- Facilities
-
Programs
Pre-K (0-5 yrs)Youth (6-17 yrs)Adult (18+ yrs)
-
Parks/Beaches
ParksOutdoor Activities
- Rentals
- Projects/Planning
- Events
- About
I. A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for the Park District of Highland Park for 2025 will be held on December 17, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at 636 Ridge Road, Highland Park, IL 60035.
Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district can attend the hearing so they may have the opportunity to speak.
II. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for 2024 were $14,370,538.
The proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2025 are $15,088,021. This represents a 4.99% increase over the previous year.
III. The property taxes extended for debt service and public building commission leases for 2024 were $1,887,867.
The estimated property taxes to be levied for debt service and public building commission leases for 2025 are $1,896,363. This represents a .4% increase over the previous year.
IV. The total property taxes extended or abated for 2024 were $16,407,541.
The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2025 are $16,984,383. This represents a 3.52% increase over the previous year.
| Facility | Wednesday, December 24 | Thursday, December 25 | Special Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centennial Ice Arena | Closed | Closed | View Holiday Break Hours |
| Club Pickle & Padel | 7:30am-Noon | Closed | |
| Deer Creek Racquet Club | 6:30am-Noon | Closed | |
| Heller Nature Center | Building Open 10am-Noon, Trails Open 7:30am to Dusk | Building Closed, Trails Open 7:30am to Dusk | |
| Park Fitness (Fitness Floor) | 7am-Noon | Closed | |
| Park Fitness (Indoor Pool) | 7-11:30am | Closed | Special Holiday Open Swim, Dec 26: Noon-5pm |
| West Ridge Center | 8:30am-Noon | Closed |
| Facility | Wednesday, December 31 | Thursday, January 1 | Special Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centennial Ice Arena | 9:30-11:30am | Closed | View Holiday Break Hours |
| Club Pickle & Padel | 7:30am-2pm | 8am-Noon | |
| Deer Creek Racquet Club | 6:30am-Noon | 8am-Noon | |
| Heller Nature Center | Building Open 10am-Noon, Trails Open 7:30am to Dusk | Building Closed, Trails Open 7:30am to Dusk | |
| Park Fitness (Fitness Floor) | 7am-Noon | 7am-Noon | |
| Park Fitness (Indoor Pool) | 7-11:30am | 7-11:30am | Special Holiday Open Swim, Jan 2: Noon-5pm |
| West Ridge Center | 8:30am-Noon | Closed |
Cooler weather is here, and there’s no better way to stay active and have fun than at Public Skate. Whether you’re gliding with friends, practicing your spins, or just enjoying the crisp rink air, it’s the perfect way to embrace the season.
$7/person or $11/person with skates
Looking for a fun way to keep your child active during winter break? Check out our mini winter break camps! We have something for everyone.
Enjoy access to our fitness floor, group exercise classes, aquatics, and the indoor track starting December 15-January 20, 2026!
$60/65 (r/nr)
GIVE THE GIFT OF STAYING HEALTHY
Passes include a full facility access day to all Park Fitness amenities including equipment on the fitness floor, open/lap swim, running/walking track, open gym, and the entire drop-in group exercise schedule!
PURCHASE PARK DISTRICT GIFT CARDS
Available in any denomination. Redeemable for activities, memberships, events, admission fees, and products at any Park District facility or online.
GIFT A ROUND OF GOLF
Gift cards are sold at Sunset Valley Golf Club or online.
Stop by Sunset Valley for our end-of-season sale:
Call 847.432.7140 for more information.
THE PERFECT PICKLEBALL LOVER’S GIFT
Treat yourself or the pickleball lover in your life to the perfect seasonal upgrades:
Call 847.579.4200 for more information.
Proceeds from your donation will go toward improving our community parks and facilities. For questions and to submit forms, please contact Mike Evans at [email protected] or call 847.579.4085.
Choose from a selection of trees in a selected park. A 2.75” x 5” raised lettering plaque with your personalized message is displayed at the base of your tree. Orders are accepted throughout the year; plantings are dependent upon availability, season and weather.
New Tree: $1,500 (includes warranty for 3 years)
Park benches are 6-foot-wide with a personalized 2.75” x 5” raised lettering plaque. The exact location will be coordinated at the time of purchase and is subject to approval by Park District staff.
Park Bench: $3,500 (includes warranty for 10 years)
Bricks inscribed with your personal message are available at several locations around the Park District. Orders are sent to the fabricator on March 1 and August 1 of each year.
Honor someone special by dedicating your donation. Your gift helps us provide education, athletics, and outdoor adventure to families throughout our community.
As an independent, community-led 501(c)(3), the Parks Foundation ensures everyone in and around Highland Park can access our world-class Park District programs and facilities.
Celebrate someone you care about with a donation that creates real impact close to home.
The Parks Foundation also offers individuals and organizations the opportunity to give major gifts, such as underwriting the cost of playgrounds, buildings, and additions, or gifting an item to one of our facilities. If you are interested in learning more about these opportunities, please contact Brian Romes, Executive Director of the Park District of Highland Park, at [email protected].
Check everyone off your list with merch from your favorite Park District facilities! Proceeds from all shop sales go to the Parks Foundation of Highland Park, ensuring that every Highland Park and Highwood resident can access Park District programs.
DEER CREEK RACQUET CLUB T-SHIRT
$36
ROSEWOOD BEACH FLEECE SWEATSHIRT
$47
PARK AVENUE BOATING WEEKENDER BAG
$45
HELLER NATURE CENTER MUG
$15
THE PRESERVE JIGSAW PUZZLE
$32
SUNSET VALLEY GOLF CLUB FLEECE BLANKET
$36
Not sure what to get? Purchase a ParkShop gift card!
NOVEMBER 08 MATER PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
Staff, the Park Board of Commissioners and Representatives from The Lakota Group met to identify key Master Planning priorities related to Capital Development Projects, Capital Improvement Projects, Planning Initiatives, and Operational Goals.
NOVEMBER 11 FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
Staff outlined key considerations and assumptions guiding development of the 2026 budget.
Staff provided an update on the IDOT culvert replacement project on Sheridan Road, which includes installation of a pedestrian sidewalk from Dean Road to Roger Williams Road. At the Committee’s request, staff will gather cost estimates for a potential boardwalk or sidewalk extension leading to Rosewood Beach (Lower Rosewood).
Staff presented the proposed five-year Restaurant/Bar License Agreement with Catering by Relish, Inc. for Sunset Valley Golf Club, effective January 1, 2026–December 31, 2030.
Staff also reported ongoing collaboration with the Glencoe Park District on shared services. Due to challenges in offering outdoor winter ice, Glencoe has agreed to extend its resident rate on a Season Pass—providing access to open skate, open hockey, and open broomball—to Highland Park residents.
NOVEMBER 12 WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD
Staff provided a brief overview of the Five-Year Capital Plan and Ten-Year Funding Model, previously reviewed in detail at the September 10 Finance Committee Meeting.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2025-16 Granting a Nonexclusive Easement for Storm Water Utilities.
Staff and Commissioners reviewed proposed revisions to Policies 3.00–3.28 (Financials), 4.00–4.25 (General Policies), 5.00–5.15 (Recreation and Facilities), and 6.00–6.04 (Information Technologies). Committee liaisons presented recommended updates, which were reviewed by legal counsel for compliance.
The City of Highland Park is evaluating potential locations for the “Miss Nitro” art sculpture, including sites owned by the Park District. Staff reviewed applicable policies, procedures, and evaluation criteria for placing art on park property, with emphasis on Brown Park and Lincoln Place Park. Should both parties agree on a Park District location, an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) will be drafted and presented for approval at a future meeting.
Staff provided construction updates on the new facility and site improvements at West Ridge Park, improvements at Lincoln Park, and playground replacement at Rosewood Park.
Staff also reported ongoing collaboration with the Glencoe Park District on shared services. Due to challenges in offering outdoor winter ice, Glencoe has agreed to extend its resident rate on a Season Pass—providing access to open skate, open hockey, and open broomball—to Highland Park residents. Park Staff will attempt to make outdoor ice at Sunset Woods, if the weather conditions permit, but the hockey boards will not be constructed this season.
NOVEMBER 19 REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD
The Park Board approved the 2026 Board Meeting Calendar, 2026 IAPD/IPRA Credentials Certificate, Revisions to Policies 3.00 – 3.28, 4.00 – 4.25, 5.00 – 5.15, and 6.00 – 6.04 of the PDHP Policy Manual, Ordinance 2025-10 Establishing a Travel Reimbursement Policy, Ordinance 2025-15 Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the Restaurant/Bar License Agreement with Catering with Relish, Inc at Sunset Valley Golf Club, and the Truth in Taxation Resolution #2025-14, where the estimated percentage increase in the proposed 2026 aggregate levy over the amount of real estate taxes extended upon the final 2025 aggregate levy based on CPI of 2.9% tax cap and anticipated growth is 4.99%.
Staff presented the annual report for Centennial Ice Arena, summarizing operations and financial performance from August 2024 through July 2025.
Glide into a great deal this winter! Highland Park residents can now purchase Glencoe Weinberg Family Recreation Center Ice Skating Season Passes at the resident rate of $69, thanks to a new partnership with the Glencoe Park District. The Weinberg Center features two lighted, outdoor refrigerated skating rinks operating (weather permitting) from the day after Thanksgiving through the end of February.
Your season pass includes access to open skate, open hockey, and open broomball. Please note that only season pass holders will be able to skate at the rink on Saturdays and Sundays. All passes are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Kick off the magic of the holiday season with twinkling lights above and laughter all around. Let’s make unforgettable memories at Winter Wonderland!
Price: $10/12 (resident/non-resident)
Registration is per person, and all children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Patrons may begin their Winter Wonderland adventure at any time during their registration window, but the magic ends at 8pm. Arriving within the selected window allows participants to enjoy the event at their leisure.
Winter is Here!
The Park District endeavors to keep our facilities and programs operating whenever possible. However, there are times when weather, road conditions, or facility malfunctions dictate that programs and/or services must be cancelled or temporarily postponed or entire facilities closed.
In order to provide employees and patrons with a safe and secure environment in which to work and play, the Park District reserves the right to close a particular facility or cancel a program using the following criteria:
Because weather, including air quality and road conditions, can change dramatically as the day progresses, the Park District will monitor weather conditions and announce closing updates throughout the day. Communication regarding any weather-related closings and updates will be posted on the homepage of this website and the Park District Facebook page. Email updates are sent to customers who have subscribed to the Park District email list.
OCTOBER 08 POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
Staff reviewed the final set of proposed updates to Policy 5.02 Registration, Policy 5.03 Refunds of Recreation and Facility Services, and Policy 5.04 Grant-In-Aid. The Committee supported staff’s recommendations.
Staff also reviewed updates to the policies within Chapter 6: Information Technologies. Highlights included:
OCTOBER 08 WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD
The Park Board approved Resolution 2025-12 Honoring Bill Quirk for his 50 Years of Continuing Contributions to the Park District of Highland Park While Serving the Parks Department.
Staff presented an end of season summer camp report comparing 2024 to 2025 operations and financials.
The Park District is hosting a Master Planning Retreat with the Lakota Group and the Park Board of Commissioners on November 8, 2025.
Staff provided construction project updates, the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, locker room renovations at Park Fitness, and improvements at Lincoln Park and Rosewood Park.
OCTOBER 16 FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
Staff presented the Truth in Taxation Resolution and Tax Levy recommendation.
At the October 8 Workshop Meeting, staff reviewed the design and pricing for the West Ridge Park Parking Lot Project. Due to utility delays with ComEd, staff recommended scheduling the repaving and curbing for spring 2026. To proceed with this work, a change order is required. It was the consensus of the Committee to place the change order on tonight’s consent agenda.
Staff also reviewed the bid results and provided a contract recommendation for the 2025 Gymnastics Equipment Purchase and Installation bid.
OCTOBER 22 REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD
The Park Board approved 2025 Gymnastics Equipment Purchase and Installation Bid, Change Order 1 for the 2025 Gymnastics Equipment Purchase and Installation bid, and Resolution 2025-15 for a Change Order for the West Ridge Recreation Facility Construction Management Agreement with W.B. Olson.
Staff presented an end of season report for Hidden Creek AquaPark and Lakefront comparing 2024 to 2025 operations and financials.
| Facility | Thursday, November 27 | Friday, November 28 | Saturday, November 29 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centennial Ice Arena | Closed | 7:40am-4:30pm | 7:40am-4:30pm |
| Club Pickle & Padel | 8am-Noon | 7:30am-5pm | 8am-9pm |
| Deer Creek Racquet Club | 8-10am | 6:30am-Noon | 7:30am-6pm |
| Heller Nature Center | Building Closed, Trails Open 7:30am to Dusk | Building Closed, Trails Open 7:30am to Dusk | Building Open 9am-3pm, Trails Open 7:30am to Dusk |
| Park Fitness | 7am-noon (Lap Swim: 7am-11:30am) | 7am-6pm (Lap Swim: 7am-5:30pm; Open Swim: Noon-5:30pm) | 7am-6pm (Lap Swim: 7am-5:30pm; Open Swim: Noon-5:30pm) |
| Sunset Valley Golf Club | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| West Ridge Center | Closed | Closed | Closed |
Cooler weather is here, and there’s no better way to stay active and have fun than at Public Skate. Whether you’re gliding with friends, practicing your spins, or just enjoying the crisp rink air, it’s the perfect way to embrace the season.
$7/person or $11/person with skates
Fri, Nov 28 at 4-5pm
Join your friends and neighbors in a FREE yoga class overlooking the natural beauty of The Preserve of Highland Park! Open to all-levels.
Instructor: Lisa Hodges
This is a drop-in class. No registration required! We encourage you to arrive a few minutes early to check in. Late arrivals will not be admitted once class begins
*Participants under 18 must have their parent sign a waiver.
Enjoy access to our fitness floor, group exercise classes, aquatics, and the indoor track all week long.
$40
Looking for a fun way to keep your child active during winter break?
Join us for 2 hours of structured gymnastics play – perfect for burning energy, building confidence, and having a blast with friends! After all the jumping, swinging, and tumbling, kids will enjoy a pizza lunch to refuel.
This is a great opportunity for kids to explore the gym, try new skills in a supervised environment, and enjoy a fun lunch! Limited spots available!
Get out of those house and hit the courts this winter break. Drill and play with our pros and also play some games. New activities for smaller kids and board games.
Enjoy two sessions:
Looking for a fun activity while school is out? We have you covered at Club Pickle and Padel. Enroll in any or all of the 4 days we offer a kids camp for players of all levels. There will be exciting drills and games planned throughout.
Please note: In order to register for Winter Camp, you must be logged into your Club Pickle & Padel account.
Camp is waitlisted.
Enjoy all 4 days of Winter Break Camp for one flat fee!
The STREAM Explorers Winter Break program offers a fun and educational four-day camp experience for children when school is out. Split between Heller Nature Center and West Ridge Center, this program features a variety of activities in Science, Technology, Recreation, Environment, Art, and more. We typically end the week with a surprise field trip!
Children will start their day at West Ridge Center, where they will be bussed to Heller Nature Center to explore environmental science projects, interactive nature walks, and creative art activities. Later, they will be bussed back to West Ridge Center for hands-on technology projects, recreational games, and art experiences, where they will also be picked up.
The program provides a perfect mix of indoor and outdoor activities to keep children engaged and entertained throughout the day. It’s an ideal way for kids to spend their time off of school, having fun and exploring new interests.
Sign up by the week!
Give your tween a winter break they’ll never forget! This exclusive camp offers a unique adventure each day, with hand-picked field trips designed to create unforgettable memories. From exciting destinations to hands-on activities, this premium program ensures personalized attention and a safe adventure your tween will be talking about long after break is over.