Saturday, May 17 • 10am-Noon
Heller Nature Center
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Part of the charm of living in Highland Park and our neighboring suburbs is being outside, enjoying the beautiful parks, green spaces, walking trails, and, of course, the beaches along Lake Michigan. The Park District of Highland Park is responsible for maintaining over 750 acres, including the park lands, playgrounds, ballfields, open spaces, beaches, and the majestic bluffs that add to the quality of life for our residents and visitors. It’s a responsibility our dedicated team in the Parks Department takes very seriously, and the results of their efforts are on display every day, week after week, season after season, all year round. While you might not notice them, the impact of what they provide for the District and the community is undeniable. In a previous story, we told you a bit about the people who create the plans and projects. Now, we’d like to introduce the people who make sure that wherever you go in the Park District, you and your family have a great time in the great outdoors.
The team is led by our Director of Parks, Dan Voss, who has been in the business of keeping things green and growing for 28 years. “Essentially, we’re responsible for the maintenance of anything outdoors at the Park District,” said Dan. “I’ve always loved working outside, and what we all do here is fulfilling because it benefits the whole community.” You’ll hear that a lot when you talk to Parks & Recreation professionals. It’s a big part of why pros like Dan and the members of his team have been with this District for so many years.
The team includes Parks Operations Manager Brian Dumas, Parks Landscape Manager Glenn Nance, and Natural Areas Manager Liz Ricketts. They are all quite modest about their roles, but when you dig in a little deeper the extent of what each of their jobs entails keeps expanding.
Glenn says, “I oversee grass, trees and plants.” Sounds simple enough until you look around and realize how many trees he’s actually talking about. For example, included in the renovation project that’s being completed at the Recreation Center there are 81 new trees. Plus 470 new shrubs. Glenn, Liz, and Dan worked with the projects department to come up with a plan that would be beautiful year-round. “Even though it’s next to The Preserve, using a lot of prairie plants just wasn’t feasible because those plants won’t present well year round that close to a road,” said Dan.
Glenn is also responsible for the large fleet of park district vehicles and all of the landscape-specific equipment, from mowers to trimmers. He’s been in Parks & Rec for 25 years, and his expertise is helping to create the future of how our park spaces will be maintained. “We’re planning for more electric vehicles, and that also means planning for charging stations across the District,” said Glenn.
Along with Brian and Liz, Glenn manages a support staff of 26 people with the myriad skills required to handle every job, large and small, from keeping water fountains flowing to keeping healthy trees growing.
Proper restoration techniques are a fundamental part of natural areas management in the Park District. Liz Ricketts gave us an overview. “The natural areas program manages 350 acres across the district. Of course, we have large and small parcels, more significantly at Heller Nature Center and The Preserve of Highland Park. There’s a wide variety of habitat types within that acreage as well, and our management of those areas strives to establish and maintain high-quality ecosystems that support our native vegetation, which in turn supports the animals and pollinators that rely on them. We’re fortunate to have support and help from volunteers in the community, from school age kids and teens to adults, families, and local organizations including Eagle Scouts.”
If you want to find out more and be a part of managing and maintaining the health of your parks and green spaces, talk with Liz. All are welcome!
At Heller, Highmoor Nature Preserve, and The Preserve, the Natural Areas staff and volunteers also monitor bluebirds and rare plant species like the dog violet (Viola conspersa). What makes a plant rare is often the habitat that it’s found in, so a more conservative habitat is required for those plants.” There’s also monitoring of the plants and animals that are specific to the lakefront. “As part of a long-running project with the Shedd Aquarium, every spring we monitor the migration of a native fish, the white sucker, from the lake into the ravine streams.” Restoration of the bluffs overlooking Millard Beach is another long-term project the team has been working on.
Controlled burns in spring and fall—between 10 and 20 acres across the district—lead to the growing season. “We seed after a burn because those are the best conditions for seed-to-soil contact,” said Liz. “And we have two large projects this season: refreshing the entryway plantings at Heller Nature Center and expanding a rain garden at Deer Creek Racquet Club. After removing invasive species like Buckthorn and other woody plants during the winter months, throughout the growing season we focus on the management of herbaceous invasive species like garlic mustard, phragmites, and reed canary grass.
Playgrounds and ball fields are likely the places you are more aware of as you enjoy the parks, and Brian Dumas oversees making sure those are not only beautiful to look at, but safe to play on as well.
With more than 25 years in the business, and holding a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Certification from the National Recreation and Park Association, Brian is another one of those quiet experts who also manages the Parks Department staff. He’s responsible for opening up all of our seasonal facilities. “Ball fields, tennis courts, pickleball courts, satellite bathrooms, the lakefront, to make sure that everything is ready to go at the start of those seasons.” Perfectly groomed ballfield? Slides and swings and rocket ships all working? Bathrooms clean? Boardwalks and beachfront stairs repaired and safe? Thank Brian for all of those. “We have 22 playgrounds across the District, and ballfields in 14 parks,” he said. “It’s always so nice to hear from residents that they appreciate what we do.”
From dog violets in the wild to white suckers swimming upstream, from manicured baseball diamonds to the woods and walking trails that wind through your favorite place to relax, there’s always so much more going on here than meets the eye. And now you know a little about the people who work year-round—mostly behind the scenes—to make sure that everyone in our Highland Park community can enjoy being outdoors at their Park District.
Have a question about a park, playground, a ballfield, a beach or a bluff? The answer is likely on our website.
Until next time… See you around the parks!
Staff provided a purchase recommendation to replace wireless access point equipment.
Staff provided a programming, and operations update for Club Pickle and Padel, highlighting the membership and permanent court time options. Staff also compared budgeted programming revenues and expenses with estimated figures for the fall of 2025.
Staff reviewed the two bids for the pickleball court divider and enclosure system purchase and installation. Staff recommended rejecting both bids and requested the Park Board allow the Executive Director to enter into a Sole Source Purchase Agreement instead.
Staff reviewed the natural gas bids and provided contract recommendations.
The Park Board approved to reject the 2025 Pickleball Court Divider and Enclosure System Purchase and Installation Bids, to ratify the 2024 Club Pickel and Padel Change Order No. 9, to approve Resolution 2025-07 Authorizing a Sole Source Contract for Procurement of InfinityGlass Pickleball Court Divider and Enclosure System, to approve the Interstate Gas Supply, LLC Commercial Gas Sales Agreement for Natural Gas bid via Alternative Utility Services, Inc. (AUS Energy), to approve the Mansfield Power and Gas, LLC Master Commercial Gas Sales Agreement for Natural Gas bid via Alternative Utility Services, Inc. (AUS Energy), to approve the Wireless Access Point Agreement, to approve the Settlement Agreement with I.B. Storey.
The Park Board of Commissioners adopted the Beach and Boating Safety Week Proclamation declaring May 17 – 23, 2025 as Highland Park Beach and Boasting Safety Week.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2025-06 A Declaration Honoring Brian Kaplan for his Contributions to the Park District of Highland Park While Serving as a Park Board Commissioner from May 2011 through June 2024, Resolution 2025-05 – A Declaration Honoring Barnett Ruttenberg for his Contributions to the Park District of Highland Park While Serving as a Park Board Commissioner from May 2013 through May 2025, and 2025-04 – A Declaration Honoring Calvin Bernstein for his Contributions to the Park District of Highland Park While Serving as a Park Board Commissioner from May 2007 through May 2025.
During excavation for the new recreation facility at West Ridge Park, soil testing was completed, and it was recommended to install waterproofing and additional drainage to avoid pooling in the gymnastics foam pit. Staff reviewed the total change to the contract for this work.
Staff reviewed the bid results and provided contract recommendations for the 2025 Larry Fink Batting Cage and the 2025. The Recreation Center of Highland Park Landscape Installation bid was awarded a contract to Autus Group, LLC dba Property First by the Park Board on April 23, 2025. The contractor is not proceeding with the project, so staff recommended the second lowest bidder who had favorable references and the Park District has worked with in the past, Langton Group.
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, Executive Director Romes, Director Hall, and Coordinator Hejnowski were appointed as Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officers, Executive Director Romes and Coordinator Hejnowski were appointed as Open Meetings Act (OMA) Officers, Executive Director Romes was appointed as the American With Disabilities Act Coordinator (ADA), Sikich, LLP was appointed as the District’s auditor, and Ancel Glink was appointed as the District’s attorney.
Fitness Manager, Jodi DiTomasso, received a Resolution Honoring her for performing lifesaving CPR to a patron at the Recreation Center of Highland Park.
The Park Board approved the 2025 Larry Fink Park Batting Cage, the 2025 Recreation Center of Highland Park Parking Lot Landscape Installation, Ordinance 2025-07- Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the Ratification of PCCO #8: Waterproofing/Drainage at Pits in Gymnasium, New Recreation Facility at West Ridge Park and the New Restaurant License Agreement for Sunset Valley Golf Club.
The Park District is currently in the engagement phase of the three-phased approach to update the Masterplan. The Lakota Group has been hosting community focus groups and taking public input online and at predetermined special events. A survey was released to targeted community members this month. The same survey will be released to the entire community in June.
Staff provided construction project updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, Club Pickle and Padel, South Boat Storage Restoration at Park Avenue, improvements at Sunset Woods Park, renovations at Old Elm and Port Clinton Playgrounds, and the renovations to the Larry Fink Park Tot Lot.
Staff provided an annual report on Recreation Programming comparing budgeted vs actual programming, league, and camp enrollments and revenues and expenses.
This summer, travel the globe without leaving your neighborhood! Pop Up in the Park is a free, vibrant series that brings the world to your local park, celebrating the beauty of diverse cultures through music, dance, crafts, and hands-on activities. Each event offers a unique experience, inviting you to explore different traditions and creative expressions from around the world. Whether you’re swaying to international rhythms, creating global-inspired art, or learning new dances, there’s something for everyone. Gather with friends and family for a series of fun, multicultural adventures that celebrate the spirit of community, creativity, and connection!
Explore Poland: Music, crafting and history with more
All Ages
Location: Lincoln Park (1280 Green Bay Road)
Explore Nordic Culture: Music, crafts, face painting and a visit with Elsa and Anna from Frozen
All Ages
Location: The Preserve of Highland Park (1207 Park Ave West)
Explore Polynesian Culture : Performance by Barefoot Hawaiians, Da Local Boy Food Truck, showing of Lilo and Stitch
All Ages
Location: Sunset Woods Park (1801 Sunset Road)
This fall, it’s more than just a game—it’s a chance to build confidence, strength, and leadership through sports. Registration is now open for our Girls Fall Sports programs, including Basketball, Softball, Volleyball, and Flag Football.
Our leagues are designed to empower girls both on and off the field. Through teamwork, skill-building, and positive coaching, players gain more than athletic ability. They gain self-belief, friendships, and a strong sense of community.
Programs between in September/October. Register today!
Explore the trails in a whole new way with our new app! This interactive augmented reality game provides nature-themed challenges on your phone as you walk along the trails. Download the app and Heller’s “Spring into Nature!” Mission, and you’re ready for action! Complete the fun, educational challenges, games, and puzzles to earn rewards and prizes—fun for kids and adults alike!
Join us on Saturday, May 17 from 10am-Noon for a special launch event where you can play the game, explore the trails, and win prizes!
Saturday, May 17 • 10am-Noon
Heller Nature Center
All Ages
Staff reviewed the master plan scope and draft timeline for the new GreenPrint Master Plan. The updated master plan will involve robust community engagement, a fresh analysis of parks and recreation assets, and a clear roadmap for future investments—ensuring that Highland Park’s facilities, parks, and programs continue to serve residents for years to come.
Staff compared budgeted vs actual expenses and revenues raised for Club Pickle and Padel. Staff reviewed cost-saving options and recommend increasing the capital budget transfer to keep the project within budget.
Staff reviewed the actual revenues and expenses for the 2024 cost centers.
WT Group completed the District’s ADA Transition Plan which identifies physical barriers at parks and facilities and a program and policy review that offers recommendations to improve accessibility to the District’s programs. Representatives from WT Group provided an overview of the ADA Transition Plan and programming recommendations.
At the April 05, 2025, Egg Hunts, staff and representatives from the Lakota Group, were taking public input regarding the master plan. Additional in-person public input opportunities will be available and a community survey will be released in May.
Staff and Park Board Policy liaisons reviewed policies 1.00 – 1.04 (chapter 1: Introduction) and 2.00 – 2.08 (chapter 2: Board and Administration) from the Park District Policy Manual.
The Park Board approved Ordinance 2025-06 to Rename the Recreation Center of Highland Park to Park Fitness.
The Park Board approved the total base bid from Element Contracting, LLC for the 2025 Centennial Ice Arena Roof Top Unit Replacement authorizing the Executive Director to enter into an agreement in the amount of $45,446.68.
Staff would like to enter into a reciprocal agreement with the Glencoe Park District. Staff reviewed the proposed terms.
Staff provided construction project updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, Club Pickle and Padel project, Park Avenue South Boat Storage Restoration project, Park Avenue Boating Facility North Beach Improvements project, Old Elm Playground Renovation project, Sunset Woods Park Improvements project, Larry Fink Park Tot Lot Renovation project, and Lincoln Park Improvements project.
Several maintenance vehicles and equipment have met their useful lives and need to be replaced. Staff reviewed the recommended vehicle purchases and necessary facility infrastructure upgrades to support electric vehicles.
Natural gas at all Park District facilities and additional natural gas meters is currently brokered via AUS (Alternative Utility Services, Inc.), except for the shared meter at HPCC. Approval to participate in the bidding process must take place prior to knowing the awarded supplier and associated rates. Staff reviewed the resolution authorizing the Executive Director to purchase natural gas for the District from Alternative Utility Service for a period of up to 36 months (about 3 years).
Staff reviewed the bid results and provided contract recommendations for the 2025 Recreation Center of Highland Park Landscape Installation bid and the 2025 Rosewood Park Playground Renovation bid.
Staff reviewed a summary of proposed policy changes to policies 1.00 – 1.04 and 2.00 – 2.08. Staff reviewed Ordinance 2025-05 establishing a schedule for declaring park board vacancy based on absences to support policy 2.01 Organization and Operation of the Board of Park Commissioners.
The Park Board approved the Base Bid from D and J Landscaping, Inc. for the 2025 Rosewood Park Playground Renovation and authorized the Executive Director to enter into an agreement in the amount of $232,418.50, the 2025 Recreation Center of Highland Park Landscape Installation bid, Resolution 2025-03: Authorizing the Purchase of Natural Gas for Park District Facilities and Meters and Authorizing the Executive Director to Approve a Contract with the Lowest Cost Natural Gas Provider for a Period up to 36 Months, authorized the Executive Director to purchase three Ford F150 Lightning 4wd pickup trucks from Currie Motors in the amount of $163,887, the changes made to policies 1.00 – 1.04 and 2.00 – 2.08 to the Policy Manual, Ordinance 2025-05 an Ordinance Fixing the Length of Time a Park Commissioner may Fail to Attend Meetings of the Park Board in Order for such Commissioner’s Office to be Declared Vacant and Providing a Procedure for Declaring such a Vacancy with the proposed amendment.
Staff provided an annual report on Athletic Programming comparing budgeted vs actual programming, league, and camp enrollments and revenues and expenses.
Spring is here, and all around us, animals are waking up and getting ready for an exciting summer. Our bees are gathering pollen from the earliest flowers, and frogs and toads can be heard calling all around. Among this waking wildlife is a little arachnid that concerns us each year: the tick. Unfortunately, there will be more ticks this year. The surprising answer as to why actually has to do with acorns. The past years have been good for acorns, which is good for mice, which is good for ticks. This year, however, we are seeing fewer acorns, which means less mice. With a tick population lagging slightly behind this trend, this year we have lots of ticks with less mice to feed on.
In Illinois, there are typically two common tick types: the deer tick, which carry Lyme disease, and the wood tick. Deer ticks are small and hard to spot, so look out for rashes or bullseye shaped spots on your body. Wood ticks are larger, and while they may not carry Lyme, they are known to carry other germs that may be harmful to humans.
There is a third tick to look out for this year. The Longhorned Asian Tick has been discovered in Illinois (the 20th state they have been found in so far) and is considered invasive in the US. Currently, it is expected that the tick carries some germs that are dangerous to humans, but we do not know if they can transmit them yet. They are known to be dangerous to livestock and some pets. If you come in contact with a tick, immediately remove it—if you can, try to trap it (a piece of tape works) and keep it. Doctors can sometimes test a tick that bit you to see if there is cause for concern.
The Illinois Department of Health has posted some excellent guidelines for preventing tick bites:
Construction is in full swing, and key spaces like the reception desk, lounge, and restrooms are starting to take shape. We can’t wait to welcome you this August!
The Park District of Highland Park’s competitive gymnastics team had an incredible showing at the 2025 AAU State Meet, held May 3 in Romeoville, IL. Our talented athletes competed with passion, poise, and power, bringing home top finishes and showcasing the strength of our program.
Leading the charge was Shay Kessel, who delivered a stellar performance to become the All-Around Champion in the Senior B division. Shay also claimed individual state titles on Vault and Floor, standing proudly atop the podium.
Teammate Naomi Mandel impressed with a 2nd place finish on Beam, and strong placements on Vault (4th), Floor (4th), and All-Around (5th).
Kelsey Woelfle rounded out the Level 3 success with a 2nd place finish on Floor and 7th in the All-Around (Senior A division).
Our Level 4 gymnasts also brought home a slew of Top 10 finishes:
We’re incredibly proud of all our athletes and their hard work leading up to this event. Their dedication, sportsmanship, and team spirit truly stood out on the state stage.
May is National Bike Safety Month, and there’s no better time to dust off your bike, strap on your helmet, and hit the road safely. Whether you’re riding for fun, commuting to work, or just cruising through your neighborhood, practicing good bike safety is key to making every ride a great one.
Why Bike Safety Matters
Biking is a fun, healthy, and eco-friendly way to get around but it’s important to remember that cyclists are more vulnerable on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most bike-related injuries can be prevented with just a few simple precautions.
Top Tips for a Safer Ride
Celebrate May the Fourth with a Star Wars-themed family bike event! Bring and decorate your bikes, strollers, scooters, and wheelchairs. Supplies will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own.
The Highland Park Police Department and local bike shops will be on hand to provide safety and tune-up tips. Prizes will be awarded for the most out-of-this-world decoration! After decorating, please take a fun, family-friendly ride along our designated route. Perfect for kids ages 3+ and their families!
Location: Wayne Thomas Elementary School (2939 Summit Drive)