All programs will run as scheduled and all facilities will be open.

Friday, January 12 at 4pm

Programs will run as scheduled this evening and facilities will remain open as scheduled.

Friday, January 12 at 1pm

The following adjustments have been made to our late afternoon and early evening (3:30pm – 6pm) programming:

At 4pm, the Park District will reevaluate other later evening programs and activities based on weather conditions. Updates will be sent out via email and posted on our website and social media.

Friday, January 12 at 11am

The following adjustments have been made to our programming:

At 3:30pm, the Park District will reevaluate the evening programs and activities based on weather conditions. Updates will be sent out via email and will be posted on our website and social media.

Stay safe.

Thursday, January 11 at 6pm

Due to predicted severe weather conditions and for the safety of our residents and employees, on Friday, January 12, the following adjustments have been made to our programming:

At 10am, the Park District will reevaluate the day’s afternoon and evening schedules based on weather conditions. Updates will be sent out via email and will be posted on our website and social media.

Stay safe.

Click here for a complete description of our Emergency Closing Policy.

For information on road conditions and road closures, please visit https://www.lakecountypassage.com/index.jsp.

Designed to assist migrants, who recently have been arriving via buses from Texas to Highland Park, while they await transfer to the Chicago Processing Center, the “Take Care” Packages will be a tangible expression of our community’s care for others.

Items Needed

Non-Perishable Food/Drink: Bottled water, granola bars, dried fruits and nuts, and packaged healthy snacks

Hygiene Products: Toothbrushes/toothpaste, soap/shampoo (travel size), feminine hygiene products, diapers and baby wipes, and hand sanitizer and wet wipes

Clothing: Hats, gloves, socks, and underwear

First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and face masks

General: Reusable water bottles and flashlights with extra batteries

Communications: Basic travel translation guides or dictionaries, and prepaid phone cards

Comfort Items: Children’s books, magazines, or puzzle books (Spanish language), and stuffed animals

Gift cards for grocery stores or pharmacies (please do not drop-off at Park District sites)

Drop-Off Locations

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 8pm this evening to midnight on Tuesday night. Wet snow accumulations from 5-8 inches are expected with wind gusts as high as 35 mph Tuesday night. We encourage our residents to be careful when driving. Hazardous road conditions could impact the Tuesday morning and Tuesday evening commute.  

If weather conditions impact Park District programs, we will share updated information on our website, social media, and in our emails. Please follow our Facebook or sign up for our e-newsletters for updates.  

We endeavor to keep our facilities and programs operating whenever possible. There are times, however, when weather, road conditions, or facility malfunctions dictate that programs and/or services must be canceled, or temporarily postponed or entire facilities closed. Click here for a complete description of our Emergency Closing Policy.

For information on road conditions and road closures, please visit https://www.lakecountypassage.com/index.jsp.

By: Trainer Amy Hohman

As the cold weather approaches, many outdoor exercisers dread the idea of moving their workouts indoors. The following tips may help:

We are happy to report that the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Park District of Highland Park for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022.  This is the 34th consecutive year the Park District has received the award.  The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 21,000 members and the communities they serve.

Residents may drop off their holiday trees for recycling at the Park District at two convenient locations:

Drop-off locations within the parks are in posted areas of parking lots. Trees must be free of decorations, wires, or any other materials.

Trees will be chipped for use as woodchips, which may be picked up and used for residents’ gardens and landscapes. Trees will be accepted for recycling through January 21, 2024.

For more information, contact Glenn Nance, Parks Landscape Manager at gnance@pdhp.org or 847.579.4175.

By: Trainer Adam Dicker

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, let’s be honest, indulgence. While the festivities often bring delicious treats and hearty meals, it’s essential to find a balance to stay fit and healthy. Here are a few tips to keep you on track with your fitness goals during the holiday season.

Prioritize Quick Workouts

Recognize that time might be a constraint during the holidays. Opt for shorter, high-intensity workouts that can be easily squeezed into a busy schedule. Quick bursts of exercise can be just as effective.

Involve the Whole Family

Plan activities that involve everyone, from hiking and biking to a friendly game of touch football. It’s a fantastic way to bond while staying active.

Mindful Eating

Enjoy holiday treats but practice mindful eating. Pay attention to portion sizes and savor each bite. When preparing meals, incorporate nutritious options. This can help you avoid overindulging while still enjoying the festive flavors.

Stay Hydrated

With holiday beverages and cozy drinks in abundance, it’s crucial to stay hydrated. Water not only keeps you feeling full but also supports overall well-being.

Get Creative with Gifts

Give the gift of fitness and consider presents that encourage physical activity. Purchase Fitness Club 10-Punch passes, personal training sessions, beach yoga punch passes, and more for the Recreation Center of Highland Park.

By: Group Fitness Instructor and Pilates Reformer Trainer, Cara Schlussel

Tis the season to be baking cookies! And while those cookies are in the oven, you’ve got 12 minutes to whip up a quick, high-intensity workout. Try these short, intense exercises the next time you’re in the kitchen. Here’s your plan do each exercise below for 40 seconds each with a 15 second rest, and repeat 2x:

  1. Squats: Stand hip-width apart and lower yourself until your thighs are parallel to the floor, keeping your weight in your heels, back flat, and chest upright.
  2. Jumping Jacks: Get your heart pumping and maximize calories burned. Stand upright with your feet hip-width apart and your arms by your sides. Jump your feet out while raising your arms above your head, and repeat. Engage your glutes and push back to the start position. Repeat.
  3. High Knees: Bring one knee up to hip level and then switch legs. Try to go as fast as you can.
  4. Lunges: Stand with one foot in front of the other, about 2-3 feet apart. Keep your torso straight, shoulders back and your core engaged.  Bend your knees, lowering your body toward the floor and push back up to the starting position.  Be sure to do this exercise for both legs.
  5. Butt Kicks: Kick your right heel up to touch your butt and then your left foot, and repeat.
  6. Mountain Climbers: Start in a high plank, with your palms flat on the floor, hands shoulder-width apart, shoulders stacked above your wrists, legs extended, and core engaged. This is the starting position. Keeping your core tight, draw your right knee to your chest. Return to the starting position and immediately draw your left knee to your chest. Return your left leg to the starting position. That’s 1 rep. Continue to alternate. The quicker you move your legs, the more of a cardio challenge this will become.

Updates from the November Park Board Meetings

November 8: Decennial Committee Meeting of the Park Board

Staff reviewed the importance of continual improvement to promote efficient operations and savings to the taxpayers. Some of the recommendations to promote increased accountability and efficiency in government include the consideration to eliminate government fees and charges and modifications to some state and federal unfunded mandates.

November 8: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

Staff reviewed the proposed Park District Five-Year Capital Plan for the years 2024 through 2027. 

Staff provided a brief overview of the Site Design and Engineering Services Agreement from Lamar Johnson Collaborative for the Sunset Woods Improvements project to implement Phase 1 of the Sunset Woods Master Plan which includes new multi-use basketball court, new skate park, new wheel friendly plaza, new game court, native planting and interpretation area. The scope also includes design services for related Capital Projects for replacement of athletic field and tennis lighting, assessment of existing tennis courts and associated drainage improvements.

Staff provided project updates for the Lot 3 Enterprise Facility at 2205 Skokie Velley Road, Hidden Creek AquaPark Deck Replacement and Shade Structures project, Port Clinton and Old Elm Playground projects, and the New Community Center at West Ridge Park.

November 14: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the proposed 2024 Budget and the 2023 tax levy considerations. 

The Finance Committee recommended the Park Board of Commissioners approve the Site Design and Engineering Services Agreement from Lamar Johnson Collaborative for the Sunset Woods Improvements project, the independent contractor agreement with the Golf Practice for golf programs and services at the Highland Park Golf Learning Center, and the addition of policy 5.03.07: Household Credits Left on Account.

Staff provided a 2023 financial analysis report of Centennial Ice Arena, comparing year-to-date budgeted vs. actual revenues and expenses for programs and rentals. 

November 15: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2024 Board Meeting Calendar, the 2024 IAPD/IPRA Credentials Certificate, Policy # 5.03.07 Household Credits Left on Account, the Site Design and Engineering Services Proposal from Lamar Johnson for the Sunset Woods Improvements project, the Independent Contractor Agreement with The Golf Practice for Golf Programs and Services, and Truth in Taxation Resolution #2023-08.

Staff provided a 2023 end of season lakefront report, comparing budgeted vs actual revenues, expenses, and utilization for Rosewood Beach and Park Avenue Beach and Boating Facility. Staff also shared recommendations and what to expect for the 2024 lakefront season.

Staff are still negotiating the terms for the Restricted Donor Agreement with Ron Saslow for the Enterprise Property Improvement Plan at 2205 Skokie Valley Road (Lot 3). A draft will be shared with the Park Board of Commissioners before requesting formal approval of the agreement at a December Meeting of the Park Board of Commissioners.

Updates from the October Park Board Meetings

October 17: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the third quarter financials for the Recreation Center of Highland Park.

PMA Securities LLC reviewed the proposed debt issuance for the 2024 fiscal year.

Staff reviewed the tax levy timeline and the key considerations for the 2023 tax levy considerations, and its impacts to the 2024 budget.

Staff reviewed the three Request for Qualifications (RFQs) for the Sunset Woods Improvements Design Service and received consensus from the Finance Committee to proceed with negotiating a fee with the top-ranked firm, Lamar Johnson.

Staff reviewed the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Recreational Services of an Enterprise Facility at 2205 Skokie Valley Road.

October 18: Facility and Recreation Committee Meeting

Staff provided construction project updates for the Hidden Creek AquaPark Deck Replacement and Shades Structure project, the Larry Fink Memorial Park Baseball Field Improvements project, and the Park Avenue North Beach project.

Staff reviewed the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Recreational Services of an Enterprise Facility at 2205 Skokie Valley Road.

Staff reviewed the reconciliation program developed by Architects Holabird and Root for the New Community Center at West Ridge Park. 

October 25: Decennial Committee Meeting of the Park Board

Staff reviewed public transparency including readily available information and opportunities for public feedback to the Park Board of Commissioners and staff.

Staff reviewed awards and recognition that the Park District of Highland Park received over the past five years.

Staff reviewed how the District serves the entire Highland Park community by providing attractive and diversified facilities, parks, and natural areas and provides recreation seven days a week for various interest groups and people of all ages.

Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved Ordinance 2023-08 Renaming Cloverdale Park to Fontana-Pasquesi Park.

Staff are still negotiating a fee with Lamar Johnson for design services for the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grant Project to implement Phase 1 of the Sunset Woods Master Plan. Staff hope to have a final recommendation and request approval of a Design Services Agreement in November.

Staff reviewed the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Recreational Services of an Enterprise Facility at 2205 Skokie Valley Road. Staff received consensus from the Park Board of Commissioners to work with Park District Legal Counsel to negotiate terms and develop a donor agreement with Ron Saslow and a license agreement with The Golf Practice. Agreements are anticipated to be considered for approval by the Park Board of Commissioners at the November Regular Board Meeting.  Staff also received consensus to continue negotiations directly with Golf Development Strategies on an agreement for future consideration.