To kick off Park and Recreation Month, we have put together a list of activities to celebrate how our community grows in Highland Park!  All month long, we’re highlighting the ways our community is stronger, more vibrant and more resilient because of parks and recreation.  Keep your July busy with these fun events and activities!

  1. Enjoy a day at Rosewood Beach – build a sandcastle, play ball in the water, read a book and relax, the possibilities are endless under the sun!
  2. Grab a paddle and play some pickleball at Danny Cunniff Park – we just expanded the number of pickleball courts to 16!
  3. Walk the trails at Heller Nature Center – visit the beehives, play at the Wander Woods Nature Play Space, or read a book along Constance’s Story Trail
  4. Take part in our Independence Day Events – in partnership with the City of Highland Park, start the day with a Remembrance Ceremony at City Hall followed by a community walk and picnic at Sunset Woods Park. End the day with a drone show.
  5. Visit the Art Exhibit at Heller Nature Center – the Art Exhibit features a new artist every few months. Observe the beautiful paintings and photographs displayed in the Prairie Room.
  6. Play a game of basketball! We offer indoor Open Gym at the Recreation Center of Highland Park and have 11 outdoor parks with basketball hoops.
  7. Support local vendors at the Ravinia Farmers Market – visit Jens Jensen Park every Wednesday at 7am-1pm for locally grown and sourced goods. You’ll find something new and different every week!
  8. Catch a fish! We have 4 parks to go fishing – Danny Cunniff Park, Foley’s Pond, Larry Fink Memorial Park and The Preserve of Highland Park
  9. Start your day in the most breathtaking way at beach yoga – enjoy yoga with a beautiful view at Rosewood Beach
  10. Bring the family to River’s Edge Mini Golf – do you have what it takes to get a hole-in-one at our 18-hole mini golf course?
  11. Try something new and learn to sail, kayak and paddle board at the North Shore Yacht Club
  12. Too hot to be outside? Spend a few hours ice skating at our newly renovated Centennial Ice Arena – we even have a Summer Cosmic Skate night on Friday, July 21 at 6pm!
  13. Did you know that more than 117 species of birds have been identified at The Preserve of Highland Park? Take a walk through the 100+ acre property and try to find as many birds as you can.
  14. Shoot at an arrow at Heller Nature Center – learn the basics of archery and spend time practicing on the range at our Archery Basics class on Sunday, July 23 at 10am
  15. Participate in Hidden Creek AquaPark’s 100 Days of Summer Fun! Every day, there is a new and fun activity to keep you and the family busy. If you don’t have a membership, no worries! Daily passes are $11/16 (resident/non-resident)
  16. Practice your swing at the Highland Park Golf Learning Center – improve your golf skills, practice your game, and have fun with a club!
  17. Love the outdoors? Volunteer with us! Become part of the team working to restore our natural areas – volunteers meet most Fridays at Heller Nature Center
  18. Gather a group of friends/family and head to our Teams Course at Heller Nature Center – challenge yourselves through thought-provoking ground-level puzzles that can only be accomplished by all members working as a cohesive group.
  19. Get fit at Aqua Fit – enjoy the warm weather and get in a great workout in the waters at Hidden Creek AquaPark.
  20. Take off into outer space and play at the rocketship playground at Sunset Woods Park – this newly renovated playground is ADA compliant and has a Titanic Tides tot lot located adjacent to it
  21. Every our free Beach Summer Fitness classes with instructor Jennifer Labovitz!
  22. Pack a lunch and have a picnic in one of our parks – 18 out of our 44 parks has at least one picnic table. Or bring a blanket and be one with nature!
  23. Book a tee time at Sunset Valley Golf Club – our golf course features 18-holes and is enjoyable for every level golfer
  24. Help support our Parks Foundation of Highland Park and participate in our Duck Derby on July 28!  Purchase a duck for $5 and watch it go down the slide at Hidden Creek AquaPark! The first duck to reach the rope will win a prize.
  25. Try out our two 9-hole disc golf courses located within Larry Fink Memorial Park and Danny Cunniff Park. Enjoy this fun twist on golf and frisbee!
  26. Let your pups run around at our two open dog parks at Debbie Gottlieb Beitler Dog Park and Moraine Beach.  Dog parks are open every day from dawn to dusk. Membership is required.
  27. Enjoy In the Park pop-up series and watch a movie in the park on Friday, July 28 at Danny Cunniff Park.
  28. Get fit with a personal trainer at the Recreation Center of Highland Park – it’s never too late to get started working towards a healthier and strong you. You can also get a free 1-week trial at the Recreation Center of Highland Park!
  29. Have you seen our hopscotches around our facilities? Find and hop on our hopscotches at the Recreation Center of Highland Park and Deer Creek Racquet Club!
  30. Learn the rules of the road! Bring your kiddos to Safety Village behind West Ridge Center and teach them basic safety procedures when outside – includes crosswalks, stop lights and signs, what to do when there is a train, and more.  Make it more fun and bring bikes and helmets.
  31. Don’t forget to register for our Fall programs on Wednesday, July 19 for residents. Save the date and register for our fun autumn events and more!

Fri, June 30, 6:30 am Update:

 Now that air quality levels have improved to “unhealthy only to sensitive groups,” all programs and facilities have returned to regular activities and schedules. 

According to Airnow.gov, people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens should choose less strenuous activities and shorten the amount of time while active outdoors.  Everyone else may enjoy outdoor activities. 

We will continue to monitor the situation carefully and make any necessary adjustments to our operations for the health and safety of our participants and staff.   Please check our website and social media for the latest updates, and for up-to-date information about air quality status, visit airnow.gov

Thurs., June 29, 7am Update:

Due to continued “unhealthy” air quality levels this morning and predicted improvements over the course of the day, the following adjustments are being made to our programs and facilities: 

  1. All summer camps will meet at their regular camp sites.  Camps will be bussed to their indoor locations.
  2. Heller Nature Center morning programs are canceled. 
  3. Hidden Creek AquaPark – lap swim takes place through 10am and AquaFit classes are moved to the Recreation Center indoor pool.  Hidden Creek opens at 11am for open swim.
  4. Rosewood Swimming Beach opens at 10am.
  5. Outdoor tennis/pickleball morning group programs (before 1pm) are canceled (instructors will contact participants to schedule make up classes).   
  6. Park Ave Boating Facility is open however boaters are advised to be outside only within their comfort level. 
  7. Sunset Valley Golf Club is open however golfers are advised to play only within their comfort level.
  8. The Highland Park Golf Learning Center is open however golfers are advised to play only within their comfort level.

A formal update on programs and facilities will be made by 10am.  

According to Airnow.gov, people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens should reduce exposure by avoiding strenuous outdoor activities or keeping outdoor activities short. Consider moving physical activities indoors.

Everyone is recommended to reduce your exposure by choosing less strenuous activities or shortening the amount of time you are active outdoors.

We will continue to monitor the situation carefully and make any necessary adjustments to our operations for the health and safety of our participants and staff.   Please check our website and social media for the latest updates, and for up-to-date information about air quality status, visit airnow.gov.

Wed, June 28, 2pm Update:

Due to “very unhealthy” air levels in our area reported by AirNow.gov, the following adjustments have been made to our programs and facilities:

According to Airnow.gov, people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens should avoid physical activities outdoors.

All others should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, keep outdoor activities short, and consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.

We will continue to monitor the situation carefully and make any necessary adjustments to our operations for the health and safety of our participants and staff. Please check our website and social media for the latest updates. For up-to-date information about air quality status, visit airnow.gov.

Wed, June 28, 10:30am Update:

Though air quality has improved slightly, it continues to be at an “unhealthy” level, according to airnow.gov. 

As a result, all summer camps will remain indoors (camp directors will contact camp families if pick-up locations change).  

The following facilities are open: Hidden Creek AquaPark, Rosewood Swimming Beach (Open Water Triathlon Training will run at 6pm), Park Ave Boating Facility, Heller Nature Center, Sunset Valley Golf Club, and the Highland Park Golf Learning Center.  Golfers are advised to play only within their comfort level.  

Deer Creek Racquet Club is open for court bookings beginning at 3pm. 

Additional formal updates on programs, including Athletics programs and games scheduled for tonight, will be made by 1pm. 

According to Airnow.gov, people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens should reduce exposure by avoiding strenuous outdoor activities or keeping outdoor activities short. Consider moving physical activities indoors.

Everyone is recommended to reduce their exposure by choosing less strenuous activities or shortening the time they are active outdoors.

We will continue to monitor the situation carefully and make any necessary adjustments to our operations for the health and safety of our participants and staff. Please check our website and social media for the latest updates. For up-to-date information about air quality status, visit airnow.gov.

Wed, June 28, 7am Update:

Due to continued “unhealthy” air quality levels this morning and predicted improvements over the course of the day, the following adjustments are being made to our programs and facilities: 

  1. All summer camps will meet at their regular camp sites.  Camps will be bussed to their indoor locations.
  2. Hidden Creek AquaPark – lap swim takes place through 10am and AquaFit classes are moved to the Recreation Center indoor pool.  Hidden Creek opens at 11am for open swim.
  3. Rosewood Swimming Beach opens at 10am.
  4. Park Ave Boating Facility is open. 
  5. Sunset Valley Golf Club is open however golfers are advised to play only within their comfort level.
  6. The Highland Park Golf Learning Center is open however golfers are advised to play only within their comfort level.

A formal update on programs and facilities will be made by 10am.  

According to Airnow.gov, people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens should reduce exposure by avoiding strenuous outdoor activities or keeping outdoor activities short. Consider moving physical activities indoors.

Everyone is recommended to reduce your exposure by choosing less strenuous activities or shortening the amount of time you are active outdoors.

We will continue to monitor the situation carefully and make any necessary adjustments to our operations for the health and safety of our participants and staff.   Please check our website and social media for the latest updates, and for up-to-date information about air quality status, visit airnow.gov.

The boat ramp is now open! Power Boats and PWCs can now launch at Park Avenue. Construction fencing has been relocated and traffic can now resume on the east side of the water plant. Use of the west side road is no longer needed. 

Please keep in mind, there will still be work occurring and construction equipment will remain on site. The breakwater is fenced off and access is not allowed at this time. Additionally, some areas will require temporary closures for construction, in which case we will send out an email update.

We will continue to send regular project updates until completion to inform facility users. Our goal is to provide all users with a safe, welcoming, and extraordinary experience. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please get in touch with Debbie Pierce at 847.579.4047 or Kari Acevedo at 847.579.4051. 

About the Project

High lake levels accompanied by intense storms over the past few years caused damage to the breakwater wall/barge and concrete ramp at Park Avenue Boating Beach. These extreme weather conditions have affected communities all along the Illinois Lake Michigan shoreline.  

At the April 27 meeting, the Park Board approved construction of Phase 1 of the Park Avenue Breakwater Project in the amount of $2,221,890. The base scope of this project includes removal of the existing barge breakwater and boat ramp, stockpiling and salvaging existing breakwater fill and armor stone, construction of a new steel sheet pile breakwater with a concrete crown wall and construction of a new concrete boat launch.   Funding for the project includes $2,000,000 from the Park District’s capital fund and $400,000 from the Parks Foundation of Highland Park, made possible from community donations

stay up-to-date on the Park Avenue Boating Facility Breakwater & Boat Launch Project

The Park District heard the neighborhood’s concerns over losing a 5-12 playground due to the sale of Lincoln School. As such, the Park District of Highland Park is going back to the drawing board to develop plans for Lincoln Park that consider the inclusion of a 5-12 play space. The comments and data collected through the survey will be integrated into the plans for the improved 2-5 playground. There will be other opportunities to get involved in design as the Park District proceeds with planning. While the Park District will continue with the planning effort, the addition of a 5-12 playground is not currently budgeted in the Park District’s capital plan.

This change of direction will impact improvements scheduled for 2023. The tot lot, repaving of the path, and the patch/color of the basketball court planned for 2023 will be deferred to a future year and incorporated into the new plan.

The Park District will continue to follow the School District’s plans to coordinate efforts.

Please direct questions and comments to planning@pdhp.org.

stay up-to-date on the Lincoln Park Renovation

Updates from the May Park Board Meetings

May 10: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners adopted the Beach and Boating Week Safety Proclamation declaring May 20 – 29 as Highland Park Beach and Boating Safety Week.  

The Park Board of Commissioners had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Fotana-Pasquesi at tonight’s meeting to thank him for the $250,000 donation he would like to make to rename Cloverdale Park to Fotana-Pasques Park, in honor of his family and other Italian families that settled in Highland Park.

Architects, Holabird and Root, provided a summary of the recreation program assessment of West Ridge Center developed by Consultant, BerryDunn, and presented a market study reconciliation to construct a new building on the same site.

Staff also provided construction updates for the Centennial Ice Arena Facility and Site Renovations project, the Moroney Park Playground Improvements project, the Park Avenue Breakwater and Boat Ramp project, and the Larry Fink Memorial Park Baseball Field Improvements project.

May 16: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed a design proposal from Holabird and Root for the West Ridge Park and Site Project in an effort to apply for the IDNR PARC Grant. Staff received consensus from the Finance Committee to move forward with a Design Contract from Holabird and Root.

Staff provided an update on the locker rooms and gymnastics studio at Centennial Ice Arena.

Staff presented recommended improvements to the fitness floor at the Recreation Center of Highland Park to develop a multigenerational space.   

Martha Trotter, from the accounting firm Sikich LLP, presented a draft version of the Park District of Highland Park’s audited financial statements for 2023. Sikich LLP issued an unqualified or clean opinion for the report. 

May 24: Annual Meeting of the Park Board

Commissioner Grossberg was elected for President of the Park Board and Commissioner Freeman was elected for Vice President. Executive Director Romes was appointed as Secretary to the Park Board, Coordinator Hejnowski was appointed as Assistant Secretary acting under the general supervisor of the Secretary, Director Peters was appointed as Treasurer, Director Hall was appointed as the District’s IMRF authorized agent, Sikich LLP was appointed as the District’s auditor, and Ancel Glink was appointed as the District’s attorney.

May 24: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the Heller Nature Center Blue Trail Improvements Project Bid, Ordinance #2023-05: Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the Illinois Mutual Retirement Fund (IMRF) Authorized Agent Appointment to Laurel Hall and Supporting Resolution, the 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Audit Report conditioned upon no materials changes that are required as a result of the IMRF Audit issuance, Resolution #2023-04: A Resolution Forming a Committee on Local Government Efficiency, and the Executive Director to enter into an design services agreement with Gewalt Hamilton Associates for the design of Larry Fink Memorial Baseball Field Improvements in an amount not to exceed $74,400.

Tick season is upon us, and with the warmer weather, outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers are eager to spend more time exploring the great outdoors. However, it is crucial to understand how to protect yourself and your pets from tick bites and minimize the risk of tick-borne illnesses. Follow these tips to ensure your safety and make your outdoor experiences more enjoyable.

  1. Dress Appropriately: Ticks often reside in tall grass, bushes, and wooded areas. When venturing into such environments, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes to minimize exposed skin. Tucking your pant legs into your socks can be one of the most effective and easiest ways to prevent transmission.
  2. Use Tick Repellents: Apply Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents that specifically target ticks. These repellents usually contain ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, or permethrin. Follow the instructions on the product label for proper application.
  3. Stay on Trails: When hiking or walking in wooded areas, try to stay on designated trails and avoid wandering into tall grass or densely vegetated areas. Ticks often reside in these areas, waiting to attach themselves to passersby. By sticking to trails, you can significantly reduce your exposure to ticks.
  4. Perform Regular Tick Checks: After spending time outdoors in a tick-prone area, thoroughly check your body and clothing for ticks. Pay close attention to the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms, inside the belly button, around the waist, and between the legs. Ticks can be as small as a poppy seed, so carefully inspect every part of your body.
  5. Shower and Wash Clothing: Take a shower as soon as possible after returning from an area with ticks. Additionally, toss your clothes into a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill any ticks that may be clinging to the fabric.
  6. Protect Your Pets: Consult with your veterinarian about tick prevention products for your pets, such as topical treatments, collars, or oral medications. Regularly inspect and groom your pets after they have been outdoors.

By following these tick safety tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of tick bites and tick-borne illnesses. Enjoy your time outdoors while keeping yourself and your loved ones safe from ticks!

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?

Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (aromatic aster) with Carex brevior (plains oval sedge). Photo by Liz Vogel.

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:

Purchase Your Ducks Now!

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.

Purchase Your Ducks Now!

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 ericketts@pdhp.org.

Learn more about the millard beach pathway & bluff restoration project