The Game Changes NOW!

Club Pickle & Padel officially opens for play Tuesday, September 2!

Before our official opening, you’re invited to our “First on the Court” Open Houses Friday, August 29-Monday, September 1 (see below for times).

Get an exclusive first look at our new 50,000-square-foot facility, take a tour, sign up for memberships and programs, take home exclusive swag, and play two of the fastest-growing sports in the world: pickleball and padel for FREE!
(30-minute court time slots, no reservations required, just drop in)

“First on the Court” Open House Dates & Times
Fri Aug 29 | 9am-Noon & 5-8pm
* Sat Aug 30 | 8am-Noon
* Sun Aug 31 | 8am-3pm
* Mon Sep 1 | 8am-Noon

* PLUS! Delos Therapy will be court-side on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday providing complimentary 10-minute therapy sessions for everyone!

📞 Questions? Contact us at 847.579.4200

This is a Big Dill. No, Really…Meet Our New Head Pickleball Pro!

JUSTIN DILL
Justin brings a unique perspective to pickleball, shaped by over 12 years of experience as a professional cricket player. His career in South Africa and the USA honed his skills, directly translating to pickleball with quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and precise hand-eye coordination.
Learn More About Justin>>

50,000-square-foot indoor complex with pickleball, padel, and year-round play!

Highland Park, IL – AUGUST 27, 2025 – The Park District of Highland Park is cutting the ribbon on Club Pickle & Padel, a new indoor sports facility opening its doors to the public on Tuesday, September 2. Located at 2205 Skokie Valley Road, the 50,000-square-foot venue offers residents and visitors a year-round destination to play two of the fastest-growing sports in the world: pickleball and pade

The design of Club Pickle & Padel emphasizes both player comfort and high-quality competition, with advanced LED lighting, climate control, and layouts that make it easy for players of all skill levels and abilities to get in the game.  Replacing the roughly 25 year old seasonal dome with  the new year-round, climate-controlled air structure allows for ideal playing conditions regardless of weather. 

The facility features:

• 10 dedicated pickleball courts built to professional standards
• 4 state-of-the-art padel courts with glass walls and turf designed for optimal play
• A spacious reception area for welcoming guests
• A stocked pro shop offering equipment, apparel, and accessories
• Snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks available for purchase
• Modern, accessible restrooms, showers, and comfortable seating areas for spectators
• Private rental space for private parties, corporate outings and tournaments 

This transformative project comes to life thanks in large part to Ron Saslow, founder and managing partner of Thirty-5 Capital, a Highland Park native, athlete, and self-described “Park District kid.” Growing up, Saslow took part in countless Park District programs crediting local coaches for instilling the values of teamwork and sportsmanship.

Through his investment firm, Thirty-5 Capital, Saslow has focused on advancing sports technology and innovation, with a particular passion for pickleball. His proposal for the dome site, accepted by the Park District in January 2024, outlined the vision for Club Pickle & Padel and included a significant personal investment to help bring it to life.

“Pickleball brings people together in a way few other sports can,” says Saslow. “It’s inclusive, easy to learn, and fun for all ages. I’m proud to help make Club Pickle & Padel a place where this community can connect and play every day.”

Park District leadership sees the facility as a key milestone for the community. “We’ve heard from residents for years about the need for more indoor pickleball courts,” says Brian Romes, Executive Director of the Park District of Highland Park. “With Club Pickle & Padel, we’re delivering on that request and creating a destination that will benefit our community for decades to come.”

Club Pickle & Padel is now offering drop-in open play, court bookings, leagues, clinics, and special events for all skill levels. Membership options are available for exclusive perks such as complimentary or reduced fees, early registration, and priority booking.  Equipment is available on-site for rent or purchase.  

For schedules, rates, and program information, visit pdhp.org or clubpicklepadel.com.

About Thirty-5 Capital
Thirty-5 Capital holds a robust portfolio of investments in professional sports teams, leagues, and innovative technology-driven sports companies. https://www.thirtyfivecapital.com/

About the Park District of Highland Park
The Park District of Highland Park is in Highland Park, Illinois, a north shore suburb of Chicago and operates and manages approximately 800 acres of land in 44 park areas; and offers approximately 3,000 recreational and seasonal programs. Facilities include the new Club Pickle and Padel indoor facility featuring ten pickleball courts and four padel courts; indoor ice arena; indoor tennis complex; fitness center; nature center; 18-hole golf course; golf learning center; aquapark; beaches; boat launch ramp and yacht club on Lake Michigan. For more information, contact the Park District 847.831.3810 or pdhp.org.

Before heading out to your favorite Park District of Highland Park facility on Labor Day weekend, check out our hours!

*Hours for Club Pickle & Padel are for “First on the Court” Open Houses. For more information, please check it our here

Grab two or three of your best “Dad Bod” friends, lace up your sneakers, and shoot some hoops for a great cause at the 2^nd Annual Dad Bods 3v3 Charity Basketball Tournament on Sunday, October 12, 9am-2:30pm, at Northwood Middle School. This indoor, half-court tournament features a 3-game guarantee, group stage into playoffs or consolation brackets, and games played to 11 (semis/finals to 21). 

So, Why Should You Help Us Raise Money? 

Because every dollar makes a difference. Our goal is to raise $10,000 in support of the Parks Foundation of Highland Park—helping ensure all Highwood and Highland Park families can participate in Park District programs and supporting exceptional Park District projects.

Dad Bod Team Details 

Teams are comprised of 3-4 players. Each player must raise a minimum of $75 to participate (minimum $225 for a 3-player team or minimum $300 for a 4-player team. Each participant will receive an official event tee shirt. Teams can also raise additional funds – the top fundraising team wins a prize! 

• Tournament limited to 24 teams– register today to secure your spot! 
• T-shirt included for each player
• Minimum 3 / Maximum 4 players per team
• Raffle, silent auction, trophies, and more
• After-party at Steep Ravine for extra fun and fundraising

The deadline to register is Sunday, October 5. Let’s make this year bigger, better, and even more fun than last! 

• To start a team, click Start a Fundraiser
  • Enter your team name and upload a photo. Click Continue, enter your email and verification code
• To join an existing team, click Join a Team
  • Find your team, enter your email and verification code

July 16 Policy Committee Meeting:

Staff presented a summary of changes to policies 4.00 – 4.25 (general policies). Commissioner Beck recommended changes to policies 4.16 Compensation and 4.17 Transgender Park Patron. The recommended changes from Commissioner Beck will be shared with the Park District’s legal counsel. The Park Board Policy liaisons supported staff’s recommended changes to policies 4.00 – 4.21, with the caveat that legal supports Commissioner Beck’s recommendations.

July 16 Workshop Meeting of the Park Board:

Representative from aQity Research & Insights, Inc. presented the topline results from the 2025 Statistically Valid Community Interest and Attitude Survey. The findings included community rankings on key topics such as overall opinion of the Park District, the most frequently visited parks and facilities, and the types of recreational activities most commonly used by park visitors. The survey also measured user experience, satisfaction, and perceptions of safety when visiting parks and facilities.

Staff provided an overview of the Sustainability Plan (GreenPath) goals, performance measures, and objectives. Year one is focused on launching the brand and familiarizing the community with GreenPath, which will guide sustainability efforts at the Park District through 2035. 

The Park Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2025-09 approving a Lease Agreement with Realgy, LLC for the installation, operation, and maintenance of a Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant on the West Ridge Community Center roof.

Staff provided construction project updates the Club Pickle and Padel facility, landscaping, parking lot improvements, and replacing the monument sign at Park Fitness (Recreation Center of Highland Park), the Highland Park Senior Center, the Preserve of Highland Park, and Moraine Events, aquatic center renovations at Park Fitness, renovations at Port Clinton Playground and Larry Fink Park Tot Lot, and New facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park. 

Staff reviewed the terms and financial impacts to extend the First Student Transportation Services Agreement for the 2026 and 2027 camp season.

July 21 Master Planning Committee Meeting:

Representatives from BerryDunn provided a progress update of the Park District’s Recreation Assessment, which is an exploration of recreation programs and services through a series of analyses that identifies what the District is doing well, strengthening and growth opportunities, performance measures and alignments with community needs. The assessment informs future direction.

Representatives from the Lakota Group provided a recap of community engagement share points and the topics discussed and identified Key Themes from the initial Engagement, Survey, Assessments, and Staff SWOC Analysis.

July 30 Regular Meeting of the Park Board:

The Park Board approved the 2025 GreenPath Sustainability Plan, the First Student Transportation Services Agreement Extension for Summer Camp, the Ordinance 2025-11- Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the Total Base Bid from Cahill Heating and Cooling Electric Plumbing & Sewer, Inc for the 2025 Centennial Ice Arena RTU Replacement and authorize the Executive Director to enter into an agreement in the amount of $47,900, and the Resolution to Grant Temporary Construction Easement to Illinois Department of Transportation.

Staff reviewed summer 2024 – spring 2025 actual vs budgeted program participation for adult tennis, adult pickleball, and junior tennis, 2024 summer camp actual vs. budgeted participation and revenue and expenses, and the actual vs budgeted hours for tennis and pickleball court utilization and privatesbeginning June 2024 – June 2025.

The Park Board went into closed session pursuant to Section 2(c) 21: the discussion of minutes lawfully closed under the Act, whether for the purposes of approval of said minutes or for conducting the semi-annual review of the minutes as set forth in section 2.06 of the Act. The Park Board approved releasing the Closed Session minutes from January 29, 2025 for public inspection.

The Closed Session minutes from January 08, 2025 Finance Committee Meeting, January 15, 2025 Workshop Meeting, March 12, 2025 Workshop Meeting, March 18, 2025 Finance Committee Meeting, March 19, 2025 Regular Meeting, April 09, 2025 Workshop Meeting, April 15, 2025 Finance Committee Meeting, April 23, 2025 Regular Meeting, May 02, 2025 Finance Committee Meeting, May 13, 2025 Finance Committee Meeting, May 21, 2025 Regular Meeting, June 11, 2025 Workshop Meeting, and June 25, 2025 Regular Meeting shall not be released for public inspection, the need for confidentiality still exists as to all or part of those minutes.

June 11: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

Representative from Williams Architects presented the Schematic Design Final Design for the renovation of the Park Fitness (Recreation Center of Highland Park) locker room shower area.

Staff shared the process (why or why not change a name) and findings (pros vs. cons) for the proposed name for the new recreational center at West Ridge Park. Staff recommends changing the name to West Ridge Community Center. Staff received consent from the Park Board of Commissioners to allow the recommended new name to wait the sixty-day period prior to vote.

A statistically valid survey was released to community members that represents the demographic to gather feedback for the updated masterplan. 

Staff reviewed and made changes to the Park District of Highland Park Policy Manual in its entirety. All draft policies have been reviewed by legal, Ancel Glink, to ensure up-to-date compliance with the Park District Code. The Park Board reviewed and approved the changes to chapters 1-2. Staff presented a review schedule for chapters 3-6. 

Staff provided construction project updates for the Park Fitness (Recreation Center of Highland Park) Landscaping project, Port Clinton Playground renovation, Sunset Woods Park improvements, Larry Fink Toto Lot renovation, Centennial Ice Arena Dehumidification project, New facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, and Club Pickle and Padel Facility project. 

The Park District is reviewing and updating our ordinance and working with the Highland Park Police as they review their Ordinance and regulations regarding e-bikes on park paths. Also, staff are installing signs at Park Avenue “Bicycles, Skateboard and Scooters are not allowed on sidewalks or boardwalk”. 

June 17: Finance Committee Meeting

A Representative from Sikich LLP presented a draft of the Park District’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. 

Staff reviewed and provided a contract recommendation for the 2025 Lincoln Park Renovation bid. 

Staff proposed the Finance Committee move their meetings to the third Thursday of every month at 8:00 a.m. 

June 25: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board adopted a Proclamation for the designation of July as Parks and Recreation Month.

The Park Board approved Ordinance 2025-08- Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of the Park District of Highland Park, the bid from Hacienda Landscaping Inc. for the 2025 Lincoln Park Improvements, including value engineering recommendations and Alternates 1 and 4, and the additional scope items proposed by Holabird and Root Authorizing Additional Architectural and Engineering Services for West Ridge Park Site Planning and Project Improvements including the proposal for Site-Based Owner Revisions Post-Bid, Permit & GMP Issuance for Programming & Scope Work Sessions in the amount not to exceed $29,000, and Site-Based Owner Revisions Post-Bid, Permit & GMP Issuance for the South Ballfield. 

The statistically valid community survey is complete for the updated masterplan. A separate survey will be released this week to the entire community to further community engagement.

Staff provided a year in review for 2024 and year to date scholarship spending.

The Recreation Center of Highland Park has been one of the premier facilities at your Park District of Highland Park for nearly 20 years. Through fitness fads that came and went, and workout trends that we refined and helped you incorporate into your personal routines, we’ve stayed an integral part of the community. We’re grateful for your support, and for the lasting friendships we’ve built.

Today, we’re announcing a significant change: we will now be known as Park Fitness!

Our new name highlights not only who we are, but who we aspire to be. Park aligns with our history as a major facility at your Park District, and also references our physical locations—just steps away from The Preserve, a magnificent 100-acre nature-based park full of walking and biking trails—and Park Avenue West that brings you right to our door. Fitness highlights who we are at our core: extensive offerings for physical health and overall well-being in a place designed to be a community hub—where social engagement enhances every workout in an inclusive, welcoming, caring environment. It’s a combination that makes Park Fitness truly extraordinary.

If you are new to the community, or the Park District, we invite you to see the transformation that our members have been watching over the past two years. The 5,850 square foot Fitness Floor has been redesigned to be more comfortable, and quieter, with an exceptional range of equipment that gives you more opportunities to create a personalized workout routine—on your own or with one of our expert trainers. All of the requisite machines and stations are here: treadmills, elliptical trainers, cross trainers, rowing machines, stair climbers, arc trainers, upright and recumbent bikes, plus a full line of strength and resistance equipment and an extensive free weight area. Whatever you’ve built your routine on, it’s here. And there’s more. Stages Studio Pro Plus Cycling. A Pilates Reformer Training Studio. A dedicated functional training space on the turf. 

Take a free tour. You’ll feel the difference from the moment you walk in.

Our popular Group Exercise program is another big reason why Park Fitness is not your typical workout place. Classes are held in the Gymnasium (that’s right, we have a full gym and a track), in the specialized Group Ex Studio, Mind/Body Studio, and Spin Studio. We have Aqua Fit classes—because we have a pool!—and we hold some group classes outdoors, where nature helps move your personal growth to a whole new level. Take a deep breath. That’s fresh air!

“Park Fitness is so much more than a name change,” said Jodi DiTomasso, our long-time Fitness Manager—who members all know as the heart and soul of the facility. “It represents a new era in our commitment to the health and well-being of the community. Our robust group exercise program features awide range of formats, from yoga to high-intensity interval training.” You can add these classes to your basic membership, or sign up for them as exclusive offerings. Jodi added, “Flexibility and variety are key to creating a routine you’ll stay with as you get healthier and stronger.” 

“Whether you’re shooting hoops on our two full-court basketball courts, swimming laps in our 6-lane 25-yard pool, or joining one of our group exercise classes, there’s truly no better place to meet friends and stay active together,” said Jodi.

From the warm welcome as you come into the lobby, to the friendly assistance from our team members with memberships, program registrations, and daily drop-ins, to the expertise of our instructors, Park Fitness will be the place where you connect healthy activities and socialization on the road to a better life. Start your journey today on our website, with a call, or a tour. 

Until next time… we’ll see you around the parks!

July is Park and Recreation Month, and this year’s theme, “Build Together, Play Together“, is all about celebrating how parks create spaces where everyone belongs. From quiet moments in nature to big community events, parks and recreation connect us, inspire us, and help us thrive.

At the June 25 meeting, the Park Board of Commissioners approved a resolution declaring July as Parks & Recreation Month in Highland Park, recognizing the many ways parks, facilities, and programs enrich our community.

Here in Highland Park, we’re proud to offer parks, facilities, and programs that make our community stronger, more vibrant, and more connected. Here are ten ways parks and recreation bring us together and ideas for how you can celebrate this July and beyond.

1. Creating Shared Spaces for All
   • Our parks and facilities welcome every age and ability, offering spaces where everyone can come together.
   • Family Swim Night is a perfect way to splash, play, and make summer memories with your loved ones.
2. Supporting Health and Wellness
   • Fitness classes, sports courts, and miles of trails help keep our community active and healthy.
   • Grab a paddle and play some pickleball at one of our 16 courts at Danny Cunniff Park.
3. Bringing Neighbors Together Through Events
   • Parks are home to annual celebrations that bring neighbors together.
   • Don’t Miss: Independence Fest our biggest event of the summer! Celebrate Independence Day with family activities, food, and community spirit.
4. Cultivating Environmental Stewardship
   • Our parks inspire everyone to care for nature. Volunteer programs, educational events, and conservation initiatives help protect our green spaces.
   • Help with a volunteer day or join a nature program at Heller Nature Center.
5. Creating Opportunities for Lifelong Learning
   • Parks and programs spark curiosity and creativity at every age.
   • Join a naturalist to at our Under the Sun event to explore what makes the sun unique through hands-on experiments and sunny art projects.
6. Supporting Mental Well-being
   • Our green spaces offer a place to relax, reflect, and recharge.
   • Take a walk or fish at The Preserve at Highland Park.
7. Fostering Inclusion and Belonging
   • From accessible facilities to welcoming programs, our parks are designed for everyone to feel included.
   • Try a new class or bring a friend to explore a park you haven’t visited before through our interactive map!
8. Encouraging Outdoor Play and Adventure
   • Adventure is waiting just outside your door. Whether you’re biking, hiking, or just exploring, there’s always something new to discover.
   • Make a summer bucket list of trails and parks to visit.
9. Strengthening Local Connections
   • Parks are the perfect place to meet neighbors and build friendships, whether during a casual meetup or a community project.
   • Host a picnic with neighbors in your favorite park.
10. Celebrating Community Spirit
    • Parks thrive thanks to the energy and involvement of our community.
    • Come cheer on our summer campers as they take part in the World’s Largest Pickleball Lesson! It’s a great way to celebrate recreation and community together.

This July, we invite you to explore, play, and connect. Together, we’re building a community where everyone feels at home. Let’s celebrate Park and Recreation Month and everything that makes Highland Park special!

We’ve got great news for golfers and everyone who loves to enjoy a delicious meal while watching a gorgeous sunset. Intrigued?

Today is opening day for the brand new restaurant at Sunset Valley Golf Club. If you’re a golfer, you already know that the unique British Heathland design makes it one of the finest, must-play courses in Chicagoland. And now, with the opening of The Clubhouse at Sunset Valley, we are a destination for Highland Park foodies who appreciate enjoying chef-designed meals and obsessively good service, all provided in a unique environment.

The Clubhouse is the latest creation of Relish Catering Kitchen, well-known for its “from scratch” approach to creative cooking. Their innovative, elevated versions of your favorites—juicy burgers, specialty sandwiches, decadent salads—are available for a quick lunch inside or at the bar, and we make sure every golfer gets the attention they deserve at a classic 18-hole course. Beyond the best versions of everything you’d expect to find on the menu, prepare to be surprised by the unexpected—Pulled BBQ Chicken and other seasonal chef specials. Our reputation for extraordinary Club-Level service is now matched by an exceptional dining experience.

What sets this restaurant apart from anything else on the North Shore is the opportunity to dine outdoors, enjoying the dramatic, panoramic views the course affords. Our expansive trellised patio and veranda include comfortable seating and conversation-enhancing fire pits. It’s a relaxing spot for lunch and dinner, and the stunning sunsets are an off-menu extra special treat when sipping your favorite beverage or one of our signature cocktails.

The Clubhouse is also available to book for your special event, another specialty of the experts at Relish. The combination of a custom designed menu and white-glove service always exceeds expectations and garners rave reviews every time. The staff at Sunset Valley is ready to talk to you and walk you through this beautiful venue.

It’s opening day… and you are cordially invited to experience The Clubhouse at Sunset Valley Golf Club. We’ve designed it for your dining pleasure. Let us show you to your table!

The Clubhouse at Sunset Valley Golf Club Hours:
Mon: 8am-8pm
Tue-Thu: 7am-9pm
Fri-Sat: 6:30am-9pm
Sun: 6:30am-8pm

1390 Sunset Road
Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 432-7140

Before heading out to a Park District of Highland Park facility on July 4, be sure to check our hours listed below. Learn about Highland Park Independence events here.