This week, Park District crews added a layer of protective mulch around select trees in Sunset Woods Park, as a follow-up to the air spading project that addressed soil compaction. Properly applied, the mulch layer helps regulate soil temperature and moisture to promote root health.

October 11: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the Park District’s Fund Balance Policy and received consensus from the Finance Committee to maintain a minimum balance of 25% in the General and Recreation Funds, maintain a minimum balance of 15% in the Special Recreation Fund, and remove the Debt Service Fund policy.

Staff also reviewed the Draft Five-Year Capital Plan including projections for Fiscal Year 2022 and proposed Capital Expenditures for Fiscal Year 2023. 

Lastly, staff provide an overview of a proposed Recreation Sub-Fund for Park Avenue Boating Facility and received consensus from the Finance Committee to create the proposed Sub-Fund.

October 12: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2022-06 A Declaration Honoring Executive Director Brian Romes for his contributions to the Park District of Highland Park and the extended community in response to the Fourth of July Mass Shooting.

Staff provided construction updates for the Fink Park Athletic Field Development project, Centennial Ice Arena Facility and Site Renovations project and the Rink Floor Replacement project, Hidden Creek AquaPark Concrete Pool Deck and Shade Structure Replacement project, Findings from the structural survey conducted by Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE) for Deer Creek Racquet Club, Districtwide Lighting projects, Recreation Center of Highland Park Dehumidification System Replacement project, Moraine Beach Pathway project, and the Park Avenue Breakwater and Boat Ramp Replacement project.

October 18: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff provided an overview and recommendation of the 2023 Tax Levy. Further discussions will take place at the November 9 Workshop Meeting.

October 26: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved purchasing Replacement Shade Structures at Hidden Creek AquaPark; the changes to Policy # 3.02.4 Fund Balance; the changes to Policy # 3.15 Purchasing; the changes to Policy # 4.02 for Naming or Renaming Parks, Buildings, and Facilities in the Park District of Highland Park Policy Manual; purchasing Golf Maintenance Equipment; purchasing Capital Replacement Zero-Turn Mowers; purchasing Life Fitness Upright and Recumbent Exercise Bikes; the 2022-2023 Sunset Valley Golf Club Cart Path Bridge Replacement and Removal Agreement; entering into an agreement with Camera Corner Connecting Point for purchase of the 2023 Infrastructure Upgrade Project Phase 2 Equipment in the amount of $106,235.74; and Section 7.6 of Part-Time the Part-Time and Full-Time Employee Personnel Policy Manuals: Flexible Spending Account.

The Park District is partnering with Fill a Heart 4 Kids to help local homeless and at-risk youth stay nourished through the Thanksgiving school break. Food donations will be accepted Tuesday, Nov 1- Sunday, Nov 13 at the following locations :

Items Needed:

Mon Nov 14 • 1-6:30pm
West Ridge Center • 636 Ridge Rd.
Multiple time slots available

The Parks Foundation of Highland Park has received a grant from the Highland Park Community Foundation. These funds will support the Park Foundation’s “Foundation For Youth” (FYI) Scholarship Program. FYI offers Highwood residents of lesser financial means the opportunity to participate in recreational programs, including swimming lessons and summer camps.

Though the Highwood families attend the same schools as Highland Park residents, Highwood is not within the tax-body bounds of the Park District of Highland Park, and residents cannot take advantage of the Park District’s resident scholarship program.  Highwood also does not have a park district, and the City of Highwood offers limited recreational programs for residents. 

The Park’s Foundation FYI Scholarship Program was introduced in 2019 and currently funds approximately 100 learn-to-swim lessons for low-income Highwood children. FYI summer camp scholarships were also made available to Highwood residents with financial constraints during the COVID-19 pandemic. For families facing increased financial hardship due to the pandemic, recreational activities are often the first expenses cut out of a household budget. At the same time, outlets for exercise and enrichment are more critical than ever in promoting physical, social, and emotional health. Further, the need for greater equity and inclusiveness motivates a primary organizational goal of the Parks Foundation to boost funding so that more Highwood residents may enjoy access to Park District programs. The FYI Scholarship program reaches low-income preschool and school-aged children, predominantly Latino Highwood residents.

“The Parks Foundation is grateful for the Highland Park Community Foundation’s generous support for our FYI Scholarship program. Highwood is an important part of our community – our children go to school together,” says Rafael Labrador, the Parks Foundation Board of Directors president. “FYI helps level the playing field for Highwood families.”

About the Parks Foundation of Highland Park: The Parks Foundation of Highland Park is an independent, community-led, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2016 to support access to the world-class Park District programs and facilities that enhance community life in Highland Park. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants and donations that help keep taxes and program fees in check and bridge the gap between public resources and the funding needed to maintain our vibrant park system. We are committed to providing the resources for everyone in our community to participate in a wide variety of Park District offerings. Scholarship funds raised by the Foundation have allowed Highland Park/Highwood residents of all ages to enjoy athletic and recreational programs and summer camps. In cooperation with government entities, private enterprises, nonprofit partner organizations, and local families, we enrich current and future generations by supporting the open space and recreational programs that bring our community together. For more information and to donate, visit pfhpil.org.

About Highland Park Community Foundation: The Highland Park Community Foundation was established in 1992 at the request of the City of Highland Park to build and maintain a permanent endowment fund. As the philanthropic heart of the community, the HPCF improves and enriches people’s lives with annual grants to nonprofits that provide educational, human service, and cultural programs for Highland Park and Highwood residents. The Foundation’s avowed purposes are to expand opportunities and address the unmet needs of the community – needs that are not met by governmental or other sources.

The Highland Park Community Foundation annually awards grants though a competitive application and review process. For more information, visit hpcfil.org.

September 14: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved Ordinance 2022-05: Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property and the First Amendment to the Centennial Ice Arena Locker Room License Agreement.

Staff provided construction updates for the Park Avenue Breakwater and Boat Ramp project, the Moraine Path Improvement project, the Centennial Ice Arena Renovation and Site Improvements project, the Millard Bluff Grading and Tree Removal project, the Fink Park Athletic Field Development project, and the Old Elm Trail Connection Feasibility Study.

Staff recommended elements from the approved Sunset Woods Master Plan for the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant program administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The competitive grant program provides up to 50% funding support to develop public outdoor recreation areas. This year $56M is available through the grant program, and the maximum individual award is $600,000. The application is due on September 30, 2022.

The Park District is working with a third-party consultant GovHRUSA to conduct an employee Compensation and Classification Study to attract and retain a productive workforce. Simultaneously, the Park District is redefining our Values to create a clear focus on what drives day-to-day decision-making, inspires leadership, and holds our organization, teams, and individuals accountable. The desired outcome of redefining Park District Values is a relentless focus on values-driven leadership, values-driven culture, and values-driven strategic initiatives that are simple, compelling, and aligned with our Mission (why we exist) and our Vision (what we aspire to do).

Lastly, staff reviewed the 2023 Proposed Budget Timeline.

September 28: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the Athletic Fields Capital Campaign Project Change Order Agreement for the Non-Profit Coach consulting services, the base bid proposal, and alternates 1 and 2 from RES Environmental Operating Company, LLC in the amount of $319,300 for the 2022-2023 Millard Bluff Grading and Tree Removal project, and the OSLAD Grant Resolution Authorization, allowing the Park District of Highland Park to apply for funding assistance to implement the Sunset Woods Master Plan.

Staff provided an update on pickleball operations and recommendations to expand outdoor opportunities.

September 29: Policy Committee Meeting

The Policy Committee conducted an exercise to root the proposed redefined values into the District’s operational framework.

The National Parks & Recreation Association (NRPA) and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation have awarded the Park District of Highland Park a $600 pack of supplies to help the Park District establish additional pollinator habitats at The Preserve of Highland Park. The award is part of NRPA & Scotts “Parks for Pollinators” national campaign to raise public awareness of the pollinator crisis and encourage local action through public parks and recreation.

As participants in the campaign, Park District staff and volunteers successfully documented a variety of pollinators throughout September at The Preserve. They demonstrated the significance of the newly created habitat at The Preserve and all of the pollinators it supports.

Findings included:

• Monarch butterflies
• Western honey bees
• Eastern honey bees
• Carpenter bees
• Bald-faced hornets
• Small white butterflies
• Delaware skipper butterflies
• Viceroy butterflies
• Tiger moths
• Tussock moths
• Transverse banded flower flies
• Sunflower mining bee
• Hover flies

“This information will help us understand how we can better protect pollinators and other important wildlife in our community,” said Elizabeth Ricketts, Natural Areas Program Volunteer Coordinator. Learn more about The Preserve of Highland Park.

Join Us for our First Día de los Muertos Celebration!

Sat., Nov 5 • 1–4pm
West Ridge Center • 636 Ridge Road
(Event was originally located at The Preserve of Highland Park but will be held at West Ridge Center due to weather)

FREE Event! Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Future, and Bridging Our Communities!

• Come in costume or come as you are.
• Play games.
• Enjoy Mexican music and dancing.

And help start a Highland Park – Highwood tradition!

Lots of delicious food from a variety of vendors will be available to purchase. We will have a community ofrenda/altar; if you wish to have a picture on our altar, please bring a photo with you or contact Jessica Reyes at [email protected]. We look forward to celebrating with all of you!

The roots of Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, go back more than 3,000 years in Europe, Spain, and to the Aztecs who lived in rural, indigenous areas of what is now central Mexico. In Europe, celebrations of the harvest took place in the fall, and the rituals were adopted as part of two Roman Catholic holidays—All Saints Day and All Souls Day—celebrated on the first two days of November. The cycle of life and death are entwined with the annual cycle of crops that grow from the ground where the remnants of the last harvest have been turned under and nurture the soil.
 
On Día de los Muertos, the border separating the real world from the spirit world dissolves, and the souls of the dead awaken, returning to eat and drink, dance, and play music with their family and friends. The living honor the deceased as guests in the celebrations. They prepare their favorite foods and leave them as offerings on the ofrendas (alters) built in their homes, as well as at gravesites. Ofrendas are decorated with candles to light the path back to the living. Brightly colored marigolds—called cempasuchil—are spread on the alter to guide the souls with their enticing fragrance. You should wish someone a happy day by saying, “Feliz día de los Muertos.”

1. El Día de los Muertos is not, as is commonly thought, a Mexican version of Halloween although the holidays do share traditions, including wearing costumes and marching in parades.

2. Calaveras, or skulls, are a unique symbol of Día de los Muertos. Elaborately decorated ceramic and papier-mâché skulls are worn throughout the festivities. Sugar skulls that are decorated with colored icing, (and often feathers and foil) are placed on offrendas. Simple sugar skulls, with just icing, are eaten and enjoyed by children of all ages. The famous La Calavera Cantina (the Elegant Skull) was created as a political statement by Mexican printmaker Jose Guadalupe Posada in 1910. Her fancy dress and hat, along with her white makeup, have been an integral part of the holiday ever since.

3. The ofrenda has always been an important part of the celebration, and today the alter is perhaps the most recognized symbol of Día de los Muertos. It is a way for families to honor their loved ones and provide them what they need on their journey from the spirit world. An ofrenda must include the four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire and Water. Bread is used to represent Earth. Wind is represented by traditional paper banners, called Papel picado. Candles light the way and can be placed in the form of a cross, which indicates the cardinal directions. Water is often presented in a pitcher, so the spirits can quench their thirst. if you wish to have a picture on our altar, please bring a photo with you or contact Jessica Reyes at [email protected].

4. Monarch butterflies play a unique role in celebrations of Día de los Muertos because they hold the spirits of the departed. This lovely thought is tied to the arrival of the first monarchs in Mexico each fall, at the start of the holiday on Nov. 1.

5. The Día de los Muertos celebration spans two days: All Saints Day, Nov. 1, is the day to remember children who have passed. All Soul’s Day, Nov. 2, is the day when we honor adults.

6. Dessert! It’s what so many people look forward to during the celebrations. Pastries and sweets are central to the holiday, and one of the most loved is Pan de Muertos, a sweet, delicious bread, coated in sugar, and decorated to look like a pile of bones.

7. Día de los Muertos is not a somber occasion… it’s a joyous holiday and a celebration of life! It’s bright and colorful, with parties, music, dancing, and decorations everywhere you look. Classic Mexican traditions include calaveritas (short, humorous poems) that are a clever way to talk about, and poke fun at, difficult topics—like the Grim Reaper!

In support of the Highland Park community that has been through so much this past summer, the Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation is underwriting a full day of golf for Highland Park residents at the Sunset Valley Golf Club on Wednesday, October 12.

Includes an 18-hole round and a golf cart (carts are limited and available on a first-come basis).

Book your tee time now.
Click the Wadsworth Golf Outing button.
(Please show your ID at check-in)

Crews are removing the flagstone path and retaining walls and began stabilization work at the toe of the slope. The boardwalk sections are being fabricated offsite. Additional equipment and materials will be delivered over the next several days. Once received, on-site work will resume.

Learn more about the project.

Work continues to remove the existing barge breakwater in preparation for the installation of the new breakwater and boat ramp.

About the Project

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. Construction began as scheduled on Sept 6, 2022. Learn more.