Notice of Proposed Property Tax Increase for Park District of Highland Park

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.

This spring, construction began on the new West Ridge Community Center, located at the southeast end of West Ridge Park, and is expected to be completed by Spring 2026. The new building will include a gymnastics center, dance room, flexible classrooms, and a community room. The nearby event lawn, enrichment courtyard, and relocated safety village will provide space for indoor and outdoor programs. In the fall, construction began on a new ballfield with 90-foot base paths and a large outfield to accommodate a variety of sport activities, to replace the current field on the southwest side of West Ridge Park. This new field will be the Park District’s first of this size, providing a welcoming and inclusive space for all ages and abilities. 

In 2019, the Park District conducted a GreenPrint 2024 Master Plan Review and Amendment. This review expressed the need for a multi-purpose facility to provide flexible, multi-generational programming space for youth and adults, and to expand gymnastics programming. It also highlighted the need to address the aging West Ridge Center. The Park District began designing a new community center at West Ridge Park in 2022. In 2024, the Park District was awarded $1.4 million Illinois Department of Natural Resources Park and Recreational Facilities Construction (PARC) grant to help fund portions of the new center. 

“We are excited to open the new West Ridge Community Center this spring. It will be fully accessible, universally designed for inclusivity, and include state-of-the-art safety and security features. It is a facility that addresses community needs and will serve our residents for decades in the future,” said Brian Romes, executive director of the Park District of Highland Park. 

The new West Ridge Community Center will provide ParkSchool students and teachers with modern classrooms and enrichment rooms. Early childhood rooms will open to an outdoor play space and access to an educational native planting area, which supports nature-inspired, play-based learning. 

The new gymnastics center expands from 3,500 at Centennial Ice Arena to 10,000 square feet at the new facility. This will support our growing gymnastics program and include an area for preschoolers with age-appropriate equipment, state-of-the-art equipment for women’s Olympic events, enlarged pit area, in-ground trampoline, and a 40-foot in-ground Tumbl Trak (see illustration on next page). The new dance studio is designed to meet the specialized needs of performers, with proper size, floor, lighting, sound, and ceiling height.

There will be a beautiful community room for meetings, events, and rentals. “People will be excited to use that room,” said Romes. “It opens onto a large event lawn. Guests at events, parties, or meetings can enjoy both indoor and outdoor spaces. The room features sliding glass doors and screens, letting in fresh air. We applied what we’ve learned to this design, creating an extraordinary gathering space for generations.”

“This project leveraged the opportunity to envision the entire West Ridge Park site with a new perspective that would meet the needs of all residents for generations to come,” Romes said. “It will include the addition of our community’s first ballfield with 90-foot basepaths, and future improvements include a universally inclusive sports field, improved pathways and other recreation amenities. We are all excited for the impact this site with have within the community”

Programs will transition to the new West Ridge Community Center when the facility opens in Spring 2026. This project invests in people—from children taking their first gymnastics class, to adults joining community events, to families gathering in this shared space. We can’t wait for you to see it! Watch for Grand Opening announcements, as well as open houses and orientations for ParkSchool and Gymnastics participants. 

2025 has been a dynamic year at the Park District of Highland Park, highlighted by new facility construction, park renovations, and a mix of recurring and new recreation services. As always, we pause to reflect and share a recap of our work, the joy we’ve brought to the community, and a preview of what’s ahead.

We are grateful for your support and encouragement. Community feedback and suggestions make this YOUR Park District, helping us add value and enrich community life. There’s a lot to talk about as we look back on the past year and look ahead to 2026. Let’s start by highlighting the District’s current financial position.

Strong Financial Stewardship and Leadership

Our approach continues to reflect responsible, transparent planning, reporting and management of financial resources. In 2025, Moody’s reaffirmed our Aaa bond rating, confirming our commitment to sound financial practices. For 35 years, we have earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, demonstrating our commitment to high standards in transparency and accountability.

The work of our professional, talented staff—ranging from landscaping to lifeguarding, preschool, playgrounds, and more—is supported by our Board of Park Commissioners: President Terry Grossberg, Vice-President Jennifer Freeman, Josie Beck, Steve Greenberg, and Rafael Labrador. Their long-range planning and leadership are invaluable to bringing quality services to the community. We thank recently retired Commissioners Cal Bernstein and Barnett Ruttenberg, whose dedication will benefit the District for generations. Each day, the hands-on contributions of our team members led by Executive Director, Brian Romes, make your Park District a special place for us to do the work we love.

GreenPrint: Building Community Well-being

Ten years ago, the Park District of Highland Park introduced GreenPrint 2024, a transformative parks and recreation master plan that shaped the current state of open spaces, facilities, and recreation services in Highland Park. With community input, collaboration, and strategic investment, the initiatives outlined in the plan were implemented over the past decade, enhancing parks, recreation facilities, and natural areas throughout the district. These achievements demonstrate a strong dedication to long-term priorities and lay the groundwork for future planning.

At the beginning of this year, we launched the new “GreenPrint” Comprehensive Master Plan to reassess, refine, and reimagine what comes next. GreenPrint is our commitment to ensuring that your beloved park and recreation system continues to serve all residents, today and well into the future. The plan is taking shape through a three-phased process: engage, analyze, and plan.

We began the Engage Phase by connecting with the Highland Park community, assessing usage, gathering interests, and identifying needs. This phase included a statistically valid Community-wide Survey, as well as additional outreach, including:

The information we gathered provided unique insight into our community’s needs and preferences.

We are currently assessing data, reviewing existing planning documents, and evaluating current park and facility conditions to ensure we continue to maintain and grow our facilities and services. This phase includes:

The final phase brings everything together into a New GreenPrint Master Plan—a strategic guide for the next decade. This phase includes:

GreenPrint is intended to be a living document, allowing us to quickly adapt to changing conditions—including economic and ecological ones—and recalibrate our path on this journey.

We are deeply appreciative of the cooperation we received from the community. We invite you to learn more about the planning process at pdhpgreenprint.com.

Building for the Future: The New West Ridge Center

One of our most significant projects this year is the construction of the new West Ridge Center. The current building has served the community for decades, but it no longer meets the needs of our resident users.

The new West Ridge Community Center, which is scheduled to open this spring, will provide our ParkSchool students and teachers with modern spaces to support their growth and development. The early childhood rooms will feature secure access to recreational facilities, as well as direct entry to outdoor play areas, native gardens, and a new safety and sustainability village, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching experience.

The new gymnastics gym increases our current space at Centennial Ice Arena from 3,500 square feet to 10,000 square feet at the West Ridge Community Center. You can imagine what a difference that will make for our fast-growing gymnastics program.

The new dance studio has been designed to meet the specialized needs of performers. The larger size, state-of-the-art floor, new LED lighting, sound system, and vaulted ceilings will provide the optimal environment for learning and growth.

There will be a beautiful glass community room that opens out onto a large event lawn so guests at events, parties, and meetings will be able to take advantage of a wonderful combination of indoor-outdoor space. We put a lot of what we’ve learned over the years into this design, and it’s going to be an extraordinary gathering space for generations to come.

Recreation services at the new West Ridge Community Center will start when the facility opens this spring. In addition to so many of your favorites, we’ll be offering new programs like summer gymnastics camp, and by fall, all classes will be in full swing. We can’t wait for you to see it! Watch for announcements about the Grand Opening and special open houses for ParkSchool and gymnastics participants.

This project represents an investment not just in buildings, but in people—in every child who will take their first gymnastics class here, every adult who will attend a community event, and every family who will gather in this shared space.

Club Pickle & Padel: A Game-Changer Arrives

When we opened Club Pickle & Padel on September 2, 2025, we changed the game. The Club is ahead of any North Shore racquet facility, offering state-of-the-art courts and a one-of-a-kind experience. Here are some highlights. (You really need to experience it yourself!):

  • 50,000 sq. ft. year-round climate-controlled dome, with a 66-foot-high ceiling.
  • 10 dedicated regulation-sized pickleball courts, built to pro tournament specifications.
  • LED lighting specifically tailored to eliminate glare and optimize the player experience.
  • 4 padel courts, designed in Spain, with glass walls and turf.
  • Beautifully designed lounge areas and cozy gathering spaces.
  • Pro Shop with the latest gear, apparel, and trendy accessories.
  • A variety of refreshments and snacks are available for purchase.
  • Rental space for meetings and parties
  • Restrooms and showers designed for comfort and convenience.
  • Membership perks including  early access and affordable pricing for court booking, programs, leagues, lessons and outdoor court reservations 

Club Pickle & Padel has its own website and app, where you can find everything about the facility, amenities, memberships, court availability, events, and rentals. The club is open to members and non-members.

Events and parties create more connections. The rental space can host corporate outings, birthdays, special events or casual nights with friends. Combining socializing and sports has made the Club a friendly gathering hub.

You’re invited to experience this one-of-a-kind venue. Reserve your visit with us and see why Club Pickle & Padel is the ultimate destination for pickleball, padel and community connection.

Park Fitness Ushers In a New Era of Physical and Mental Health

For nearly twenty years, the Recreation Center of Highland Park was a hub of health and wellness. In 2025, the facility entered a new chapter with a new name: Park Fitness. It’s more than a fitness center; it is a vibrant gathering place where neighbors connect, and wellness is a way of life.

In 2025, Park Fitness completed a remarkable transformation. The 5,850-square-foot Fitness Floor features a quiet, comfortable layout and a full range of premium equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, cross-trainers, rowing machines, stair climbers, arc trainers, upright and recumbent bikes, and strength equipment. Park Fitness also includes:

  • A dedicated free-weight area for customizable workouts.
  • Stages Studio Pro Plus Cycling Studio
  • Mind Body Yoga and Pilates Reformer Training Studio
  • Dedicated functional turf training area

As longtime Fitness Manager Jodi DiTomasso shared, “Park Fitness represents a new era in our commitment to the health and well-being of the community.”

Park Fitness is where the community thrives. Schedule a tour today and experience firsthand why Park Fitness is extraordinary.

Celebrating Improved Lakefront Access

In June 2025, we proudly cut the ribbon on the completed Park Avenue North Beach Access Improvements, supported by a $400,000 OSLAD grant. The project includes:

  • ADA-accessible sidewalk and boardwalk
  • Reconfigured parking lot
  • Native landscaping
  • New signage and site lighting
  • Lakefront seating areas

The project improves connectivity with the boating facility and creates inviting, accessible spaces for walking, biking, and lakeside relaxation. Future plans include a shaded plaza with a pergola, tables, and chairs. Brian Romes added, “Many of our projects use universal design concepts and focus on inclusivity, and that was the goal at Park Avenue. It’s been well received.”

Your Parks Are Changing with the Times

For decades, Sunset Woods Park has been the central park for residents of Highland Park. 2025 marked the completion of another phase of Sunset Woods Park Improvements, which makes the park more accessible and inclusive for all ages, interests, and abilities. Some of the highlights:

Brian Romes said, “Placing the basketball court at the front of the park improved access and accessibility. The new wheel-friendly plaza appeals to a larger variety of users and enthusiasts. More activities are available, and additions like the bocce court—which the community requested—attract more inter-generational usage.”

Along with improvements to more than a dozen parks, we made major upgrades at Port Clinton Park:

At the popular Larry Fink Tot Lot, we completed several community-guided updates, including:

Sustainability with GreenPath

In 2025, after over a year of research, the Park District adopted GreenPath, our most robust Sustainability Plan. This plan will guide efforts to prepare for and adapt to regional climate change threats.

Led by Planning and Projects Supervisor Casey Lawler, GreenPath is the Park District’s roadmap to operational sustainability for the next decade. It is focused, realistic, and actionable, guided by three principles: 1. Build Resiliency to Climate Change 2. Reduce Climate Change Impact 3. Model Environmental Best Practices

With five measurable goals: 1. Maintain clean, healthy air 2. Use energy efficiently 3. Use water efficiently 4. Reduce landfill waste 5. Foster a sustainability identity for the District.

Read more about GreenPath on our website. The new page highlights sustainability at the Park District and showcases past and current initiatives. This collaborative spirit reflects what makes Highland Park special: a caring community and a responsive Park District.

This enthusiasm for new programs is unmistakable. Registrations Are Through the Roof!

We love serving the community. And you love being part of it!

In 2025 we ran 2,532 programs. A total of 16,868 participants registered for programs.

We ran 158 Summer Camps. Total participation increased 7.6%, to 2,131 campers.

Park Fitness memberships increased 11.2%, to 2,289 members.

Golfers played a total of 43,053 rounds at Sunset Valley Golf Club.

Lakefront beach pass holders increased 46.5%.

Your support is indispensable to the success of the District. We appreciate you!

Record-Breaking Pickleball Moment

On Monday, July 21, 2025, we hosted the nation’s largest pickleball lesson! Four hundred and forty kids joined Mark Miller’s Munchkin Program and MPL Chicago Slice player Maddie Moeke at the Cunniff Park Pickleball Complex, breaking the 2024 record of 300 kids set in Arizona. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, nearly 20 million pickleball players played in 2024, a 45% increase from 2023.

We love our fun and games. And yeah…our world record, too!

The Parks Foundation – Changing Lives Through Access

The Parks Foundation of Highland Park ensures equitable access to recreation. This year, it has awarded over $183,000 in scholarships, memberships, and program or camp registrations.

Through the SMILE program, families in need of financial assistance can participate in Park District programs. In 2025, scholarships were awarded to 79 families—comprising 126 adults and 112 children—with over $172,000 allocated, which funded 42 memberships, 131 programs, and 68 camps.

The FYI Grant-in-aid Program helps Highwood students at District 112 and 113 schools in Highland Park. In 2025, the Foundation awarded over $6,400 to 10 families and 21 children for 6 memberships, 41 programs, and 9 camps.

This year, the Foundation received several grants to support its scholarship programs. The Highland Park Community Foundation, Endeavor Health, and the AYCO Charitable Foundation contributed a total of $24,000. An $8,922 grant from the DuPage County Health Department funded the FYI Learn to Swim program, enabling 71 residents to learn how to swim. Swim Lessons Save Lives.

That’s why this work matters, and we are grateful.

Awards and Recognition

We are always thrilled to be recognized for our communications and marketing efforts. In 2025, the Illinois Parks & Recreation Association honored us with their most of prestigious Marketing awards:

  • 1st Place-Overall Agency Marketing Showcase
  • 1st Place-People’s Choice-Overall Agency Marketing Showcase
  • 3rd Place-Video Short Form: “Club Pickle & Padel”

And, your Park District was also received the IPRA Exceptional Workplace Award. Our Park Board, administration, staff, and volunteers are very proud of these important recognitions.

A Year to Remember—And More to Come

From stunning park improvements to expanded wellness opportunities, from sustainable planning to unforgettable community moments, 2025 has truly been an exceptional year at your Park District.

Thank you for being part of everything we do. Whether you joined us on the trails, took a class, played a sport, enjoyed a concert, volunteered, or simply relaxed at one of our beautiful parks—you helped make this year our best yet.

We look forward to serving you in 2026 and beyond, with even more improvements, programs, access, and joy shared across our community.

Happy Holidays to all. See you around the parks!

Dec 22, 23, 29 & 30
10:30am-12:30pm

Winter Break Gymnastics Pizza Party

Ages 5-9

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!

Dec 22-26 & Jan 3-6
9am-Noon

Junior Tennis Winter Camp

Ages 7-14

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:

  • Session One: Dec 22-26 (no camp on Thu, Dec 25)
    • Monday, December 22
    • Tuesday, December 23
    • Wednesday, December 24
    • Friday, December 26
  • Session Two: Jan 3-6 (no camp on Thu, Jan 1)
    • Monday, December 29
    • Tuesday, December 30
    • Wednesday, December 31
    • Friday, January 2

Dec 22, 23, 29, 30
9am-Noon

Kids Winter Break Pickleball Camp

Ages 7-14

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.

Dec 22, 23, 29, 30
9am-3pm

Camp is waitlisted.

STREAM Explorers Winter Break Camp

Ages 5-10

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.

Dec 22 & 23
Dec 29 & 30
9am-3pm

STREAM 4 TWEENS Winter Break Camp

Ages 9-13

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.

Happy Holidays to you and your family! Be sure to check our holiday and New Years hours at the Park District.

Christmas Hours

FacilityWednesday, December 24Thursday, December 25Special Hours
Centennial Ice ArenaClosedClosedView Holiday Break Hours
Club Pickle & Padel7:30am-NoonClosed
Deer Creek Racquet Club6:30am-NoonClosed
Heller Nature CenterBuilding Open 10am-Noon, Trails Open 7:30am to DuskBuilding Closed, Trails Open 7:30am to Dusk
Park Fitness (Fitness Floor)7am-NoonClosed
Park Fitness (Indoor Pool)7-11:30amClosedSpecial Holiday Open Swim, Dec 26: Noon-5pm
West Ridge Center8:30am-NoonClosed

New Years Hours

FacilityWednesday, December 31Thursday, January 1Special Hours
Centennial Ice Arena9:30-11:30amClosedView Holiday Break Hours
Club Pickle & Padel7:30am-2pm8am-Noon
Deer Creek Racquet Club6:30am-Noon8am-Noon
Heller Nature CenterBuilding Open 10am-Noon, Trails Open 7:30am to DuskBuilding Closed, Trails Open 7:30am to Dusk
Park Fitness (Fitness Floor)7am-Noon7am-NoonKids Club closed on Thu, Jan 1
Park Fitness (Indoor Pool)7-11:30am7-11:30amSpecial Holiday Open Swim, Jan 2: Noon-5pm
West Ridge Center8:30am-NoonClosed

Home for Winter Break?

Check out things to do at the Park District!

Public Skate at Centennial Ice Arena

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, Dec 19 at 1:30-4:30pm
  • Sat, Dec 20 at 11:10am-12:50pm
  • Mon, Dec 22 at 2:30-4:30pm
  • Tue, Dec 23 at 2:30-4:30pm
  • Fri, Dec 26 at 2:20-4pm
  • Sat, Dec 27 at 1:30-3:30pm
  • Sun, Dec 28 at 1:30-3:30pm
  • Mon, Dec 29 at 2:20-4pm
  • Tue, Dec 30 at 2:20-4pm
  • Wed, Dec 31 at 10-11:30am
  • Fri, Jan 2 at 2:20-4pm
  • Sat, Jan 3 at 11:10am-12:50pm

Winter Break Camps for Kids!

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.

  • Winter Break Gymnastics Pizza Party
  • Junior Tennis Winter Camp
  • Kids Winter Break Pickleball Camp
  • STREAM 4 Tweens Winter Break Camp

Student/Teacher Fitness Pass at Park Fitness

Enjoy access to our fitness floor, group exercise classes, aquatics, and the indoor track starting December 15-January 20, 2026!

$60/65 (r/nr)

Gift the Hometown Experience

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:

  • 40-60% off selected apparel and hats
  • 30% off golf bags and selected accessories
  • $149.99 for Titleist SM10 Wedges

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:

  • 25% off all apparel and hats
  • 25% off pickleball and padel accessories

Call 847.579.4200 for more information.


Tribute & Memorial Gifts

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.

Park Tree

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 Bench

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)

Brick Pavers

Bricks

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. 

DONATE IN SOMEONE’S HONOR

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.

Major Gifts

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].


ParkShop: Something Special for Everyone

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!

Updates from the November Park Board Meetings

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.

The details:

The rinks officially open for the season on Friday, November 28.

Lace up and make the most of winter on the ice! For schedules and additional information, visit the Weinberg Family Recreation Center.

Don’t miss the holiday event of the year on Friday, Dec 5, 5:30-8pm. We are so excited about Winter Wonderland, we have dropped the price to $10 per person!!!!!

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.

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

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:

  1. Whenever School District 112 (D112) cancels school, or goes to remote learning, due to weather conditions, all Park District activities and programs held at a school site will follow the same procedure the entire day and/or evening. When D112 cancellations, or remote learning, take place in the morning (prior to the beginning of school), Park District programs at Park District facilities will also be cancelled through 12pm.
  2. Program cancellation will be consistent district-wide unless there are facility-specific reasons for cancellation.
  3. When programs are cancelled:
    • Affiliate and youth groups will be cancelled.
    • Adult rental groups will be given the option to cancel without penalty so long as they follow the above time period.
    • Private lessons/training staff or clients are given the option to cancel without penalty
    • Drop-in classes and/or programs will be determined by the facility manager
  4. In all situations, the Park District reserves the right to adapt this procedure and make decisions based on extenuating circumstances and/or on the safety of staff, patrons, and/or participants.
  5. Park District facilities themselves will remain open for non-registered and/or drop-in activities (e.g. fitness and tennis/pickleball club use, public skating, open gym, cross country skiing with skis, etc.) unless specifically directed to close due to weather conditions.

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.