording of hours worked, and employee conduct.
Staff shared images of construction progress for the new Club Pickle and Padel facility and site and presented the phased marketing approach to promote the new facility and membership since the grand opening has been delayed.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved Ordinance 2024-10 Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property.
Staff presented the end-of-season report for Hidden Creek AquaPark. The report compared attendance figures, revenues from daily admissions, memberships and rentals, and operational expenses from maintenance and staffing costs over the last three years (2022 – 2024).
