Saturday, May 17 • 10am-Noon
Heller Nature Center
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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)
On Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 10am-2pm, the Park District of Highland Park is hosting an Illinois Parks & Recreation Association event called “Park Pursuit.” The event is fun and competitive for park and recreation professionals from around the state.
Approximately 300 participants wearing yellow event t-shirts will run through various neighborhoods and parks in and around central Highland Park, including downtown. Sixty volunteers in tan t-shirts will man check-in locations at designated stops on the course. Participants are encouraged to remain on sidewalks and use safe crosswalks throughout the event. The course is designed to cause little to no disruption to the community.
The Park District of Highland Park is excited to host this extraordinary event, where recreation professionals around the state can enjoy fun competition and team building in one of North Shore’s most incredible communities.
Spring is the time of year you may notice dandelions popping up in our parks. You might wonder why the Park District doesn’t do something about all those yellow flowers. Letting them bloom is one way we keep our parks at their healthiest. Though not a complete source of nutrition for bee pollinators, dandelions also fill in early spring food source gaps.
As part of our best management practices, we aim to avoid spraying lawn chemicals to eliminate what some might deem an unsightly nuisance. Instead, the yellow blooms can open to their glory across our parks. Once the grass is long enough, crews will mow the dandelions giving our parks a more uniform “green grass” appearance.
The Park District of Highland Park was one of the first Park Districts in Illinois to adopt an Environmental Policy which includes maintaining our parks, facilities and natural areas in a manner that enhances and protects the environment by minimizing the adverse impact on air and water quality. This includes “Integrated Pest Management” practices that minimize chemical use in favor of other management efforts such as careful mowing, aeration and–in the case of dandelions–working with nature to provide healthy places to play.
Before heading out to your favorite Park District of Highland Park facility on Easter Sunday, check out our hours!
| Facility | Sunday, April 20 |
|---|---|
| Centennial Ice Arena | Closed |
| Deer Creek Racquet Club | Closed |
| Heller Nature Center | Building Closed, Trails Open 7:30am to Dusk |
| Highland Park Golf Learning Center | 9am-6pm |
| Recreation Center of Highland Park (Fitness) | 7am-Noon |
| Recreation Center of Highland Park (Indoor Pool) | Lap Swim 7-11:30am: Swim Lessons are rescheduled for Sat, May 24 and Sun, May 25 |
| River's Edge Mini Golf | 9am-6pm |
| Sunset Valley Golf Club | 6am-6pm |
| West Ridge Center | Closed |
The Lakota Group, aQity Research and Insights, and BerryDunn held a kickoff meeting for the Greenprint Master Plan Update on February 24, 2025 with staff and the Park Board Master Planning Project liaisons. Staff provided a progress update on the Master Plan progress.
Staff provided construction updates for the development of Club Pickle and Padel, the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, Park Avenue Boating Facility North Beach Improvements, and Sunset Woods Park Improvements.
Staff reviewed the request for proposals for the 2025 Hidden Creek AquaPark and Rosewood Beach Concessions License.
Staff reviewed the bids via NIMEC (Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative) and Satori Energy for electricity rates for the entire District.
Staff would like to enter into a reciprocal agreement with the Glencoe Park District. Staff reviewed the proposed terms.
Staff reviewed and provided contractor recommendations for the Centennial Ice Arena Roof Top Unit Bid, the Centennial Ice Arena Dehumidification Unit Installation Bid, the Hidden Creek AquaPark Fence Improvements Project Bid, the Recreation Center of Highland Park Pool Filter Change, Pool Deck Renovation, and Pool Grate Replacement Bids.
Several maintenance vehicles and equipment have met their useful lives and need to be replaced. Staff reviewed the recommended vehicle and equipment purchases.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the Rejection of the 2025 Centennial Ice Arena Roof Top Unit Replacement Bids, the Purchase of 2025 Capital Replacement Tractor, the 2025 Centennial Ice Arena Dehumidification Unit Installation, the 2025 Renewal of the 2023 Weeding & Landscape Services Bid, the 2025 Hidden Creek AquaPark Fence Improvements Project Bid, the 2025 Renewal of the 2023 Routine Grounds Maintenance – South Route Bid, the 2025 Renewal of the 2023 Routine Grounds Maintenance – North Route Bid, the 2025 Recreation Center of Highland Park Pool Filter Change, Pool Deck Renovation, and Pool Grate Replacement, the Dynegy Energy Services, LLC Electric Service Agreement bid via Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative (NIMEC), the 2025 Hidden Creek AquaPark and Rosewood Beach Concessions License Agreement with Judy’s Pizzeria, the Purchase of an Electric Transit Van, and Ordinance 2025-04: Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property.
Staff evaluated the 2025 capital plan vehicle replacement list and determined that three 4×4 pick-up trucks have met their useful life and need to be replaced. Staff recommended purchasing three gas-powered trucks through the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative. While the purchases were under budget, the Park Board of Commissioners requested staff explore electric vehicle options.
Staff provided an annual report for the Recreation Center of Highland Park comparing budgeted vs actual programming revenues, expenses, and membership utilization.
The Park Board of Commissioners went into closed session pursuant to Section 2(c)1: The employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or specific volunteers of the public body or legal counsel for the public body. The Park Board of Commissioners reconvened into open session and approved a six-month contract extension to the Employment Agreement for the Executive Director and a new Employment Agreement for the Executive Director.