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 info@theartcenterhp.org. 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).

January 11: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

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. 

January 18: Policy Committee Meeting

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. 

January 18: Facility & Recreation Committee Meeting

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:

The Park District of Highland Park is partnering with Zac’s Zoo to collect new stuffed animals for children in crisis.

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.

Champions Gala & Charity Auction
Wed, March 15, 2023 | 6:30pm
Studio One | 1799 Green Bay Rd.

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.

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:

• Was the oldest active player in the NHL and the second oldest of all time when he was called up to play for the Thrashers during the 2009–10 NHL season.
• Held the record for most games played by an active player in the NHL, was the last player from the 1981 NHL Entry Draft still active (or any draft from 1986 and earlier). On May 1, 2009, he appeared in the playoffs for an NHL record 24th time.
• Had the most career penalty minutes of any active player.

“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.

Presenting Sponsors

               

Supporting Sponsors

          

Gifting Sponsor

No matter how hard you try, you can’t outrun your fork! Not gaining weight starts in the kitchen with a healthy grocery list, meal prep, and portion control. Take a look at these tips from Karen Jarger, Personal Trainer at the Recreation Center of Highland Park, to help you avoid that extra weight this year.

Be mindful.  Chew your food thoroughly.  It takes 20 minutes for your brain to register satiation from food.  The slower you eat, the better your saliva does its predigesting work and your stomach registers that you’ve had enough. This technique helps avoid overindulgence. 

Include complex carbs in your diet to give your body long-lasting energy and important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Complex carbs are an ideal source of fiber; they digest more slowly, leaving you feeling fuller longer. Some great examples are lentils & legumes, oatmeal, whole wheat breads, brown rice, quinoa, squash, whole fruits, and leafy green and colorful vegetables.

Going to a holiday party? Before heading out, eat a snack high in protein at home so you don’t overindulge. Protein takes longer to digest and can help you be selective about how much and what you put in your mouth later! Drinking lots of water before and during parties helps control urges to “overcelebrate” as well!

Whether it’s holiday shopping or your weekly errands, park your car a little further away from the store. These extra steps add up!

The fun doesn’t stop when the temperature drops! We have exciting wintertime activities to do with the kiddos.

Every other Wed at 10-11am Heller Nature Center 

Enjoy a story with a naturalist, then take a short hike and engage in a hands-on nature-inspired craft to take home.

 Every Tues & Thurs at 10:30am-12:30pm • Recreation Center of Highland Park 

Get out of the house and give your little ones room to play on our beautiful basketball courts! We provide balls, scooters, and lots of other fun equipment for kids to enjoy. This is a drop-in program, pay at the Rec Center front desk.

$7/9 (resident/non-resident), KidsClub Members Wiggle for Free! 

West Ridge Center 

Our jungle-themed indoor playground is the perfect setting for your active child to run, climb, and play! Whether you’re planning a birthday party or a special playdate, Jammin’ Jungle can accommodate up to 30 people.

For more information, contact Debbie Pierce at dpierce@pdhp.org or (847) 579-4047. 

 Recreation Center of Highland Park 

“Parent & Tot Water Readiness” is a class designed to help you and your child enjoy the water through activities and songs.

Registration begins Wed., Feb 15 at 7am

ParkSchool is a fresh concept in early childhood education that combines modern education methods with the expertise in recreation and access to the natural world that only the Park District can provide. Our educational staff and recreational professionals deliver a new level of STREAM (science, technology, recreation, engineering, art, and math) for young learners, with the goal of preparing them for success in kindergarten. 

Daily 9am-9pm (rink is lit by existing park lighting) • Sunset Woods Park 

When weather conditions allow (an average temperature of 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder for 5 consecutive days, 5-6 inches of ground frost), park district staff will begin flooding the ice rink. It takes four 24-hour days to spray and freeze the water to create a base and finish ice.

Throughout the season, the rink may be closed for snow removal or unsafe ice conditions.

Skating is free and the rink is sectioned off to allow for separate hockey and recreational skating. Groups should be considerate of one another. For the safety of our patrons, helmets are required in the hockey rink.

There is no supervision or skate rental at the outdoor rink. Anyone using the ice rink should be aware that the risk of injury is present. The Park District encourages everyone to participate in this activity in a safe manner and suggests that children be supervised by a responsible adult.

Free 

 Daily from dawn to dusk • Danny Cunniff Park 

Nothing says “winter fun” like sledding! The sled hill at Cunniff Park is free and open to the public. Please be aware that there is no supervision or warming facility at the sled hill.

Free 

 Sat & Sun at 12:30-5:30pm • Recreation Center of Highland Park 

No matter the season, there’s an indoor pool for you to jump into at the Rec Center! Splash around with the whole family during weekend open swim hours.

With the cold weather comes snow and winter fun! Take a look at everything you need to know about our outdoor winter activities.

Sunset Woods Park: 1801 Sunset Road
Hours:  9am-9pm daily (rink is lit by existing park lights)

When weather conditions allow (an average temperature of 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder for 5 consecutive days, 5-6 inches of ground frost), Park District staff will begin flooding the ice rink at Sunset Woods Park. It takes four 24-hour days to spray and freeze the water to create a base and finish ice.

Throughout the season, the rink may be closed for snow removal or unsafe ice conditions.

Skating is free and the rink is sectioned off to allow for separate hockey and recreational skating. Groups should be considerate of one another. For the safety of our patrons, helmets are required in the hockey rink.  

There is no supervision or skate rental at the outdoor rink. Anyone using the ice rink should be aware that the risk of injury is present. The Park District encourages everyone to participate in this activity in a safe manner and suggests that children be supervised by a responsible adult.

Danny Cunniff Park: 2700 Trail Way Street (located toward the back of the park, just south of Centennial Ice Arena)
Hours: No set hours

The sled hill is free and open to the public. Please be aware that there is no supervision or warming facility at the sled hill. The Park District of Highland Park encourages everyone to participate in this activity in a safe manner and to follow these safety guidelines:

• Children should be supervised by a responsible adult.
• The user assumes full responsibility for determining if the Sled
• Hill is safe to use.
• Use the Sled Hill at your own risk.
• Walk to the top of the Sled Hill along the fenced sides of the hill to avoid collisions.
• Use caution when sledding and be considerate of others.
• Sled down the hill only when it is clear of other sledders.

Throughout the season, the sled hill may be closed from time to time.

Heller Nature Center: 2821 Ridge Road 
Hours : 7:30am – Dusk 

Hit the snow on three miles of ungroomed trails at Heller Nature Center. Skis are available for rental whenever snow conditions permit (4″ base or greater). Call 847.433.6901 to check snow conditions.

$11/person: Reservations must be made online, no walk-ins.

• One hour rental time slots
• Rentals start and end at your designated time slot.
• Ski equipment must stay on Heller Nature Center property.

If you have your own skis, please feel free to use our trails at your leisure from 7:30am to dusk.

Rental Time Slots:

Monday-Sunday: 9-10am, 10:10-11:10am, 11:20am-12:20pm, 1-2pm, 2:10-3:10pm, 3:20-4:20pm

December 6: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff presented the 2023 budget book and related Ordinance # 2023-1: An Ordinance for a combined budget and appropriation for the Park District of Highland Park for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2023. Staff have also been working with the Park District’s legal counsel to draft a Donation and Naming Rights Agreement for the Fink Park Baseball Field. An update was provided to discuss the donation, agreement terms and schedule, and the proposed name. Staff also reviewed the bid opening for the 2022 Centennial Ice Arena Sound and Video Equipment Replacement project, the 2023 Dehumidification System Replacement Recreation Center of Highland Park Indoor Pool project, and a proposed parks vehicle capital purchase.

December 7: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved Centennial Ice Arena Renovation Project Change Order #16 from Stuckey Construction in the amount of $49,868.50 for materials and installation of Mondo flooring at the ice rink entry area.

Staff presented the 2022 operational reports for Sunset Valley Golf Club and the Highland Park Golf Learning Center and provided construction project updates for the Fink Park Athletic Field Development Project, the Hidden Creek AquaPark Concrete Pool Deck Project, the Centennial Ice Arena Facility and Site Renovations Project, the Centennial Ice Arena Rink Floor Replacement Project, the Moraine Beach Pathway Project, the Park Avenue Breakwater and Boat Ramp Replacement Project, and the West Ridge Park and Site Plan Project.

December 14: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

There was a Public Hearing on the Supplemental and Tax Levy Ordinances.

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2023 Highland Park Pops Affiliate Organization Agreement, the 2023 Highland Park Strings Affiliate Organization Agreement, the 2023 Highland Park Players Affiliate Organization Agreement, the 2023 American Youth Soccer Organization Affiliate Agreement, the 2023 Uptown Music Theater of Highland Park Affiliate Organization Agreement, the 2023 License Agreement between the Park District of Highland Park and the North Shore Yacht Club, the 2022 Centennial Ice Arena Sound & Video Equipment Replacement Bid, the 2023 Dehumidification System Replacement for the Recreation Center of Highland Park Indoor Pool Bid, the Donation and Naming Rights Agreement, Resolution #2022-08 Authorizing a Contract for Procurement of Park Vehicles, Resolution #2022-09: Authorizing the Mutual Exchange of Real Estate Property and Intergovernmental Agreement Between the Board of Education of NSSD112 and the PDHP to Mutually Exchange Real Estate, Ordinance #2022-06: Supplemental Tax Levy for Debt Service for 2022, and Ordinance #2022-07: Tax Levy for 2022.

Staff presented the proposed 2023 Budget (represents the calendar year January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023) for consideration by the Board of Park Commissioners. The proposed 2023 budget is available for public review on our website, as well as at the Recreation Center of Highland Park, West Ridge Center and Highland Park Library.  Public comments and questions can be submitted to bromes@pdhp.org. A hearing for the public will be held on January 25, 2023.  Later that evening, the Budget will be presented to the Board for approval of the Budget, and the Budget and Appropriations Ordinance. Upon approval, the budget will be certified by the county.