The public hearing for the proposed Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the Fiscal Year beginning January 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2023 for the Park District of Highland Park was held. No members of the public provided comment on the proposed 2023 Budget.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the Microsoft Windows Server 2022 Licenses, the Centennial Ice Arena Water Heaters Bid, the Centennial Ice Arena Landscaping Bid, the 2023 Moroney Park Improvements Poured-in-Place Safety Surfacing Bid, the 2023 Moroney Park Improvements General Playground Construction Bid, the Gewalt Hamilton Associates Proposal for Compton Avenue Trail Connection Design, Resolution 2023-01: Authorizing a Contract for Procurement of Playground Equipment, allowing the Executive Director to enter into a 5-year lease term with EZ-GO for 65 lithium-ion battery-operated golf carts and 1 gas-operated beverage cart for a 5-year total not to exceed $538,901.70 and to enter into a 5-year lease term with EZ-GO for Alternate A (GPS System) in the amount of $165,789, the 2023 Budget and 2023 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance (2023-01) for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023.
The Park Board of Commissioners went into closed session pursuant to the following sections of the Open Meeting Act: Section 2(c)5 – the purchase or lease of real estate including discussion on whether a certain parcel of property should be acquired; Section 2(c)6 – the setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the District.
Staff provided construction project updates for Fink Park Athletic Field Development and the Centennial Ice Arena Rink Floor Replacement and the Facility and Site Renovations.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the Illinois Mutual Retirement Fund (IMRF) Authorized Agent Appointment to Larry M. Carr and the Supporting Resolution.
Staff reviewed the 2022 and 2023 membership efforts to increase fitness participation at the Recreation Center of Highland Park.
Staff reviewed the preliminary Cost Center results for 2022, Resolution 2023-03 Authorizing and Increase in the Budgeted Year-End Fund Transfer Amounts, and Ordinance 2023-02 Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property.
Staff also reviewed the bid openings for the 2023 Deer Creek Racquet Club Concrete and Masonry Repairs and the 2023 Routine Grounds Maintenance Routes.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved Resolution #2023-02: Authorizing an Increase in the Budgeted Year-End Fund Transfer Amounts, Ordinance #2023-02: Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, 2023 Deer Creek Racquet Club Concrete and Masonry Repairs bid, the 2023 Routine Grounds Maintenance – North Route bid, the 2023 Routine Grounds Maintenance – South Route bid, the Rejection of the 2023 Routine Grounds Maintenance – Electric Route bid, the Changes to Personnel Policy #2.8 Definitions “Introductory Employees”, the Changes to Personnel Policy #3.2 Equal Employment Opportunity, the Changes to Personnel Policy #4.10 Performance Evaluations, the Changes to Personnel Policy #6.2 Fleet Safety, the Changes to Personnel Policy #6.14.2 / #6.15.2 Reimbursement During Business Travel, Personnel Policy #6.17 and #6.17 Nursing Mothers, the Changes to Personnel Policy #8.3 Sick Time, the Changes to Personnel Policy #8.3 / #8.5 Bereavement, and the Changes to Personnel Policy #10.3 Illinois Victims’ Economic and Safety Act (VESSA).
Governor JB Pritzker, along with state and local leaders and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), today announced that the Park District of Highland Park was one of 118 park and recreation agencies throughout the State to receive an Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant. The Park District of Highland Park was awarded a $600,000 grant to fund a portion of a Sunset Woods Park revitalization project, including the installation of a rain garden with native plantings and an interpretive sign, a new game area, the replacement and relocation of the 16-year-old basketball court to create a multi-use sports court, the replacement and relocation of the 21-year-old skate park, and a new wheel friendly plaza that creates a space for all ages and wheel activities. Sunset Woods Park is a 34-acre community park in downtown Highland Park that serves all residents. The Sunset Woods Revitalization Project seeks to enhance roughly 9 acres of the park by implementing initiatives from the park’s master plan.
The OSLAD grant program was designed to help communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. Established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986, OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that has become one of Illinois’ most popular grant programs. Since its establishment, OSLAD has awarded over $530 million for park projects throughout Illinois (including the awards announced today). OSLAD grants typically provide up to 50% of funding for a project – excluding economically distressed communities where 100% of project costs have been covered. The other 50% is supplied by matching funds from the project’s local government agency.
“We are thrilled to be awarded the OSLAD grant to allow us to invest in Sunset Woods Park, our community’s central downtown park,” said Brian Romes, executive director for the Park District of Highland Park. “The Park District heard from many residents through the Sunset Woods Master Planning effort, and we are grateful for the support from the OSLAD grant program to be able to act on initiatives from that plan. The Park District is excited to begin engaging the community through the design process.”
Kathryn Lentz leads a double life. The wild one will be on display at Heller Nature Center in March and April.
It started when she brought home a stray dog. And then another. And another. Unfortunately, she learned, each already had a home. Her own first dog arrived when she was seven, and that began a life-long journey of caring for pets, rescuing animals, writing a popular series of children’s books, and making stunning photographs of animals in the wild. For the upcoming exhibit in the Prairie Room, Kathryn has curated a selection of 40 photos from the thousands in her portfolio that she has made over the last seventeen years.
Lentz has a background in art that clearly shows in her work. The photos are beautifully crafted—from the subject to the composition and lighting. These are thoughtful images, each with a story that draws you in, and invites you to spend time looking closely. Wildlife photography comes with a unique set of challenges. Working outdoors is one. Subjects who are free spirits is certainly another—there’s no saying “move a bit to the left, love”—so quickly assessing the right place to be at exactly the right moment is a critical skill learned the hard way. “I had a wonderful instructor who impressed upon us the importance of carefully composing the scene before clicking the shutter,” says Lentz, “And of course we were using film, which was expensive, so I learned not to waste it.” Even so, like most serious photographers, she would come back from a road trip to National Parks with thousands of images. A couple of quotes from Ansel Adams are evident in her work: “A good photograph is knowing where to stand.” And one that iPhone camera users should memorize: “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” Photography is, after all, art.
The exhibit at Heller features images that can be appreciated by all ages, so be sure to bring your kids and grandkids. If you’re a smartphone camera enthusiast, an amateur photographer, or a working pro there is much that will inspire you to get outdoors and make your own photos. Lucky for you there are woods and trails throughout the Park District where you can find plenty of interesting, and sometimes unusual, animals to photograph.
As an extra treat for kids and families, some of Kathryn’s children’s books (created on the milder side of her life) will be in the Nature Center. Get acquainted with the animals in her stories and download some free coloring pages at kathrynlentz.com. Her photography can be seen on Facebook at Kathryn Lentz Author.
Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, is open Tuesdays from 11:30am–5pm; Wednesday–Friday from 10:30am–5pm; and Saturdays from 9am–3pm. We’re closed on Sundays and Mondays. Call us for more information: 847-433-6901.
City, Park District partner to host community events and activities from morning to night
Highland Park, Illinois – The City of Highland Park (City) and the Park District of Highland Park (Park District) announce plans for the community to gather on July 4, 2023. The City and Park District are working collaboratively to develop events and activities using a trauma-informed approach with a goal of balancing the diverse needs that have emerged in the wake of the Highland Park shooting. The theme, “We are Highland Park,” focuses on who we are as a community. The day’s events will be flexible and structured to allow community members the opportunity to participate in the way that is most comfortable and meaningful for them.
“The events planned for July 4, 2023, will focus on our community,” said Mayor Nancy Rotering. “We know that the day will be filled with emotion as we mark the one-year remembrance of the Highland Park shooting. We have carefully planned events and activities that will allow our community the time and space to remember the seven individuals who were taken from us too soon, opportunities to gather and connect, and provide us with the chance to celebrate Independence Day together as we create new traditions and memories.”
The day will begin at 10:00 AM with a remembrance ceremony at City Hall. The ceremony will include a performance by the Highland Park Strings, remarks by Mayor Nancy Rotering and interfaith clergy, and a moment of silence at 10:14 AM, when the first shots were fired on July 4, 2022. Live Spanish and American Sign Language interpretation will be available, and interpretation in other languages, including Russian, will be available upon request. The remembrance ceremony will be live-streamed on the City’s Facebook page and YouTube channel; the recording will be made available on the City’s website after the holiday.
A community walk will begin at 11 AM, following the 2022 parade route. The walk is a reminder of our beloved community tradition and symbolizes the reclaiming of our town as we build resiliency together. The community walk will step off from City Hall (1707 St. Johns Avenue) and progress north on St. Johns Avenue before turning west on Central Avenue, ending at Sunset Woods Park (1801 Sunset Road.) The community walk will not be a parade and will not include floats or performers. It is intended to be an opportunity for active participation as one Highland Park and does not include viewing.
Community members will be encouraged to register in advance to participate in the walk. Further details regarding the registration process will be available at cityhpil.com/july4 later this spring. Individuals who would like to participate in the community walk but who are unable to walk the full route (just under one mile) are invited to contact the City Manager’s Office at 847.926.1000 / [email protected]. The City is exploring transportation options for community members who need assistance, including seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Beginning at 11:30 AM, the Independence Day Community Picnic at Sunset Woods Park will bring together community members of all ages to enjoy live performances, food, and family-friendly games and activities.
“The picnic is an opportunity for families, friends, and neighbors to come together for a relaxing afternoon to enjoy each other’s company and our community, while also keeping the tradition of celebrating our country’s independence. We are pleased to present activities for people of all ages and abilities.” said Terry Grossberg, president of the Park Board.
In the evening, community members will enjoy entertainment at Wolters Field featuring live music and ice cream novelties, closing with a custom drone show. In consideration of concerns regarding the noise of fireworks and the City’s push for more sustainable alternatives, the annual fireworks display will not be held. The Bitter Jester Music Festival, which traditionally culminates with its grand finale concert on the Fourth of July ahead of the fireworks display, will be held as part of the Taste of Highland Park weekend at The Lot in Downtown Highland Park on Sunday, June 25, 2023.
The planning process has been informed by conversations and feedback with victims’ families and individuals who were injured, as well as input from community members, elected officials, and staff, many of whom attended the parade. Cognizant that individuals build resiliency in their own time and in line with guidance from the Department of Justice, community members are encouraged to “opt-in” to the activities that are most comfortable for them. These multiple opportunities for the community to gather will give individuals the option to choose how best to engage; the City and Park District encourage all community members to be understanding of neighbors who may have a different comfort level.
Information regarding July 4, 2023 activities will be shared by both the City and Park District as planning continues. Updates from the City are available at www.cityhpil.com, and updates from the Park District are available at www.pdhp.org. Individuals are welcome to share their feedback via email to the City at [email protected].
The City and Park District have prepared the below Q&A to address community questions regarding the activities planned for July 4, 2023. An updated Q&A will be available on the City website as more details are finalized and available. If you have a question that is not answered below, please email us at [email protected].
The remembrance ceremony will include a short program with a moment of silence, remarks, and music. Following this set program, attendees will participate in a community walk along the 2022 planned parade route (north on St. Johns, west on Central to Sunset Woods Park.)
In line with prior years, the City and Park District will not be approving special event permits for Tuesday, July 4, 2023, given the number of planned government-sponsored events.
The City and Park District understand that not all community members who would like to be part of these activities will feel comfortable attending a large gathering. The remembrance ceremony will be livestreamed on the City’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. After the holiday, the video will be posted to the City’s website. The City and Park District will explore other opportunities for virtual engagement.
For the safety of all participants, the community walk is intended for pedestrians only. Parents may bring strollers or wagons for small children. Vehicles and bicycles will not be permitted. The City is exploring transportation options for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and others who would like to participate but are not able to walk the full length of the route. To request transportation assistance along the community walk route, please contact the City Manager’s Office at 847.926.1000 or [email protected].
Highland Park is home to many talented artists and musicians. To ensure an equitable approach, the City and Park District have already finalized performers for the events on July 4, 2023.
Emotional therapy services will be available during the remembrance ceremony at City Hall. ASL and Spanish translation interpreters will also be available. There will be a limited number of chairs for individuals who cannot stand. Please call the City Manager’s Office at 847.926.1000 to request reservation of a chair.
Registering for the community walk will help the City to plan for anticipated crowd size. Participation in the event is free.
All community members, including businesses and nonprofit organizations, are invited to participate in the community walk following the remembrance ceremony. The walk will not include a pre-planned lineup, floats, or performers. No parade is planned for 2023. Viewing only is discouraged.
Families are encouraged to participate in the community walk. Please note that due to the anticipated crowd size, the community walk will be limited to pedestrians (strollers and wagons permitted.) No separate bike and pet parade will take place.
Yes, the Park District is seeking volunteers to assist with the Independence Day Community Picnic. Volunteers may help with pre-event planning, event setup/teardown and coordinating, implementing, and supervising games and activities. To volunteer, complete and submit this Volunteer Form.
Calling All Artists and Designers!
After being closed for some much-needed repairs, the Moraine Park Dog Beach is scheduled to re-open in Spring 2023. As great as the new area will be there is still one thing that needs to be done and you’re invited to participate.
The Park District of Highland Park and The Art Center Highland Park are seeking submissions to decorate the two concrete bunkers located on the beach. These structures are now just bare concrete and we’re looking for ideas to make them an added feature attraction.
To enter: Artists are welcome to submit their concepts/designs for the two installations (see picture inset) from February 3 through March 6, 2023. Designs must be family-friendly but otherwise can be proposed in any style or concept you can imagine. A select panel of judges from the Park District of Highland Park and The Art Center will select the finalists and share them via social media. The final five favorites will be posted on both organizations’ websites and the public will have an opportunity to submit their feedback for the winning design. Winning designs will be selected by the Park District of Highland Park Board of Commissioners.
Guidelines: Artists/designers can submit as many ideas and concepts as they want. Submissions should be made as PDF attachments and emailed to [email protected]. Winning submissions will be notified via email by April. The Park District of Highland Park will reimburse for paint and provide access to the location. The artist is responsible for realizing the design of the structures, weather permitting, on a date to be arranged with the Park District Highland Park and the selected artist.
The Park District Highland Park will award a stipend of $250, and The Art Center Highland Park will award a $250 tuition credit for the winner(s).
Staff provided construction project updates for Millard Bluff Grading and Tree Removal, Moraine Beach Pathway, Park Avenue Breakwater and Boat Ramp Replacement, Moroney Park Playground Replacement, and the Centennial Ice Arena Rink Floor Replacement and the Facility and Site Renovations.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the Centennial Ice Arena Renovation Project Change Order #25 from Stuckey Construction in the amount of $38,951 for materials and installation of Mondo flooring at the ice rink entry area.
Staff reviewed a proposed donation from a Highland Park resident to rename a PDHP park in honor of his family and other Italian families that have settled in Highland Park beginning in the early 1900s. Staff also reviewed the updated employee classification plan and salary ranges and proposed salary adjustments.
Staff reviewed the 2023 Lakefront user fees for Park Avenue Beach and Boating Facility, Rosewood Beach, and Moraine, possible options to covert a portion of the existing tennis courts to pickleball courts at Danny Cunniff Park, and the feasibility study initiative with BerryDunn for the West Ridge Center Facility Planning Improvements.
The Park District of Highland Park had a significant presence at this past weekend’s Illinois Parks and Recreation Association’s (IPRA) Annual Conference, winning multiple awards and recognition. The Park District was presented with the Illinois Park and Recreation Association’s (IPRA) Outstanding Program Award for its Dia De Los Muertos special event. It is the association’s top award given to one agency out of over 2,000 from across Illinois for outstanding and unique achievements in developing and implementing a program. The Park District received several other top State of Illinois awards, including first place for best website, two first-place and two second-place awards for photography, and third place award for the best logo for The Preserve of Highland Park.
The IPRA Board of Directors also presented the Park District of Highland Park staff and Board of Commissioners with its Annual Chair Award, recognizing the Park District for the exceptional care and support it provided to the Highland Park community in the hours, days, weeks, and months following the tragic shooting at the July 4th Parade. IPRA Board Chair Trisha Breitlow presented the award and shared the following:
Donate brand new (with store tags) stuffed animals (must be larger than a beanie baby, but smaller than a child). All donations will be delivered to local Fire and Police First Responders, who will give a child in crisis a comforting stuffed animal.
Drop off your donations Wed, Feb 1 – Tue, Feb 28 at one of the following locations:
Deer Creek Racquet Club
701 Deer Creek Pkwy.
Recreation Center of Highland Park
1207 Park Avenue W.
West Ridge Center
636 Ridge Rd.
The mission of Zac’s Zoo is to provide children in turmoil, with a brand new stuffed animal. When children are faced with scary situations, they gravitate to something which provides comfort…typically a stuffed animal. When you are a child, having a stuffed animal is like having a friend or family member you can always rely on, talk to, love, and be loved unconditionally, no matter what.
Zac Cohen was a native of Highland Park, and attended Highland Park schools, including Wayne Thomas Elementary and Northwood Middle School. In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina destroyed many New Orleans homes, at the tender age of 7, Zac wanted to help the smallest victims…the children. From his desire to help, Zac’s Zoo was formed, along with a cuddle-comfort criteria of which Zac insisted each stuffed animal must possess. Through Zac’s efforts over 10,000 stuffed animals were collected and donated to the children impacted by Katrina.
Sadly, Zac was killed in a tragic motorcycle accident, on September 7th, 2018. He was only 20 years old. He lived his life serving others, taking great pleasure in helping the less fortunate. It’s in his spirit that Zac’s Zoo hopes to help restore a sense of calmness, security, and comfort to children facing adversity.
Zac’s Zoo is a 501(c)(3), non-profit foundation.
If you are a parent of a teenager, now is an excellent time for both you and your teen to start thinking about how to make the most out of summer. A summer job is a great hands-on experience for teens to learn about responsibility, time management, teamwork, expectations associated with being a valued worker, money management, and more.
There is no better summer job for a teen than working at the Park District of Highland Park. Whether it’s applying to be a lifeguard or camp counselor, your teens can build strong job skills, enhance their ability to focus, work together as a team with other teens, build confidence, and set a solid foundation for a strong resume for the future.
Focus
Focus is a critical part of the job. Lifeguards must be able to block out all distractions and prioritize their focus on the people and the area they are guarding. And camp counselors need to take responsibility for the well-being of children. Teens learn to dedicate themselves to their tasks which can translate to their work ethic while studying in school or doing extracurricular activities.
Teamwork
Our camp counselors and lifeguards learn to work as a team. To ensure our patrons’ safety, our staff executes all policies as a team. Teens experience the importance of working together in a challenging environment. They learn how to be given responsibility and how to take responsible action.
Confidence
Building a teen’s confidence through a responsible job is an excellent foundation for the transitions they will have to make in the future, such as going to college and starting a first full-time job.
Resume Builder
Parents count on lifeguards and camp counselors for the safety of their children. College and business recruiters look closely at applicants who have proven themselves in such a serious environment. In addition to critical first aid and safety skills, lifeguards also need to be responsible, quick thinkers, mature, have good customer service & communication skills, and have great concentration. These are all important and transferable leadership skills that are valuable for college admission and landing a full-time job in their chosen career.
Join the Parks Foundation of Highland Park for its fifth annual “Champions Gala and Charity Auction” featuring guest speaker Chris Chelios, former Chicago Blackhawks player and Hockey Hall of Famer.
Every year, hundreds of Highland Park and Highwood kids participate in Park District athletics programs to become champions at building their skills and love of the sport as well as learning the value of good sportsmanship. The Champions Gala celebrates the dedicated coaches who deliver these great experiences for our community’s youth with a memorable evening and raises funds for the Parks Foundation scholarship programs so less fortunate kids can have the same great sports experiences.
Enjoy a glamorous evening of signature cocktails from our open bar, phenomenal hors d’oeuvres, exciting game of chance to win up to $100,000, and of course our featured guest; Blackhawk’s legend Chris Chelios. The night’s live auction will feature fabulous trips, dining experiences, one-of-a-kind items, and memorabilia.
Participate in the Champions Gala online auction including extravagant trips, luxury dining experiences, tickets to sporting events, one-of-a-kind sports memorabilia, private wine parties, golf packages and more.
Chris Chelios is a former professional ice hockey defenseman and one of the longest-tenured players in the National Hockey League (NHL). He is a three-time Stanley Cup champion, was inducted in the Hockey Hall of fame in 2013, and in 2017 was named one of the ‘100 Greatest NHL Players’ in history.
During his professional career, Chelios played for the Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and the Atlanta Thrashers. He holds several NHL records including:
“Chris Chelios not only epitomizes everything a champion is but, he also is one of the most recognizable figures in hockey history,” said Chris Maliszewski, Assistant Director of Recreation with the Park District of Highland Park. “We are very fortunate to have Chris as this year’s guest of honor at the 2023 Champions Gala, and I look forward to our guests having the opportunity to interact with him and hear his message for our community.”
The Parks Foundation grant-in-aid scholarship programs have enabled hundreds of families in need of financial assistance access to all recreation programs, including summer camps, swimming lessons, sports, and fitness programs. With support from residents and local businesses through donations and a variety of community events, approximately $100,000 in grants are awarded each year to Park District of Highland Park families through this worthwhile program.
