Spring is the time of year you may notice dandelions popping up in our parks. You might wonder why the Park District doesn’t do something about all those yellow flowers. Letting them bloom is one way we keep our parks at their healthiest. Though not a complete source of nutrition for bee pollinators, dandelions also fill in early spring food source gaps.
As part of our best management practices, we aim to avoid spraying lawn chemicals to eliminate what some might deem an unsightly nuisance. Instead, the yellow blooms can open to their glory across our parks. Once the grass is long enough, crews will mow the dandelions giving our parks a more uniform “green grass” appearance.
The Park District of Highland Park was one of the first Park Districts in Illinois to adopt an Environmental Policy which includes maintaining our parks, facilities and natural areas in a manner that enhances and protects the environment by minimizing the adverse impact on air and water quality. This includes “Integrated Pest Management” practices that minimize chemical use in favor of other management efforts such as careful mowing, aeration and–in the case of dandelions–working with nature to provide healthy places to play.
The City of Highland Park (City) and the Park District of Highland Park (Park District) announce plans for community events on Independence Day. Independence Day festivities begin on July 3 with the Park District’s Independence Fest, followed by the return of the City’s fireworks display that evening. The City’s America 250-themed parade will bring a celebration of our nation’s history to Downtown Highland Park when it steps off at 10:30 AM on July 4.
“We are so excited to join communities across the country in celebrating the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, highlighting our community’s deeply-held welcoming and affirming values as a key part of our nation’s story,” said Mayor Nancy Rotering. “We’re also looking forward to the return of our spectacular fireworks display, and are grateful to everyone who shared their feedback last year as we considered the best approach for an evening display.”
The two-day celebration is the product of close collaboration between the City and the Park District and reflects each organization’s commitment to working together to develop new traditions for the Independence Day holiday that will be sustainable for years to come.
“Last July 3rd, the Park District launched Independence Fest as a new holiday kick-off celebration, which was a fabulous success. Hundreds of families and neighbors came together at The Preserve of Highland Park to enjoy entertainment, food, activities, and a strong sense of community,” said Park District of Highland Park Board President Terry Grossberg. “We are thrilled to bring Independence Fest back this year with the addition of the City’s fireworks display, making the festivities even more memorable as we celebrate our country’s 250th birthday.”
The Park District of Highland Park’s Independence Fest will kick off festivities on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 5:30–9:30 PM, at The Preserve of Highland Park (1207 Park Ave. W).
This year’s celebration proudly aligns with America250 to commemorate 250 years of American independence. Independence Fest launches a weekend of inclusive, patriotic-themed activities across Highland Park that reflect both national history and local community pride.
Independence Fest offers a relaxed and festive evening for the community to gather with family and friends to enjoy dinner, music, games, and a variety of attractions. Dancing Queen, an ABBA tribute band, will perform live, followed by a DJ performance timed to the City of Highland Park’s fireworks display. Food will be available for purchase at the event from a selection of food trucks.
Additional event details will be shared closer to the event date.
Community members will enjoy a spectacular fireworks display set to a patriotic soundtrack in celebration of America250.
Highland Parkers will spotlight their American stories in this year’s Independence Day parade with floats that celebrate our history and illustrates what America means to them! Whether through characters like Uncle Sam or Rosie the Riveter, floats that showcase the history of HP businesses or organizations, or entries that celebrate a special decade or time in our history, the sky’s the limit! Participants are encouraged to create visually exciting entries with patriotic or historical decor that brings the America250 theme to life.
Applications for the Independence Day parade are available now at cityhpil.com/independenceday.
Community members will keep the fun going with a special pool party at Hidden Creek AquaPark. The party will feature a DJ and patriotic poolside games. Food specials will be available for purchase from the concessions stand. Parade participants (individuals and groups appearing in the parade) will enjoy free admission to the water park.
Information regarding the 2026 Independence Celebration weekend activities will be shared by both the City and Park District as planning continues.
In consideration of feedback from victims and best practice recommendations from the Department of Justice Office of Victims of Crime, a public remembrance is not planned this year. The City’s temporary memorial, located at the Rose Garden adjacent to City Hall (1707 St. Johns Ave.), is accessible at any time for personal reflection and remembrance. The City continues to provide support to community members impacted by the Highland Park shooting in 2022 through the Resiliency Division. For information about Resiliency Division services, visit resilienthpil.org.
At Park Fitness, wellness goes beyond equipment and exercise classes. It’s about creating a space where people feel welcome, supported, and connected. That vision comes to life every Friday from 4-5pm at Community Yoga, a FREE class designed for everyone in the community.
Whether you’re new to yoga or returning to your mat, Community Yoga is your chance to slow down, connect, and head into the weekend feeling lighter, calmer, and more grounded. The class takes place in the Mind/Body Studio overlooking The Preserve of Highland Park, offering peaceful, scenic views that elevate the entire experience.
Community Yoga is made possible through the generous support of Highland Park Hospital – Endeavor Health. Their sponsorship enables Park Fitness to remove barriers and offer this high-quality wellness experience at no cost to the community.
Jodi DiTomassso, Manager of Fitness, tells us how that program reflects a larger mission.
“My focus is creating a space where everyone feels welcome, supported, and inspired to take care of their health,” Jodi shares. Alongside a dedicated team of fitness professionals, she helps foster an environment where people of all backgrounds and experience levels can feel at home.
The class is intentionally designed to be accessible. There is no membership required, no residency restrictions, and no limit to how often you can attend. It’s a simple invitation: come as you are.
Each session focuses on gentle movement, stretching, and breathwork in a calm, easy-to-follow format. Community Yoga is led by a team of 13 dedicated instructors who rotate through the schedule as part of their commitment to give back. This allows participants to experience a variety of teaching styles while always feeling supported in an all-level, beginner-friendly environment.
“You will always feel comfortable and leave feeling better than when you walked in,” Jodi says.
Virtually every community has a leash law. In Highland Park, the law requires that dogs be kept on a leash on public property, including our parks. The law intends to protect the health and safety of the public and to protect your pet. A leash is commonly referred to as “Your Pet’s Lifeline” and protects your pet from harm and potentially harming other people or animals in the area. While you can train certain dogs to avoid the busy roads, stop and wait for their owner at corners, and even return to their side at command, there is always the chance that a dog could act impulsively. The safest and legal way to walk your dog is on a leash.
Dog Park Membership offers countless benefits for your dog. One of the most important benefits a dog park provides a dog is to exercise both his body and mind. In an open off-leash space, your dog has the chance to run around freely, chasing after balls and other dogs as much as his heart desires. He can socialize with humans and other dogs, which helps maintain healthy social skills. Like people, dogs are social creatures, and they enjoy being around their own kind. Your dog can practice his communication skills with other dogs and gives him practice reading other dogs. Practicing and mastering these skills helps your dog from developing fear or aggression problems around other dogs. This is especially true if you have a young dog that is eager to learn. And, not only is it fun for your four-legged friend, but it’s also fun for you! You can run around and exercise with your dog, practice off-leash training, talk to and bond with other dog owners, and enjoy the time watching your dog have the time of his life.
The Park District of Highland Park has three dog parks available to registered members:
Debbie Gottlieb Beitler Dog Park at Larry Fink Memorial Park – open year-round
701 Deer Creek Parkway
A relaxed park-like atmosphere with two off-leash exercise areas, depending on the size of your dog.
Moraine Dog Beach – open mid-April through mid-November
2501 Sheridan Road
Moraine Dog Beach has a new boardwalk and path leading down to the beach. Your dogs can run in the sand and dip in the lake on those hot, sunny days.
Highland Park Golf Learning Center – open mid-December through mid-March
2203 Skokie Valley Highway
A large outdoor venue for your dog to run off some of that cabin fever energy.
MARCH 11 WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD
The Park Board approved: Base Bid and Alternate 2 from Midway Contract Group, LLC for the 2026 Asbestos Remediation West Ridge Center Project and authorize the Executive Director to enter into a contract in the amount of $185,000.
Staff provided construction updates for the West Ridge Park New Facility/Site Improvements project and the Lincoln Park Improvements project.
MARCH 17 FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
Staff reviewed items scheduled for the March 18, 2026 consent agenda and provided contract recommendations, including: Ordinance #2026-03 An Ordinance Amending the Appropriation Ordinance for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2025 and Ending on December 31, 2025, Dynegy Energy Services, LLC Electric Service Agreement bid via Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative (NIMEC), 2026 Routine Grounds Maintenance Services – South and North Routes, 2026 Park Avenue Dredging Rebid Project, and the 2026 Sport Court Improvement Project.
Staff reviewed the bid results for the 2026 Weeding and Landscaping Services and provided a contract recommendation. This item was moved to the march 18, 2026 consent agenda.
The gymnastics Studio at Centennial Ice Arena will be vacant in May with the opening of the West Ridge Community Center. Ductwork from the former studio rink (decommissioned in 1983) is intrusive and limits alternative programming; staff requested direction from the Finance Committee and Park Board on removal.
Staff presented the Park District’s Employee Compensation Plan, highlighting policy and best practices to ensure the park district establishes and maintains competitive wages and provides base pay that meets or exceeds the market.
MARCH 18 REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD
The Park Board approved: Ordinance #2026-03 An Ordinance Amending the Appropriation Ordinance for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2025 and Ending on December 31, 2025, Dynegy Energy Services, LLC Electric Service Agreement bid via Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative (NIMEC), 2026 Routine Grounds Maintenance Services – South and North Routes, 2026 Park Avenue Dredging Rebid Project and Rejected the Original Bid Issuance, 2026 Sport Court Improvement Project, and the 2026 Weeding and Landscaping Services Bid.
The Park Board authorized the Executive Director to Enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with True North Educational Cooperative 804.
Staff provided an annual report for Heller Nature Center and the Rosewood interpretive Center comparing budgeted vs actual programming revenues, expenses, and participant utilization.
FEBRUARY 11 WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD
Williams Architects was engaged to evaluate feasibility of relocating the ceramics program to the Danny Cunniff South Shelter, including needed modifications, timeline, and cost estimate. West Ridge Center demolition is scheduled for May; if approved, programming would begin in 2027. Feasibility results and Board action are pending; in the interim, staff partnered with the Art Center of Highland Park to provide alternative ceramics programming.
Staff reviewed proposed annual updates to ensure policies/handbook content remain compliant with federal and Illinois employment law and standard practice.
The Board rejected the initial 2026 Park Fitness Locker Room Renovations bids (received December 19, 2025) and directed a rebid issued January 27, 2026. Staff reviewed rebid results; the Board authorized the Executive Director to enter into an agreement with Kandu Construction Inc. for the Base Bid and Alternates 1 and 2.
The City of Highland Park is considering placing the “Miss Nitro” sculpture at Brown Park or Lincoln Place Park; the City will make the final determination. Staff will hold two neighborhood meetings in February to gather input on park visions and potential impacts of relocating “Miss Nitro.”
Staff provided construction updates for the West Ridge Park New Facility/Site Improvements project and the Lincoln Park Improvements project.
FEBRUARY 17 FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
Staff reviewed items scheduled for the February 21, 2026 consent agenda and provided contract recommendations, including: Resolution 2026-01 Authorizing the Purchase of Electricity, Club Pickle and Padel Change Order 19 for Fire Alarm Coverage, the 2026 Electrical Gear Upgrade at Centennial Ice Arena, 2026 Hidden Creek AquaPark Mechanical Pump/Motor Replacement, and the Purchase and Installation of a Geothermal HVAC Unit at Rosewood Interpretative Center.
Staff reviewed the 2026 Hidden Creek AquaPark and Rosewood Beach license agreement proposals and provided a contract recommendation.
Staff reviewed the West Ridge Community Center change order for the fire alarm system permit.
Staff reviewed 2026 Devonshire Park Playground Refresh bids and provided a contract recommendation.
FEBRUARY 25 REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD
Champions Point LLC (2700 Point Lane) submitted a report regarding environmental, maintenance, and infrastructure considerations related to proposed access/use of Heller Nature Center; findings were presented by John Cooper and Hey and Associates.
Staff identified remaining environmental and operational concerns and outlined recommended follow-up actions.
1) Vegetation/wetlands: Increased traffic and trail work may impact remnant plants; staff noted the wetland investigation was preliminary and recommended completing field work during the growing season and submitting a preliminary jurisdictional determination request to LCSMC once boundaries are confirmed.
2) Wildlife: Staff recommended a wildlife impact assessment to evaluate potential effects of increased visitation and disruption on habitat-dependent species.
3) Trees: Although no removals are proposed, staff noted nearby trees may be impacted by compaction/earthwork and recommended a certified arborist tree health assessment.
4) Trail/program impacts: Widening the trail from 5′ to 8′ would require excavation/screening and result in an estimated ~1,000 sq. ft. prairie loss; staff also noted potential conflicts with existing Heller programming (camps, rentals, school groups, events, archery, etc.).
Staff recommended further evaluation after completion of the additional investigations and assessments noted above.
Staff reviewed the employee-driven DEI and employee engagement task force purpose and summarized accomplishments since 2021, including education/training, team-building, and philanthropic campaigns supporting Highland Park, Highwood, and Lake County.
The Park Board approved: Resolution 2026-01 (electricity purchase); Club Pickle and Padel CO #19 (fire alarm coverage); updates to the Employee Handbook (intro section and Policies 5.1, 5.5, 6.3, 6.7, 7.4, 7.5, 7.8, 7.10); Centennial Ice Arena electrical gear upgrade; Hidden Creek AquaPark pump/motor replacement; Rosewood Interpretive Center geothermal HVAC unit purchase/installation; West Ridge fire alarm permit revision change order ($81,275); Devonshire Park Playground Refresh base bid (excluding items 5.00, 5.01, 5.02, 6.03) and Alternates 1 and 2 with Hacienda Landscaping Inc. ($185,255); and the 2026 Hidden Creek AquaPark/Rosewood Beach concessions license agreement with Catering with Relish, Inc.
We’re excited to share that a brand‑new SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County) Clothing & Textile Collection Bin is now available for the community! The bin is located in the northeastern corner of the shared Senior Center, Park Fitness and The Preserve of Highland Park parking lot.
The Park District is partnering with the City of Highland Park and SWALCO to bring a convenient way to reuse and recycle clothing & textiles, keeping them out of the landfill.
The SWALCO program accepts both new/gently used clothing and textiles and worn or stained items, including:
The Partnership with SWALCO to install the Clothing and Textile Collection Bin supports the Park District’s GreenPath goal to reduce landfill waste.
Register for one day or all 5!
Get out of the house and hit the courts this spring break.
Drill and play with our pros and also play some games.
Ages 7-14
Nature Impossible: Tuesday, 10am-Noon or 12:30-2:30pm
Become a nature secret agent! Spend the morning, master skills like map making and compass navigation. In the afternoon, put your skills to the test with animal observation and scavenger hunts to solve nature mysteries.
Builder Bats: Thursday, 10am-Noon or 12:30-2:30pm
Learn all about Bats, the amazing nocturnal creatures hiding in our woods! Use hammers and nails to put together a Bat house and hang it here at Heller Nature Center.
Ages: 6-10
Program is outdoors so please dress for the weather. Participants attending morning and afternoon sessions may bring a peanut-free sack lunch to eat between programs.
Young explorers come discover what amazing things we have in store for your Spring Break!
Grossology: Monday, 10am-Noon or 12:30-2:30pm
Get ready for a day of gross nature fun! The morning will explore animal clues, like scat and what they tell us about wildlife, while the afternoon takes a closer look at birds and their barf with hands-on activities throughout the entire day.
Up in the Air: Wednesday, 10am-Noon or 12:30-2:30pm
What flies up in those skies? Build rockets, kites, and planes and see where they go at Rosewood Beach!
Ages: 6-10
Program is outdoors so please dress for the weather. Participants attending morning and afternoon sessions may bring a peanut-free sack lunch to eat between programs.
The STREAM Explorers Spring Break Camp offers a fun experience for children during spring break. Held at West Ridge Center, this camp features a variety of activities in Science, Technology, Recreation, Environment, Art, and More. Participants will engage in hands-on technology projects, creative art activities, exciting recreational games, and environmental explorations. The camp provides an ideal way for kids to spend their spring break, making new friends and exploring new interests in a dynamic and supportive environment.
Ages 5-10
Program is waitlisted
Beginning Monday, March 2, the entire south parking lot and the south end of the circle drive at the main entrance at West Ridge Center will be closed to accommodate construction of the parking lot for the new West Ridge Community Center opening in May.
During construction, we kindly ask patrons to park in the north parking lot in the designated areas and use the sidewalk to access the main entrance. Signage will be in place to help guide you safely. Parking spaces at the front circle drive will be for ADA access only.
We appreciate your patience as we complete this important project and look forward to welcoming you to the new West Ridge Community Center soon.
Sound off! Your dog will help sniff out eggs that are filled with treats special for pups! One handler age 18 or older per dog. All dogs must remain on leash for the entire event, be at least 4 months old to participate, and wear current rabies tags. This event is free; however, owner registration is recommended to receive the detailed information.
All dogs
Sunset Woods Park
1801 Sunset Road
Step into a world of inclusivity and wonder at our Sensory-Friendly Egg Hunt, a heartwarming event that embraces the joy of the season while accommodating the unique needs of individuals with sensory sensitivities. This one-of-a-kind egg hunt is thoughtfully designed to ensure that everyone can join in the fun, fostering an environment of understanding, compassion, and, above all, celebration.
This hunt is specifically for children ages 3-14 with disabilities.
Sunset Woods Park
1801 Sunset Road
Designed just for the little ones! Bring your Tots to climb, play, and discover hidden treasures as they collect colorful eggs throughout the playground!
Ages 1-3
Sunset Woods Park
1801 Sunset Road
Don’t be late for this Very Important Date! Join us for an EGG-Citing morning out in Sunset Park. This hunt is our main event with thousands of plastic eggs filled with treats, the Wonderland Egg Hunt is family fun for children and their parents. Based on the incredible feedback from last year’s Egg Hunt, we will be bringing back the highly-sought after adult prizes, in addition to the golden ticket larger child prizes. When we say family fun, we truly mean it!
This event for families is free; however, registration is recommended to receive detailed information.
Ages 3+
Sunset Woods Park
1801 Sunset Road
Thank you to our sponsor:
Use GPS’s to explore Heller Nature Center Woods and look for different kinds of animals that lay eggs! With each egg you find, learn about these different animals and how their eggs protect them as they grow
Ages 2+
Heller Nature Center
2821 Ridge Rd
Join us for an egg-citing twist on the traditional egg hunt—designed just for the “older kids”! Each child participant must be registered, and accompanied by an adult (adult need not register).
Ages 8-12
Location: This unique event takes place at night in a secret park location, revealed one week prior to the event. Registered participants will receive all the details ahead of time.
Location TBD
