This is a story that could be about any of the hundreds or thousands of kids who grow up in Park District programs and go on to become staff members at the pools and recreation centers, instructors in programs, and an inspiration to the next generation. But while this story is exactly the same as so many others, there is an inspiring teachable moment here. With the support of family, friends, and the staff at your Park District, the story unfolds beautifully, and exactly as it should. Here’s just a bit of Chazzie’s story.
As a regular, energetic member of the Park District’s Kid’s Club, at 5 years old Chazzie colored, made lots of art projects with Miss Debbie, and loved playing with dolls. “The staff were all so wonderful. I felt connected, grateful, and supported.” Of course, the Park District staff supports all kids in our programs, but while having been born the youngest of 4 boys in the family, since the age of 2 Chazzie had been expressing herself as more feminine than masculine. The happiness she felt just being a kid at the Park District was an important part of her life, even before she was able to explain who she was, and she “Went to Kids Club all the time,” until she was 7 or 8 years old.
Chazzie was part of Circus Camp at the Park District when she was 8 and 9 years old, taking part in the fun and games, along with performing in the theatre shows. Once again, the counselors were “So supportive. I was able to wear the female costumes in the shows, and go about my day.” Just beginning to transition, “It was the start of me feeling really comfortable with who I was inside, and even if I wasn’t fully out to everybody I was able to thrive and be myself.”
Chazzie came out as transgender in 4th grade, and socially transitioned in 5th grade. She told the principal and teachers at Wayne Thomas Elementary School that she was a girl, and “My teachers got me for who I am, and it made me so happy.”
Working out at the Park District Recreation Center “Which is so fun!” connected her with Fitness Manager Jodi DiTomasso. “Jodi has been such great support for me,” said Chazzie, and Jodi’s daughter is “My best friend!”
In the summer of 2022, then 16 years old, Chazzie worked the Front Desk job at Hidden Creek AquaPark, where from day one she learned first-hand just how important great customer service is to the success of a Park District facility. Dealing with every conceivable situation, including The music is too loud! has given her deeper insight into communicating with people, and helping them with a problem. “It was an amazing experience because I learned how to navigate all sorts of conversations in a way that helped everyone!”
Support for who you are is one of the things that comes up often when talking with Chazzie, and she has been giving back to our community, the LGBTQ+ community, and the Park District for many years. She is a constant beacon of hope to kids, teens, and adults when speaking about who she is, and she’s helping to promote everything that has to do with Pride, year-round, throughout the state, around the country, and in our hometown. About us, she said, “I have a lot of friends in the LGBTQ+ community who go to the Park District, and they tell me that it’s been so loving and supportive for them. All the people there are just such nice humans!” We’re humbled by those words, and we’ll do our best to live up to them every day.
Chazzie is a founding Champion of the GenderCool Project, a non-profit co-founded by Gearah Goldstein1 and Jen and John Grosshandler in 2017. GenderCool is now a worldwide movement. As you can read in Chazzie’s bio on their website “… she realizes that by telling her powerful, positive story, she is helping people understand that transgender and nonbinary kids are just like all other kids.
At 11 years old, Chazzie shared her story nationally on TODAY2 and helped launch GenderCool to a global audience. She has spoken at corporations, conferences, black-tie galas, houses of worship and schools across the country and been featured in national media including The New York Times, USA Today, ABC News, NBC News and Adweek. Chazzie has also had the honor of speaking at the White House and collaborating with the administration around progressing equality for transgender and non-binary young people.
As a rising senior in high school, Chazzie is deeply involved in cross-cultural service and broadcast journalism. As a member of the broadcasting club at her high school, she is an on-air anchor for her high school’s television network and delivers programming in both English and Spanish. Chazzie also has a driving passion for volunteering. Whether serving meals for people experiencing food insecurity, supporting families at the Ronald McDonald House, or providing tutoring through Rotary Club, she’s at her best when giving back.”
Chazzie recently spent time with some of her friends in New York City during the filming of an ABC Special for the Our America series, “Who I’m Meant to Be 2023.” Hosted by Gio Benitez, it’s quite an extraordinary and in-depth look into the lives of six transgender young people, ages 14 to 19, talking about who they are, their ambitions, how they are thriving, and what they want everyone to know about their generation. We think you’ll be moved, and enlightened, by their words and stories.
When you listen to Chazzie speak so eloquently about growing up surrounded by love, supported by her family and friends, and the Park District staff at programs and events, you quickly realize that every story she tells, every memory she relates, every emotion she expresses is wrapped up in who she is today: a terrific young woman with talents and skills, dreams and aspirations, and goals that she will no doubt attain. She is a high school journalist now, and will be a great one on TV in the near future. (We’ll be watching!) She wants to work in education and help kids understand that they can be who they truly are: teachers, authors, scientists, dancers, barbers, and everything else the world offers. In her powerful words, “Being transgender is the least interesting thing about us.”
Chazzie is the smart, hard-working, joyful teen that we all want to know. We are proud to have played a small part in her story. We’re better for it, and we invite you, your family, and everyone you love to join us at the Park District as we continue to build a strong, diverse, caring, and inclusive community. You can read all about our facilities, programs, and events on our website. We look forward to seeing you and hearing your story soon.
1 Gearah Goldstein is a nationally recognized diversity, equity, inclusion and LGBTQ+ subject matter expert. Read more about her work at gearah.com.
2 The Today program segments, as well as a number of other videos are available for you to watch on this GenderCool website page.
By Liz Vogel
I read an article the other day on being OK with gardening failure—as in shrugging it off when your garden doesn’t respond the way you would like. When the balance you have worked to secure in place goes awry, and your new plant seizes on the opportunity of open soil or becomes overwhelmed by aphids. To this I say: There may be a better way.
A simple shift in how we plant and tend our gardens can allow for less fretting. After all, a garden is intended to make us happy. You may need to take a more spontaneous approach. One where you allow your plants to move and shift. One that is just as much about process as it is about flower color and form, counting all the garden visitors as part of that composition as they introduce an eye-popping bit of nature and spectacle. When was the last time you saw hummingbirds in your garden?
Consider some of these guidelines that are sure to bring you joy when planning a new garden or reworking an existing one:
Liz is a professional horticulturist, observer, artist and writer, and co-owner of North Branch Natives, an education-focused native plant nursery.
Prepare for a quacking good time as the highly anticipated inaugural Duck Derby takes center stage at Hidden Creek AquaPark on Sunday, June 18 at 3pm (previously scheduled on Sunday, June 11). This exciting event promises to be an unforgettable day of family-friendly fun, all in the name of a great cause.
The Duck Derby marks the beginning of a new tradition in our community. All proceeds benefit the Parks Foundation of Highland Park, helping hundreds of families in need of financial assistance access to all recreation programs, including summer camps, swimming lessons, sports, and fitness programs. With the support of generous community members, we aim to make a significant impact and set the stage for future successful races.
Quoted in support of this thrilling event, some of the most iconic ducks from the world of entertainment have expressed their enthusiasm:
The race will take place on Hidden Creek AquaPark’s speed slide. As the excitement builds for the upcoming event, organizers have left no stone unturned to ensure a flawless racing experience for all participants. With rigorous track testing and adherence to safety regulations, the event promises not only an exhilarating spectacle but also a secure environment for both the ducks and attendees.
“We wanted to make sure that our inaugural race exceeds expectations in every way,” said Deputy Director of Facilities and Operations Mitch Carr. “Testing the track was a crucial step in our preparation. We’ve taken great care to create a track that offers a thrilling racing experience while prioritizing the safety and welfare of our participants.”
With a track that has been rigorously tested and safety measures in place, the Duck Derby is all set to provide a memorable and thrilling racing experience. Participants can adopt one duck for $5, or a “Quack Pack” of 6 ducks for $25. Ducks are available for purchase in advance online or at the pool on Derby Day. With incredible prizes for the top finisher, including a Hidden Creek family pass for 2024, a free round of mini golf for 4 at River’s Edge Mini Golf, and the coveted Golden Duck trophy, the excitement and anticipation are soaring.
Don’t miss out on the quacktastic event of the year! Save the date, gather your friends and family, and head to Hidden Creek AquaPark on Sunday, June 18 for a day filled with excitement, entertainment, and the sight of rubber ducks racing towards victory.
Grading work is now complete on the bluff. Native seeds and plants have been installed on the bluff; these deeply rooted plants will help in the re-establishment of the bluff’s native plant communities in the three grading zones. Additionally, a buffer of native seed was installed along the top of the bluff, and grass seed was installed in the upper park. This area will remain fenced off to allow the plants to establish.
For more information, contact Liz Ricketts, Natural Areas Manager, at [email protected].
It is here! Time to pull out your shorts & sandals and head out to play in the great outdoors for the next three months of summer. There is no better place to spend your sunny summer days than right here at your Park District.
If you haven’t picked up a pickleball paddle, now is the time to get in on this new sports phenomenon. Did you know your park district has the largest pickleball complex on the north shore at Danny Cunniff Park? For the last three years, Danny Cunniff Park’s pickleball courts have been home to the Chicago Open Pickleball tournament that draws over 700 players nationwide.
If golf is your game, head over to Sunset Valley Golf Club. This award-winning “heathland” style course provides dramatic panoramic views and challenges the golfer’s mental toughness to focus on executing the shot at hand. And the Highland Park Golf Learning Center is your destination to improve your swing with a lesson from our golf pro and practice with a bucket of balls or two at our driving range.
Are you looking for outdoor activities for the whole family? We have got you covered. Play a fun round at River’s Edge Mini Golf. The course features 18 challenging holes. Grab your beach gear and spend a day at the spectacular Rosewood Beach. If the pool is more your style, Hidden Creek AquaPark has something for everyone – a splash pad, zero entry for the little ones, and crazy fast slides for your daredevils. We have also planned hundreds of fun events and activities to give you and your family a fabulous summer to remember. Here are some highlights:
You saw that right – an event every day at the pool! Games, fitness classes, limbo contests, scavenger hunts, and more. Even the lifeguards are getting into the act.
This new entertainment series features concerts, movies, art, and games in beautiful parks throughout Highland Park. We are even hosting a Doggie Beach Party at Moraine Dog Beach for your favorite pooches.
Ravinia Farmers Market is back for its 45th Anniversary Season! Every Wednesday between 7am-1pm, stop by Jens Jensen Park and support local farmers and artisans. Every week features different vendors and music.
Duck, duck, go! Join us for a Duck Derby at Hidden Creek AquaPark! Purchase one duck for $5 or a Quack Pack of six ducks for $25 and watch them race down the slide! The first duck to reach the rope wins a prize. All proceeds benefit the Parks Foundation of Highland Park, helping hundreds of families in need of financial assistance access to all recreation programs, including summer camps, swimming lessons, sports, and fitness programs.
End your day in the most breathtaking way! Celebrate International Day of Yoga on the boardwalk at Rosewood Beach with instructor Trayci Handelman while enjoying live acoustic music/performance by Ryan Herrick.
Hosted by the Parks Foundation of Highland Park, this Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed Doubles Event benefits the Parks Foundation SMILE grant-in-aid program — giving families in need of financial assistance the opportunity to participate in Park District programs.
Bring your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and enjoy a fun relaxing picnic in the park with your friends and neighbors. All ages are welcome! The day includes live musical performances by Rod Tuffcurls & the Bench Press and the Highland Park Pops, food trucks (food for purchase), family-friendly games, activities, and crafts.
Spend the twilight hour under the stars and around a cozy campfire! Roast marshmallows, eat as many s’mores until your tummies are full, and have fun with friends!
Say adios to summer and aloha to school! Let’s kick off a great year together with music, fun, and of course SPLASHING! Join us at the Hidden Creek AquaPark to end a great summer and learn about all our fall programs. All registrants ages 3 and higher will be entered into a drawing for some sweet swag, too!
Enjoy free In the Park summer events! This new entertainment series features concerts, movies, art, and games in beautiful parks throughout Highland Park.
Registration is not required, just drop in! Weather cancellations will be announced 90 minutes prior. There are no rain locations or rain dates.
Highland Park Pops Big Band will be performing every Wednesday this summer (weather dependent) from 6-8pm. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets and picnic, and enjoy the sweet sounds of live big band jazz on Wednesday evenings!
Nanny Nikki is a Grammy® Nominated Artist who loves to bring life to classic children’s songs as well as her original music. Join her for a high-energy, interactive, musical show including sing-along songs, dancing, puppets and more! Sing & Soar!
Sit, sip and read with the Park District of Highland Park! Lemonade is provided.
Calling all families! Bingo is for everyone! Prizes will include raffle tickets for a chance to win a grand prize. Bring a seat and some snacks and enjoy the game!
Do you have a current dog pass? If so, you and your pup are invited to our Doggie Beach Party! We provide the music and treats-you provide a beach-ready doggie!
Spend a creative Saturday with our team enjoying nature and tapping into our inner artists.
Bring a comfortable seat and a picnic for a 30th anniversary showing of Jurassic Park.
Hula hoops, bubbles, music and more in your local park. Hop on out and play!
Since 1996, Chicago’s Rhythm Rockets have been delivering their brand of vintage rhythm & blues, with songs influenced by the sax-driven bands of the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. Spend this bluesy Sunday afternoon relaxing in the park with the Rhythm Rockets.
Bring a comfortable seat and a picnic for a 20th anniversary showing of Finding Nemo.
The lobby is open and landscaping is nearly complete. There are a few remaining elements that need to be installed including the replacement of the temporary vestibule glass with the bird-safe glass. A ceremonial grand opening celebration is tentatively scheduled for the Fall.
Renovation of the facility includes an improved drop-off area, parking lots, lobby, multi-purpose room, locker rooms, office space, and restrooms. This renovation project was included in the Park District’s 2024 GreenPrint 10-year master plan and was scheduled to begin in 2020. It was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During regular annual maintenance in June, staff uncovered an unknown issue on the Centennial rink floor. The Park District acted swiftly to conduct an exhaustive investigation of the facility and ice flooring system with an engineering firm. The findings confirmed that the building is structurally sound. However, the rink floor had been compromised and requires complete replacement.
Staff reviewed the financial and operational assessment conducted by consultants, BerryDunn, to identify priority spaces at West Ridge Center and proposed scheduling an open house so Architects, Holabird and Root, and staff could share their analysis findings, site plan, and recommendation with the community where the new community center would be constructed at West Ridge Park.
Staff also gave an update of the Danny Cunniff Park Pickleball project reporting that ten tennis courts will be temporarily converted into pickleball courts and available for use this summer.
Staff proposed making changes to Park District Policy #5.01 – Fees and Charges so that anyone living within the geographic boundaries of the Park District of Highland Park is considered a resident. Outside of the Park District of Highland Park geographic boundaries, this privilege is also extended to Kindergarten through Grade 8 students living in the geographic boundaries of North Shore School District 112.
Staff also provided construction updates for the Fink Park Athletic Field Development project, Deer Creek Racquet Club Locker Room Improvements project, Centennial Ice Arena Facility and Site Renovations project, and the Moraine Park Art Competition project.
Staff provided an update of a proposed donation from the Fontana-Pasquasi family to rename Cloverdale Park.
Staff provided a five-year Financial Analysis Report on Hidden Creek AquaPark. Likewise, staff provided a five-year Financial Analysis Report and reviewed quarterly reports for the Recreation Center of Highland Park.
The Park District is soliciting bids for the 2023 Larry Fink Memorial Park Baseball Filed Improvements project and presented the most recent Engineer’s Opinion of Probable Costs in preparation of the bid meeting. Lastly, staff reviewed the bid opening for the 2023 Hidden Creek AquaPark Deck Replacement project.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved Ordinance #2023-04: Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the Changes to Policy #5.01 Fees and Charges, the 2023 Hidden Creek AquaPark Deck Replacement Project, the Changes to the Full-Time Employee Personnel Policy Manual, and the Changes to the Part-Time Employee Personnel Policy Manual.
Executive Director Romes reported that the Park District of Highland Park will be forming an Efficiency Committee to comply with Public Act 102-1088 and reviewed the committee’s purpose.
Executive Director Romes reported that the Park District of Highland Park, the Art Impact Project, and the Art Center of Highland Park developed a community collaboration “Knitting Communities Together” which is an all-ages, multi-town art project aimed at bringing joy, comfort, and camaraderie to the residents of Highland Park and its neighboring communities. Over the course of six weeks, residents and neighboring communities will knit colorful yarn creations which will be installed around trees at Sunset Woods Park.
To remind residents of the importance of staying safe at our beaches and while boating this summer, the Park Board has proclaimed May 20-29 as Highland Park Beach and Boating Safety Week.
The proclamations coincide and support the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) National Beach Safety Week and the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Safe Boating Week. The Park Board urges all residents using our beaches to enjoy themselves at the beach this year while taking appropriate measures to protect themselves and their children.
Additionally, as boating continues to be a popular recreational activity, the Park Board is bringing attention to critical life-saving tips for recreational boaters so that they can have a safer, more fun experience out on the water throughout the year.
WHEREAS, the beautiful Lake Michigan waters and public beaches of Highland Park, Illinois represent valued recreational resources; and,
WHEREAS, Highland Park residents and visitors alike are drawn to our boating and beach facilities each year; and,
WHEREAS, drowning is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. and the world; most people who drown are good swimmers; and the aquatic environment has dangers to swimmers, particularly rip currents, that can be effectively managed through public awareness and the vigilance of professional lifeguards; and,
WHEREAS, on average, 600 people die each year in boating-related accidents in the U.S.; 79 percent of these are fatalities caused by drowning; and most of these accidents are caused by human error or poor judgment and not by the boat, equipment, or environmental factors; and a significant number of boaters who lose their lives by drowning each year would be alive today had they worn their life jackets.
WHEREAS, for reasons of public safety, an annual reminder of the joys and hazards associated with the aquatic environment are appropriate at the commencement of the busy summer beach season; and,
WHEREAS, Highland Park residents and visitors alike must remember: Only Swim in Designated Swimming Areas; Learn to Swim, Swim Near a Lifeguard, Swim with a Buddy, Check with the Lifeguards, Use Sunscreen and Drink Water, Obey Posted Signs, Keep the Beach and Water Clean, Learn Rip Current Safety, Enter Water Feet First, and Wear a Life Jacket when Boating.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Park Board of Commissioners by virtue of the authority vested in us for the Park District of Highland Park do hereby support the goals of the Safe Boating and Beach Safety Campaigns and proclaim May 20-29, 2023, as Beach and Boating Safety Week in Highland Park.
We urge all residents using our waters and beaches to enjoy themselves this year, while taking appropriate measures to protect themselves and their children.
Practicing and building strong swimming skills are the best ways to stay safe in the water! Lessons begin June 5.
All pickleball courts and the adjacent four tennis courts (south bank) at Danny Cunniff Park will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, May 16, starting at 7am and through the remainder of the week for construction.
To accommodate the growing demand for pickleball courts and to assess usage patterns, the Park District is converting four tennis courts at Danny Cunniff Park into ten new temporary pickleball courts. The new courts will be adjacent to the six existing pickleball courts, featuring heavy-duty portable nets and sound reduction screens on the surrounding fencing. Two banks of five pickleball courts will replace the existing tennis lines. The current tennis nets will separate the banks. Construction of the new courts is expected to be completed by Memorial Day weekend.
“We are excited to add the new temporary courts at Larry Cunniff Park for the growing community of pickleball players,” said Robyn Zullo, Tennis Recreation Manager. “The temporary courts will allow us to assess the court layout and usage patterns over the upcoming season.”
Should you have any questions about the project, please feel free to reach out to Robyn Zullo, Tennis Recreation Manager, at [email protected] or Amy Murrin, Director of Recreation & Facilities, at [email protected].
