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Location: West Ridge Center (636 Ridge Road)
Whisk the morning away with us in this delicious Valentine’s Day-inspired class — come in clothes that can get messy, and be prepared to have a fun-filled morning with your little one!
Registration is per child, and all children must be accompanied by a non-registered adult.
Ages 3-5 with an Adult
Price: $15/18 (Resident/Non-Resident)
Location: Centennial Ice Arena (3100 Trail Way)
Grab your love or your bestie and go on a skate date! Whether you’re an experienced skater or a beginner, our rink is the perfect place to glide, twirl, and create unforgettable memories.
Price: $7 | With skates: $11
Location: Park Fitness (1207 Park Avenue West)
Join your friends and neighbors in a FREE yoga class overlooking the natural beauty of The Preserve of Highland Park! Open to all levels. Class is led by rotating instructors who bring their own unique style. Instructor schedules will be updated weekly on our website.
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.
Ages: 13+
FREE
Location: Club Pickle & Padel (2205 Skokie Valley Road)
Celebrate Valentine’s season on the courts! Join us for a fun evening of a mixed doubles pickleball tournament. Must sign up with a partner (all pairings must be one man and one woman). Enjoy great matches, a festive atmosphere, and plenty of laughs to kick off the holiday of love pickleball style.
Level: 3.5+
Price: $25/player ($50/team)
Location: Heller Nature Center (2821 Ridge Road)
Join us at Heller Nature Center for a romantic bonfire and candle-lit walk on our beautiful winter trails. Each participant will receive a gourmet s’mores kit. We’ll have two cozy fires to warm your hearts and your marshmallows! Walk our wintry trails, illuminated by glowing luminaries, find conversation hearts, and get to know your partner all over again!
Pre-registration required. All participants must register for the program. This is an adults-only event. Program is outdoors so please dress for the weather.
Ages 18+
Price: $14
Program is full!
Location: Rosewood Beach (883 Sheridan Road)
Drop the kids off at Rosewood Beach Interpretive Center to explore science and nature with our naturalists, while you enjoy a nice dinner or anything else you might have planned for Valentine’s Day. We’ll create glowing experiments and crafts, to have our very own glow party. We’ll even feed them pizza!
Pre-registration required. This is a drop-off program, so parents are not required to register or attend.
Ages 5-12
Price: $28
Deer Creek Racquet Club celebrated an exciting milestone this past weekend (January 31–February 2) as 13-year-old Maya Keller made club history at a Level 4 USTA tournament in Chicago.
Competing in the Girls 14 & Under division, Maya became the first Deer Creek Racquet Club junior player to win a Level 4 USTA event! She is currently ranked 8th in Chicago and 16th in the Midwest, and this achievement marks another step forward in her tennis journey.
We’re incredibly proud of Maya and look forward to seeing what’s next!
JANUARY 14 MASTER PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
The Lakota Group reviewed the presentation which will be shared at the Community Open House.
JANUARY 14 WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD
Staff reviewed the purpose of establishing an ADA Committee, its structure and member responsibilities, committee operations, and the committee’s goals for 2026.
Staff provided construction updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the Executive Director’s total compensation including salary, vehicle allowance, bonus, health insurance, vacation, and sick days effective January 1, 2026.
JANUARY 20 FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
PMA Financial Network provided a presentation on future financing opportunities for the Park District.
Staff reviewed the updated services for the addendum to the L6 Technology IT Support Services Agreement and the Ordinance Amending the Appropriation Ordinance for the 2025 fiscal year.
JANAURY 21 REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD
A public hearing was held for the 2026 budget.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved an Addendum to the L6 Technology IT Support Services Agreement, Ordinance 2026-02: An Ordinance Amending the Appropriation Ordinance for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2025 and Ending on December 31, 2025, the 2026 Budget and 2026 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance (2026-02) for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, and the Total Base Bid from YOUnyted LLC for the 2026 New West Ridge Community Center Furniture Bid in the amount of $176,314.00 and authorize the Executive Director to enter into an agreement.
Resident John Cooper, owner of 2700 Point Lane, submitted a proposal for City of Highland Park consideration to permit property tours as a special use. The proposed “Experience Greatness” program aims to inspire personal transformation through themes of mindset, action, and service, offering mentorship to youth from all economic backgrounds. The proposal seeks a partnership with Heller Nature Center as the access point, including a small trail extension, funding for improvements, shuttle service, and insurance coverage. The partnership would provide financial support, program integration, and event access for the Park District.
The Park Board of Commissioners will explore the possibility of collaborating with Champions Point.
Staff presented the 2025 marketing and advertising projects and accomplishments that support the Park District of Highland Park and the Parks Foundation of Highland Park.
The Park Board of Commissioners released the July 30, 2025 Closed Session Meeting minutes for public inspection. The Closed Session Meeting minutes from October 08, 2025, October 22, 2025, November 12, 2025, November 19, 2025, December 09, 2025, and December 17, 2025; shall not be released for public inspection since the need for confidentiality still exists as to all or part of those minutes.
Last weekend, our Park District of Highland Park Competitive Gymnasts competed in the Linda’s Island Adventure meet in Waukegan, IL.
In an exciting milestone for our program, this meet marked our very first Xcel competition at the Xcel Gold level, and our athletes rose to the occasion in a big way. Shay Kessel delivered a standout performance, earning 1st place on beam and an impressive 4th place All-Around. These results reflect the hard work, dedication, and growth our gymnasts and coaches have put into this new program.
We were also thrilled to see our Level 3s compete in their first meet of the season, showing confidence and determination throughout the day. Marley Rosen, Gabby Vega, and Zoey Haycock left it all on the floor! Zoey had a great showing, finishing 7th on bars and 8th on floor, and all of our Level 3 athletes performed strongly as they kicked off their season. This meet was a major moment for our program, and we couldn’t be prouder of how our gymnasts represented us—this is just the beginning of something special!
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold warning in effect for our area from 3am to noon on Friday, January 23, with expected wind chills as low at 30 to 40 degrees below zero. Due to these conditions, the following Park District schedules have been revised for Friday, January 23:
Special activities are planned for the day including:
Before heading out, remember that dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. To keep you and your family safe, prepare in advance for the cold weather by following these recommendations from the National Weather Service.
For information on warming shelters in Highland Park visit the City website or call the non-emergency public safety line at 847-432-7730.
Please stay safe!
I grew up in Elkhart, Indiana, a small town about 2.5 hours east of Highland Park. After college, I headed back to Elkhart and spent a little over five years as a naturalist with the county parks. Eventually, I moved to Detroit to finish grad school, then joined the University of Michigan’s Student Life Sustainability team. There, I got to collaborate with students, faculty, and staff on making campus life a little greener. I left that position to move closer to my family, including my parents, who now live in the Chicago suburbs too!
I don’t have one specific memory that sparked my love for nature, it’s more like a collection of moments spent outside with my grandparents growing up. In the summers, I’d visit my dad’s parents in Chicago, where their city-sized backyard overflowed with plants. My grandma always let me dig in the dirt and help with her garden, and I loved every second of it. Back home in Elkhart, my mom’s parents lived just down the road. I visited almost every day after school, exploring the property, half of which was left undeveloped, full of the perfect climbing trees and what felt like a million lightning bugs in the summer.
What I love most about working in nature is the sense of connection it brings to the land, to the seasons, etc. I especially enjoy finding and sharing moments of nature in places where people might not expect them, like dense cities or suburban green spaces.
I’m an ordained minister. It started as an inside joke with friends, but word got out, and I have performed three weddings so far.
I love the sense of pride and connection from the Heller regulars! With that, I wish more people in the community knew what a gem the property is, not just for the great programs, but for all of the self-guided adventures it offers!
I love exploring nature outside of work, but I also enjoy indoor activities like reading, watching movies, going to concerts, and spending time with friends and family.
If I could be any animal for a day, I’d probably choose the American beaver. I love to swim, I love trees, and I try to live as sustainably as possible, just like beavers! Exploring a forest, swimming along a river, and creating vital wetland habitats. Sounds like a perfect day!
Winter does not have to keep you indoors! In this episode of Wild Insights, Mark shares practical, expert tips for staying warm while enjoying the outdoors during the coldest months of the year.
DECEMBER 09 FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
Staff provided a detailed review of the 2026 Budget Book.
DECEMBER 09 LAKEFRONT, PARKS, AND NATURAL AREAS COMMITTEE MEETING
Resident John Cooper, owner of 2700 Point Lane, submitted a proposal for City of Highland Park consideration to permit property tours as a special use. The proposed “Experience Greatness” program aims to inspire personal transformation through themes of mindset, action, and service, offering mentorship to youth from all economic backgrounds. The proposal seeks a partnership with Heller Nature Center as the access point, including a small trail extension, funding for improvements, shuttle service, and insurance coverage. The partnership would provide financial support, program integration, and event access for the Park District.
It was the consensus of the Park Board to allow the Executive Director to engage in conversations with Mr. Cooper, to authorize two Park Board Commissioners to act as liaisons to these discussions, and to direct all official communications to the Executive Director.
DECEMBER 09 WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD
Staff provided construction updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, Lincoln Park Improvements, and the Rosewood Park Playground Replacement.
DECEMBER 17 MASTER PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
The Lakota Group presented the GreenPrint Master Plan initiatives matrix. The matrix has capital development projects, capital improvement projects, planning/programming projects, and operational planning projects listed by prioritization tiers designed for the capital plan.
DECEMBER 17 REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD
A public hearing was held for the tax levy ordinance. Staff presented the 2026 proposed budget and the budget and appropriation ordinance.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved Ordinance #2025-13 An Ordinance Authorizing a Supplemental Property Tax Levy to Pay the Principal of and Interest on the Outstanding General Obligation Limited Tax Park Bonds, Series 2024, of the Park District of Highland Park, Lake County, Illinois, Ordinance #2025-14 Tax Levy for 2025, the 2026 IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference Attendance, the 2026 Renewal Letter of the Independent Contractor’s Agreement The Golf Practice, the 2026 License Agreement Between the Park District of Highland Park and the North Shore Yacht Club,2026 Highland Park Pops Affiliate Organization Agreement, 2026 Highland Park Players Affiliate Organization Agreement, 2026 American Youth Soccer Organization Affiliate Agreement, and the 2026 Uptown Music Theater of Highland Park Affiliate Organization Agreement.
Staff received consensus from the Park Board of Commissioners to move forward and lay the 2026 budget down for a period of thirty days so that the public may review it.
Staff presented the end of season golf report comparing 2024 to 2025 operations and financials and highlighting 2025 events and tournaments.
Staff reviewed budgeted vs actual membership sales and year-to-date participation figures for winter pickleball programs, permanent court times, and open play for pickleball and padel.
Turn off your screen and turn on LIFE! Screen Free Week is celebrated every year in the first week of May. This week, celebrated all over the world, is an invitation for everyone — children, adults, and entire communities — to switch off completely from staring at screens and take a well-deserved break. We are offering a variety of events this week.
All events are free but registration is required.
Kick off Screen Free Week with a Star Wars-themed family bike event! Bring and decorate your bikes, strollers, scooters, wheelchairs-some supplies will be provided, but participants are also encouraged to bring their own. After decorating, take part in a fun, family-friendly ride along our designated route.
Ages 3+ with an adult
Location: Wayne Thomas Elementary School (2939 Summit Drive)
Mini golf at Highland Park’s Rivers Edge for ages 5+ (must be accompanied by an adult): Bring your enthusiasm and join us for a memorable day of laughter, camaraderie, and a “hole” lot of fun!
Location: River’s Edge Mini Golf (2205 Skokie Valley Road)
Hike with a Naturalist at Heller Nature Center for all ages. Find the beauty in spring with a guided hike from a Heller Naturalist. Discover spring ephemerals, bird calls, and more as the forest re-awakens during spring.
Location: Heller Nature Center (2821 Ridge Road)
Chalk-a-Palooza at West Ridge Park for all ages: Unleash your colorful creativity on a sidewalk canvas!
All Ages (ages 2-8 must be accompanied by an adult)
Location: West Ridge Center (636 Ridge Road)
Open Swim at the Park Fitness for all ages: Put on your swimsuits, and dive into some Aquatic fun!
All Ages (ages 2-12 with an adult)
Location: Park Fitness (1207 Park Avenue West)
Unplug and get outside during Screen-Free Week by lending a hand in Highland Park’s natural areas. Adult volunteers will take part in hands-on stewardship projects like planting native species and removing invasive plants while enjoying fresh air, movement, and connection to the land-no screens required.
Location: TBD
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.
