- Facilities
-
Programs
Pre-K (0-5 yrs)Youth (6-17 yrs)Adult (18+ yrs)
-
Parks/Beaches
ParksOutdoor Activities
- Rentals
- Projects/Planning
- Events
- About
The Park District of Highland Park has petition packets for three open Park Board Commissioner seats (two 6-year terms and one 2-year term) for the April 1, 2025 Consolidated Election. Those interested in running for a Park District of Highland Park Commissioner seat must be registered voters and residents of Highland Park for at least one year prior to the election. Please review the Election Calendar here.
To request a packet, please complete the form below:
The circulation period for the Consolidated Election on April 1, 2025 will be open until November 18, 2024.
The filing period for petition packets is November 12 – November 18, 2024. Petition packets must be hand-delivered to the Executive Coordinator at the West Ridge Center Administrative Office, 636 Ridge Road, Highland Park, IL 60035, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. No petitioner packets will be accepted before or after the stated dates and times. The Park District of Highland Park staff cannot provide any election or legal advice for any petitioners. Petitioners are encouraged to contact the Lake County Clerk’s Office.
Consolidated Election
City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Ave.
847.926.1000
Weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Moraine Township Office, 800 Central Avenue
847.432.3240
Weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
West Deerfield Township, 601 Deerfield Road
847.945.0614
Weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
You may register to vote if:
Note: You must register again if your name or permanent address has changed. Voter registration requires two forms of identification, including one with a current address (new residents may use a utility bill, checkbook, etc.).
Staff received the audit and site reports for District facilities and parks from WT Group for the 2024 ADA Accessibility Audit and Transition Plan. WT Group and Staff hosted community engagement meetings to highlight observations and collect feedback to improve accessibility throughout the District.
Staff provided construction project updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, the Lot 3 Pickleball and Padel Facility, construction at the Recreation Center of Highland Park, improvements at Jeff Fox Baseball Field, improvements for Sunset Woods Park, improvements for the North Beach at Park Avene Boating Facility, improvements for the Deer Creek Racquet Club Locker Rooms, and The Preserve of Highland Park Compton Avenue Trail Connection.
Staff presented the semi-annual review of cost centers. Revenues and expenses are through June 30, 2024.
Staff reviewed the 2025 budget schedule and a draft of the 10-Year Funding Model.
Staff shared graphs comparing the user market participation over the last five years for programs (this excludes memberships and daily use). Programming participation has increased by 40% while the Highland Park population increased by 2.5%.
Staff submitted permits to the City of Highland Park for the new indoor pickleball and padel facility.
Staff is working with City of Highland Park Officials on an updated addendum for the intergovernmental agreement which outlines cost share and maintenance between the City of Highland Park and the Park District of Highland Park for the parking lot at the Recreation Center of Highland Park, The Preserve of Highland Park, the Highland Park County Club, and the Highland Park Senior Center.
Staff reviewed the 2024 Golf Equipment Bid results.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2024 Golf Equipment Bid
The Parks Foundation and Staff are preparing for the Smash for Charity Pickleball Tournament on September 21, 2024, from 8:00 – 2:00 p.m. The fundraising event will host up to 92 teams. Proceeds will support scholarship programs.
Starting Monday, August 19, the Recreation Center and Senior Center parking lot will undergo construction. While the Recreation Center will remain open, sections of the parking lot will be closed, limiting available parking spaces.
Renovations include:
The parking lot is expected to be completed on November 1, 2024, with additional site landscaping and a new monument sign anticipated in 2025.
We will continue to provide updates directly to our Rec Center members and on this website as parking configurations change throughout the project.
The Park District of Highland Park is partnering with the Gratitude Generation to collect new toys for children in need to stay busy during days and weeks off from school.
As of August 20, 2024, the Park District of Highland Park will have petition packets for three open Park Board Commissioner seats (two 6-year terms and one 2-year term) for the April 1, 2025, Consolidated Election. Those interested in running for a Park District of Highland Park Commissioner seat must be a registered voter and have been a resident of Highland Park for at least one year prior to the election. Please review the Election Calendar here.
For additional information, please contact Roxanne Hejnowski at rhejnowski@pdhp.org.
The circulation period for the Consolidated Election on April 1, 2025, will be open until November 18, 2024.
The filing period for petition packets is November 12 – November 18, 2024. Petition packets must be hand-delivered to the Executive Coordinator at the West Ridge Center Administrative Office, 636 Ridge Road, Highland Park, IL 60035, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. No petitioner packets will be accepted before or after the stated dates and times. The Park District of Highland Park staff cannot provide any election or legal advice for any petitioners. Petitioners are encouraged to contact the Lake County Clerk’s Office.
Consolidated Election
City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Ave.
847.926.1000
Weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Moraine Township Office, 800 Central Avenue
847.432.3240
Weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
West Deerfield Township, 601 Deerfield Road
847.945.0614
Weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
You may register to vote if:
Note: You must register again if your name or permanent address has changed. Voter registration requires two forms of identification, including one with a current address (new residents may use a utility bill, checkbook, etc.).
On any given day, if you walk down to one of our four public beaches, you’ll see people enjoying the beauty and recreational opportunities offered by our beautiful lakefront. At Moraine, dogs are playing with frisbees in the waves. At Park Avenue Boating Facility, sailors are heading out for a sail after work. Families are having fun in the cool water and building sandcastles at Rosewood. Meanwhile, at Millard, people are taking leisurely strolls and soaking in the lake breezes. Each beach has its own unique charm and provides unforgettable experiences for visitors.
Debbie Yakimisky, our dedicated Lakefront Aquatics Supervisor, aptly describes our shores with three words: beautiful, welcoming, and clean. Debbie oversees the beaches of the Park District of Highland Park and the staff who work hard to keep our beaches open and safe.
This is Debbie’s first year with the Park District of Highland Park, and it’s clear right away that she is passionate about her job. Her typical day starts with ensuring that all beaches are safe to open and that our lakefront staff are fully prepared for the day ahead.
“I wanted to work in aquatics because I’ve always loved the water and being outdoors,” explains Debbie. “I also enjoy being around people and witnessing the joy that the lakefront can bring.”
Debbie finds the most rewarding part of her job in seeing the happiness her team brings to our visitors. By doing little things to enhance their experience, Debbie and her team help make our beaches a place where cherished memories are made.
“That’s what our beaches are all about. We want our residents to feel that our beaches will allow them to make beautiful memories and have great experiences.”
Debbie is happiest when working with the Park District’s lifeguards. She explains that staff members quickly bond and support each other like a family once the season starts. “We quickly become a family unit, having each other’s backs and learning different skill sets. The camaraderie within the aquatics department is very strong.”
“Through our ongoing in-service training and day-to-day work, I’ve gotten to know each guard. It’s heartwarming to know that you’re changing some of these kids’ lives and giving them the tools they need to succeed.”
Debbie also participated in Guard Wars recently, where lifeguards competed in fun aquatic games, chose themes, and dressed up. “This activity was a blast because it was a time for our lifeguards to focus on building relationships and having fun with their peers. It brought the lifeguards together, and we got to know them better in a different light.”
“My experience with the lifeguards made me think more about our Park District values and how we incorporate them into our aquatics program, making us more Welcoming, Caring, and Extraordinary. We take those values to heart every day we step out onto the beach.”
So, take the next opportunity you have to visit one of our beaches, take in the fresh air from Lake Michigan, and savor the moment!
By: Allie Stewart, Marketing Intern
As part of our series of articles for this year’s National Recreation & Park Association theme “Where You Belong”, we had an inspiring conversation with Lisa Azoory-Keller and her husband Jon. Originally from Canada, they moved to Highland Park in 2014, and are building their own tennis dynasty with their three children, all of whom are competitive tennis players.
The Keller kids started playing tennis during the pandemic, at park district courts near their house. When the Deer Creek Racquet Club reopened, Kira, now 13, Maya who is 12, and 8-year-old Nate started taking lessons from two of the resident pros: Richard Watson is the Assistant Head Tennis Professional and Hristo Pandulev is a Full-Time Tennis Professional.
“Deer Creek is a second home to us now, and the pros are like family, “said Lisa. You can hear it in her voice when she talks about the staff: “Everyone there from the front desk to the pros prioritizes making sure the players have a great experience every time they’re on the court.” Being welcoming and caring is part of what makes Deer Creek extraordinary, and it’s one of the many places at the park district where you truly feel you belong.
Kira and Maya are at the same class level. “Kira works with Hristo, who has taken her tennis to the next level, and he is the perfect coach for her game,” said Lisa. Maya is coached by Richard, “another out-of-this world pro— she takes every bit of instruction like a sponge, and puts it into her game.” Nate is already in the Junior Excellence Program. “He loves that because he gets to play at a more competitive level with the older kids.”
Because Kira and Maya play against each other often (like two well-known tennis sisters), they sometimes get angry “which is good, because in competitive tennis you have to learn to be tough.” Of course, in matches there is only one winner, and that can be tough, too. Maya was recently the G12 Singles Finalist in the 2024 USTA Chicago District Championships held at the Oak Brook Tennis Center. “The very first people I texted after that match were the pros at Deer Creek,” Lisa said.
Hearing stories like that makes all of us at the park district feel really good about how what we do every day helps people make lifelong connections.
Lisa continued, “These pros are the best of the best. Other clubs prioritize profit and competition whereas Deer Creek prioritizes instilling a love for tennis, which results in the children having a healthy and positive attitude towards sports. The pros are always engaged, and truly care about the kids.” Our kids are always smiling when they’re at Deer Creek, and we know these years are going to be some of their best memories. They can’t wait to start summer camp!”
Any final thoughts? “We love Deer Creek. We’ll never leave.”
Wow. We love hearing that, too. (Last one out, please turn off the lights.)
You can read more about Deer Creek Racquet Club, tennis, pickleball, and camps on our website. Ready to get started? Great. The ball’s in your court.
See you around the parks!
As part of our series of articles for this year’s National Recreation & Park Association theme “Where You Belong”, we had an inspiring conversation with Tyler Jacobs about his baseball journey at the Park District.
It’s a tale as old as – well, baseball. And it’s part of how connections are made, and how a love of the game is passed from coaches to players, around the bases and all the way home.
Tyler Jacobs grew up in Highland Park. He’s what we fondly call a Park District kid. His stories are among the ones we love because they come full circle, and are full of joy all the way.
“Playing baseball at the Park District was always my favorite thing.” You can hear the smile in his voice. “I played travel baseball from the time I was 9 years old,” (before that, he played Baker Ball.*) “and because I lived about a minute from Danny Cunniff Park I was hitting baseballs there almost every day with my dad. I also skated some at Centennial Ice Arena.” That’s how kids get connected to the Park District and make lifelong friends. Through parks and programs. And coaches.
“I had a bunch of great coaches when I was playing baseball, but one named Chris took an interest in our team and had a really big influence on me. I’m still in touch with him today and we talk every once in a while.” Lifelong connections get built when you belong to a team. It’s one of the things we’re most proud of at the Park District. “Chris really cared about us” Tyler continued. “He motivated us. He wanted us to be better players—but also better kids, which was super cool. Seeing how dedicated he was made me want to be a coach.” There it is. That’s how it happens. “I really felt like I belonged to something bigger.” That’s the feeling we want you to have when you’re at the Park District.
The game stayed important. “I played baseball all the way through varsity in high school.” Along the way, Tyler the player became Tyler the camp counselor, and, of course, Tyler the coach. “I pretty much worked everything at the Park District — flag football, Jr. Varsity Sports Camp, Varsity Camp — I touched it all.” Is he the new Chris to this generation of Park District kids? “I try to be.” Take it from us…he is.
“Of course I love baseball, but my favorite part of coaching is demonstrating a strong work ethic and being a role model for the players.” But it’s more important than that. “I try to make them better humans, as well.” That’s why you want Tyler coaching your kids.
The team Tyler is coaching for us now is Highland Park 13U White. Are these young players as passionate about the game as you were? “These kids are always excited to be on the field. They’re 13 years old and you never see them on a phone.” (?!) “I stressed from day one that we’re going to spend a lot of time together, so when we’re on the field we’re a team and have a common goal. They get it.” Of course they do, coach. It’s who you are.
We’re proud to say that your Park District is where the next Tyler-level players can be found. In the parks, on the diamonds, learning and growing. Becoming better humans.
Summer’s in full swing here, and you can find all of our art facilities and programs 24/7 on our website. Until next time… See you around the parks.
*You can read about Coach Baker and the impact of Baker Ball on kids in this story.
The Park District invites you to join the conversation to discuss the accessibility of Park District facilities and parks for people with disabilities. Your view is important, and this is an opportunity to express your opinion.
If you couldn’t make it to the in-person meetings, please take the survey before it closes on August 14, 2024. Your feedback is anonymous and will be used to improve efforts by the Park District.
The Park District of Highland Park conducted two meetings to hear feedback about the accessibility of parks and facilities.
The Park District of Highland Park retained the WT Group (WTG) Accessibility Practice in 2024 to develop an updated transition plan for parks and facilities, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A transition plan identifies access barriers and phases the retrofit work over time. John McGovern leads the Accessibility Practice at WTG, and will coordinate the first portion of the meeting. In the meeting, WTG will:
Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) will join the discussion. NSSRA is an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of people with disabilities in their partner communities, including the Park District of Highland Park, through quality recreation services. NSSRA has created an environment of belonging through play since 1970, and it holds the distinction as the first Special Recreation Association in the country.
If you have any questions, contact John McGovern with the WT Group at 224.293.6451 or jmcgovern@wtgroup.com, or Amalia Schwartz, Planning Manager, at 847.579.4090 or aschwartz@pdhp.org.
Thank you in advance for helping the Park District of Highland Park with our ADA Transition Plan.
The Park Board of Commissioners Approved the 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of the Park District of Highland Park.
Staff reviewed the bid results for the 2024 Park Avenue Beach Access Improvements Project.
Staff reviewed the 2024 Independence Day Events Schedule and Entertainment, Children’s Activities, and Food Truck secured for Fourth Fest.
Staff provided construction project updates for improvements at Sunset Woods Park, the Lot 3 Pickleball and Padle Facility, construction at the Recreation Center of Highland Park, improvements at Jeff Fox Baseball Field, construction for the Preserve of Highland Park Compton Avenue Trail Connection, and the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park.
PMA Network and the Arbitrage Group reviewed the Park District’s arbitrage rebate payment due for the General Obligation (Limited Tax) Debt Certificates, Series 2021.
Staff reviewed the actual vs. budgeted quarterly revenues and expenses, membership and program utilization for the Recreation Center of Highland Park.
Staff reviewed the donation agreement from the Bondy Family Foundation to generously support construction of a new indoor pickleball and padel facility.
The Park District and City of Highland Park planned to renovate the shared parking lot in 2025. The Park District received an estimated cost from the City of Highland Park for the shared project, and the estimate was significantly higher than anticipated. The Park District is meeting with City Officials to discuss shared use terms outlined in the Intergovernmental Agreement and expenses the Park District can cover to support the project.
Since the bids for the 2024 Park Avenue Beach Access Improvements Project came in over-budget. Staff worked with the low bidder, Copenhaver Construction, to significantly reduce the total project costs. Staff reviewed the reduction options.
Staff received five bids for the 2024 Deer Creek Racquet Club Locker Room Improvements Project. To keep the project under budget, staff proposed purchasing some materials in house.
Staff determined a cargo van is a necessary replacement for the current needs of the District. Staff reviewed the costs for different options. A Ford Electric Transit Van was selected and is available through the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC) through the Northwest Municipal Conference.
Staff reviewed the costs and 3-Year Agreement Terms and Conditions to purchase Plan 2 Play Registration System for the Lot 3 Pickleball and Padel Facility. The District currently utilizes Plan 2 Play customer relationship management system (CRM) for the Recreation Center of Highland Park.
The Park Board of Commissioners adopted a proclamation for the designation of July as Parks and Recreation Month.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2024 Ford Electric Transit Van Capital Purchase, 2024 Park Avenue Beach Access Improvements Project Bid, the 2024 Deer Creek Racquet Club Locker Room Improvements Project Bid, the Arbitrage Rebate Payment Due For the 2021 Debt Certificates, Ordinance 2024-08 Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the Plan 2 Play Registration System Proposal, and the Donation Agreement Between the Park District of Highland Park, Parks Foundation of Highland Park and the Bondy Family Foundation For the Paddle Facility.
Staff provided project updates for improvements at Sunset Woods Park and the locker rooms renovations at the Recreation Center of Highland Park.
Staff received consensus from the Park Board of Commissioners to allow the recommended name of Club Pickle and Padel for the new indoor pickleball and padel facility to wait the sixty-day period prior to a vote.
Staff provided an annual report for grant-in-aid comparing the 2022, 2023, and year-to-date scholarship spending, participant demographics, and individual and household scholarship funds utilization to help cover the costs for memberships, programs, and camps.