Saturday, April 5 • 9-9:15am

Dog Egg Hunt

Sound off! Your dog will help sniff out eggs that are filled with treats special for pups! One handler age 18 or older per dog. All dogs must remain on leash for the entire event, be at least 4 months old to participate, and wear current rabies tags. This event is free; however, owner registration is recommended to receive the detailed information.

All dogs

Register for Free

Sunset Woods Park
1801 Sunset Road

Saturday, April 5 • 9:15-9:45am

Little Egg Hunt

Designed just for the little ones! Bring your Tots to climb, play, and discover hidden treasures as they collect colorful eggs throughout the playground!

Ages 1-3

Register for Free

Sunset Woods Park
1801 Sunset Road

Saturday, April 5 • 9:30-10am

EGGcessible Egg Hunt

Step into a world of inclusivity and wonder at our Sensory-Friendly Egg Hunt, a heartwarming event that embraces the joy of the season while accommodating the unique needs of individuals with sensory sensitivities. This one-of-a-kind egg hunt is thoughtfully designed to ensure that everyone can join in the fun, fostering an environment of understanding, compassion, and, above all, celebration.

This hunt is specifically for children ages 3-14 with disabilities.

Register for Free

Sunset Woods Park
1801 Sunset Road

Saturday, April 5 • 10-10:45am

Egg Hunt

Don’t be late for this Very Important Date! Featuring scenes and characters from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and thousands of plastic eggs filled with treats, the Wonderland Egg Hunt is family fun for children and their parents.

This event for families is free; however, registration is recommended to receive detailed information.

Ages 3+

Register for Free

Sunset Woods Park
1801 Sunset Road

Thank you to our sponsor:

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Saturday, April 5 • 1-3pm

Floating Egg Hunt

Join us at the Recreation Center of Highland Park’s indoor pool for our Floating Egg Hunt event! There will be hundreds of eggs to swim for and collect, make sure to bring your own basket. Guests are welcomed to stay and swim afterwards until their group time slot is over. The egg hunt begins promptly at the times listed so please arrive early for check-in!

Age Groups (max of 25 per time slot)

• Ages 3–5* starts promptly 1:00–1:45pm
• Ages 6–10 start promptly at 2:00–2:45pm

*Parents are allowed in the water to help their non-swimming children. Life jackets are available.

Ages 3-10

Register for $12/15 (r/nr)

^{Deadline to register is Friday, April 4}

Recreation Center of Highland Park
1207 Park Avenue West

Thursday, April 10 • 8-9pm

Glow and Egg-Splore – Flashlight Egg Hunt

Join us for an egg-citing twist on the traditional egg hunt—designed just for the “older kids”! Each child participant must be registered, and accompanied by an adult (adult need not register).

Ages 8-12

Location: This unique event takes place at night in a secret park location, revealed one week prior to the event. Registered participants will receive all the details ahead of time.

Register for $8/10 (r/nr)

^{Deadline to register is Wednesday, April 9}

Location – TBD

How do animals stay warm in the winter? Join Mark on the snowy trails of Heller Nature Center and discover how some of our aquatic friends survive the cold.

By Melanie O’Brien, Restoration Technician with our Natural Areas Department

The winter landscape at Heller Nature Center currently sports some curious clues about our ongoing restoration work. Behind the nature center, neon pink tags adorn native understory trees and shrubs, such as Hazelnut and Redbud. Piles of brush, dark burn scars among the leaf litter, and patches of scorched ground and vegetation in our northern prairie might have piqued your interest. The Park District’s natural areas crew, along with hardworking members of our volunteer program, have been busy taking advantage of the benefits of these cold months!

You might think outdoor work slows down with the plunging temperatures, but winter weather makes important restoration techniques possible. The cooler weather and low humidity of late fall produces dead leaves and vegetation, which means plenty of fuel and optimal atmospheric conditions that make prescription burns possible. Prescription burning has been part of Illinois’s ecosystems for thousands of years; our native plants have evolved and adapted alongside wildfire and the indigenous peoples of Illinois used controlled fire to clear brush and provide space for game and hunting. At Heller Nature Center, our natural areas crew utilizes controlled fire as a cost-effective tool to control non-native species such as buckthorn and honeysuckle. The blackened, exposed ground you see in our north and south prairies also provides excellent conditions for seeds of native flowers and grasses to germinate and thrive come spring.

When December and January turn frigid, trees, plants, and insect life are dormant. This winter, our crew and volunteer members focus on our oak and hickory woodlands, cutting invasive brush and removing the plant material through brush pile burns, a method that leaves a distinctive ground scar that can be reused for multiple burns. In these dormant conditions, plant matter can be disturbed and removed without causing harm to living insects and plants. When the ground is frozen, the soil won’t be torn up or trampled as crew members and volunteers (carefully) walk the woods and haul cut brush, performing the important work of creating excellent growing conditions for native woodland flowers that thrive in Heller’s open woodlands, such as Trout Lily, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, and Red Trillium.

Heller’s outdoor winter workload can benefit more than our Park District’s native habitats – it can benefit your health as well! If you’re tired of the treadmill, or want to experience a little more sunlight during these short days, or simply need a breath of fresh air, why not attend a weekly volunteer workday hosted by our natural areas team? Volunteer workdays take place every Friday, 9-11am, all year around, with tools and training provided by our crew of experienced restoration technicians. Cutting and hauling brush is such great exercise, you won’t even need to depend on our burn pile to keep warm! If you’d like to be added to our list of volunteers and receive our workday emails, please contact our Natural Areas Manager, Liz Ricketts, at [email protected].

Winter only feels like it lasts forever; before long, the ground thaws, the trees bud, and green shoots grow toward the warming air. The soil where a stand of dense buckthorn grew the previous year is blanketed in native ephemerals like Bloodroot, Rue Anemone and Mayapple. These positive changes to our native habitats wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing interests and efforts of our Park District community, or without the boons we gain in our coldest months. When we look at the big picture, it’s not hard to envision wintertime as a fruitful season.

January 8: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff shared the AIA Agreement and the Guaranteed Maximum Price Amendment between the Park District of Highland Park and the construction manager, W.B. Olsen, for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park. Park District Legal Counsel, Ancel Glink, and representatives from W.B. Olsen, attended tonight’s meeting to answer any questions regarding language, terms, and conditions in the AIA Agreement and the Guaranteed Maximum Price Amendment.

January 15: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the GMP Amendment with W.B. Olson for construction of the new recreation center at West Ridge Park in the amount of $15,050,498.

Staff reviewed the Club Pickle and Padel app which has been released to Deer Creek Racquet Club Members, Recreation Center of Highland Park Members, and Danny Cunniff park outdoor court users to promote the new facility, outdoor court reservations at Danny Cunniff Park, membership options, upcoming clinics and events. Staff are promoting the app through ParkLine, the PDHP website, and social media channels to attract new members.

Staff provided construction updates for development of Club Pickle and Padel, the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, emergency repairs for the Recreation Center of Highland Park and Signage for 1207 Park Avenue West, Park Avenue South Parking Lot restoration and updated Signage for the Park Avenue Beach and Boating Facility.

January 28: Finance Committee Meeting

The Park District received two proposals in response to the 2025 Master Plan Review and Revision Request for Proposals issued in November 2024. The purpose of the RFP is to hire a consultant to update the existing PDHP master Plan to provide direction on future planning initiatives for the next 5-10 years. Staff reviewed the proposals.

Staff reviewed the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract with Landscape Structures, Inc., to purchase playground equipment for Larry Fink Park.

On December 2, 2024, The Recreation Center of Highland Park experienced a leak in a water line that feeds one of the water fountains on the fitness floor. The water damage and subsequent property loss was substantial. Since fitness flooring has long lead time to procure staff ordered the replacement flooring on January 16 in effort to reopen the facility as soon as possible.  Staff will be requesting approval of a Resolution at the Regular Meeting of the Park Board, ratifying the waiving of competitive bidding for the procurement of materials for emergency restoration and preservation measures.

January 29: Regular Meeting of the Board

A public hearing was held for the 2025 budget.

The Park Board of Commissioners approved a Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract for Playground Equipment for Larry Fink Park, Resolution 2025-01 Ratifying the Waiving of Competitive Bidding for the Procurement of Materials for Emergency Restoration and Preservation Measures, Ordinance 2025-01: Combined Budget and Appropriation Beginning January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025, and a Professional Services Agreement with the Lakota Group for Master Plan Development. 

Staff provided an end of season report for Highland Park Golf Learning Center and Sunset Valley Golf Club comparing budgeted vs actual revenues, expenses, and utilization.

The Park Board of Commissioners released a portion of the Closed Session minutes from August 21, 2024 (Pertaining to Section 2(c)21). The Closed Session minutes from July 17, 2024 Workshop Meeting, August 14, 2024 Facility and recreation Committee Meeting, a portion of the August 21, 2024 Workshop Meeting, August 28, 2024 Regular Meeting, October 30, 2024 Regular Meeting, and November 13, 2024 Regular Meeting shall not be released for public inspection since the need for confidentiality still exists as to all or part of those minutes.

The City of Highland Park (City) and the Park District of Highland Park (Park District) announce plans for community events during the Independence Day holiday. New this year, Independence Day festivities will begin on July 3 with the Park District’s festival for all ages. The City’s “Dream Team”-themed parade, which includes entertainment coordinated by the Park District, will bring vibrant community spirit to Downtown Highland Park when it steps off at 11am on July 4. Cognizant of the importance of dedicating time for reflection and support, the City will also coordinate a remembrance in the morning.

“Highland Park’s Independence Day events reflect the community’s patriotic spirit and steadfast commitment to supporting and celebrating each other,” said Mayor Nancy Rotering. “This year’s parade theme reminds us that teams bring people together in support of a common goal, and that we are most resilient when we support each other.”

“Celebrating this national holiday with our loved ones is crucial to our community’s identity,” said Cal Bernstein, president of the Park District of Highland Park Board of Commissioners. “It is an opportunity to come together to share special moments with our neighbors and friends while we celebrate our nation.”

A drone or fireworks show is not being organized by the City in 2025. Recognizing the diverse array of community needs to balance, particularly as it pertains to community trauma, sustainability concerns, and pet needs, at this time, the City Council supported a pause on evening events for further community discussion. The City will request community engagement and feedback later this year as City staff plan for 2026.

As Independence Day events have evolved over the past two years, the City and Park District have applied a trauma-informed approach with guidance from the Department of Justice Office of Victims of Crime and community-based mental health clinicians. The approach reflects a commitment to building community resiliency in reclaiming Highland Park’s Independence Day traditions while continuing to provide compassionate support.

The slate of Independence Day events includes the following:

The Park District of Highland Park will commence Independence Day activities with a community festival on Thursday, July 3, at Highland Park’s largest outdoor community park – The Preserve of Highland Park (1207 Park Ave. W). This year’s reimagined celebration will be the kick-off to a variety of inclusive Independence Day-themed activities continuing July 4th and throughout the weekend. The July 3 festival will be a great opportunity for everyone to gather, celebrate and enjoy an evening with family, friends, dinner, music, games, and various attractions. Food trucks will be available on-site. Further details will be available soon on the Park District website.

The City will host a remembrance in the morning of July 4, 2025 to honor the memories of the people whose lives were taken and share solidarity with those who were injured or traumatized. Further details will be shared when available. (Updated June 13, 2025: Please join us on Friday, July 4, at 9 AM at The Moraine, 1201 Park Ave. W., for a meaningful remembrance. The program will include a candle-lighting ceremony, music, and the opportunity to help create a mosaic that will pay tribute to those whose lives were taken and honor the community’s resiliency. Advance registration is required. To register and to learn more, visit resilienthpil.org.)

The temporary memorial, located in the Rose Garden adjacent to City Hall (1707 St. Johns Avenue), will continue to be open to the public. Visitors who may be concerned about re-traumatization from patriotic décor, floats, etc. related to the parade itself may wish to avoid visiting the memorial on July 4 between 10am-2pm as parade staging is anticipated to begin at 10:30am.

What’s your dream team? This year’s parade theme is a celebration of all that brings us together. Whether that’s family or friends, sports, dance, faith, community or neighborhood, tap into team spirit as Highland Park’s community-focused parade returns to Downtown Highland Park! The parade will follow the same route as 2024, beginning at First St. & Laurel Ave. and progressing through Downtown Highland Park to Sunset Woods Park. Parade participants and attendees are encouraged to wear team jerseys and apparel, and floats will celebrate the colors and mascots of favorite teams and organizations. Parade participation sign-ups will begin on Monday, March 3, 2025. Information will be available at cityhpil.com/independenceday when available.

More Information

Please note that there will not be a City or Park District-sponsored evening event on Independence Day. Information regarding Independence Day activities will be shared by both the City and Park District as planning continues. Updates from the City are available at cityhpil.com, and updates from the Park District are available at pdhp.org. Individuals are welcome to share their feedback via email to the City at [email protected].

The Park District of Highland Park is excited to announce that on January 15, the Park Board of Commissioners approved construction for a new recreation facility at West Ridge Park. Construction is scheduled to begin in March.

The new recreation facility will replace the existing West Ridge Center, and will feature:

• Three multi-purpose enrichment rooms
• Multi-use dance studio
• Community room
• 10,000 square foot gymnastics gymnasium.

The innovative building design will maximize space efficiency and blend seamlessly into the park, offering flexible, inclusive, and functional rooms for recreational services. After the new building is operational, the current West Ridge Center will be demolished.

NO CHANGE TO WEST RIDGE CENTER PROGRAMS
All programs at West Ridge Center will continue as scheduled through 2025. We do not anticipate any disruption to recreation programs during the transition to the new recreation facility. 

NEW PARKING LOT ORIENTATION
Construction fencing is expected to be installed in March 2025. Once installed, the orientation of the south parking lot along Ridge Road will be modified. 

During construction the south parking lot entrance will be restricted for construction personnel. The north parking lot entrance, formerly the exit of the lot, will become two-way traffic and will be the entrance and exit for patron use of the parking lot. Signage will be installed to assist in the transition. See map below.

PLAYGROUND, BASKETBALL, WESTERN BALLFIELD, AND MOST OF THE PATHS WILL REMAIN OPEN
The park areas outside of the construction fencing will remain open for patron use. See map below. 

GYMNASTICS PROGRAMS WILL CONTINUE AT CENTENNIAL ICE ARENA
The Park District is excited to announce the future introduction of a 10,000-square-foot gymnastics gym to the community. The new gymnastics gym is over double the size of the existing gym at Centennial Ice Arena providing expanded opportunities to the community. Gymnastics programs will continue at Centennial Ice Arena until officially announced otherwise.

The project is on track to reach completion by Spring 2026. Toward the end of 2025 the Park District will share detailed information about the transition to the New Recreation Facility.

We are thrilled to enter the final stages of our renovation! Please take note of the key dates below for our temporary closure as we make necessary preparations to prepare for our reopening on February 8.

February 6-7: We will be completing the transition back to our upgraded fitness floor from its temporary location! During this time, the fitness floor and all equipment will be temporarily unavailable.

February 8: REOPENING! Join us as we unveil the newly enhanced space with a little party including snacks and drinks

We understand how important it is to stay active, so while our fitness floor undergoes its final touches, all members will have free access to the following nearby facilities (Thu, Feb 6-Fri, Feb 7).

• Sachs Recreation Center | 455 Lake Cook Rd. Deerfield 
• Glenview Park Center | 2400 Chestnut St, Glenview 
• Center Fitness Club, Wilmette | 3000 Glenview Rd, Wilmette 

(Simply bring your Recreation Center scan card and a photo ID to gain entry)

• Swimming Pool 
• Group Exercise Classes 
• Indoor Track 
• Kids Club 
• Open Pickleball & Open Gym 
• Locker Rooms 
• Personal training 

*Please consult with your trainer

We cannot wait to welcome you back to a revitalized and remarkable fitness floor designed to surpass your expectations!

The Park District of Highland Park is partnering with SaLT: Service and Learning Together to support the brave firefighters in California battling the devastating wildfires.

Each “Take Care” Package is filled with self-care items and, most importantly, heartfelt notes of appreciation and encouragement. These packages send a powerful message of support and solidarity, reminding recipients they are not alone in their challenges.

Drop-off Dates: Now – Sunday, February 9

• Chapstick
• Liquid IV
• Hand/Body Lotion
• Socks
• Healthy Snacks
• Hard Candy

• West Ridge Center: 636 Ridge Road
• Recreation Center of Highland Park: 1207 Park Avenue West
• Deer Creek Racquet Club: 701 Deer Creek Parkway
• Centennial Ice Arena: 3100 Trail Way

Join the Parks Foundation of Highland Park for its seventh annual Champions Celebration!

Champions Celebration
Friday, March 14 • 6:30pm
Northmoor Country Club • 820 Edgewood Road, Highland Park

Cocktail/Dressy Casual Attire

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Featuring Chicago’s premier party band:

Dance the night away with live music, great food and drinks, 50/50 raffle and a silent auction!

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 Celebration celebrates the dedicated coaches who deliver these great experiences for our community’s youth with a memorable evening. Funds raised at the event benefit the Parks Foundation of Highland Park.

^{Hosted by Chet and Elissa Evans.}

Gifting Sponsor

 

Supporting Sponsor

 

Corporate Table Sponsor

 

Coat Check Sponsor

 

December 3: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the proposed three-year audit extension contract with Sikich. The District has had a positive experience with Sikich over the past five years.

Staff provided a detailed review of the 2025 Budget Book.

Staff recommends purchasing golf and playground equipment through a Sourcewell Purchasing contract. Staff reviewed the proposed contracts: a Toro Multipro 5800-G with GeoLink Precision Spray System from Reinder’s, Inc. and Play Equipment for the Lincoln Park and Rosewood Park Renovation projects from BCI Burke Company.

Staff received 85 bids for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park.

December 10: Facility and Recreation Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the project schedule, budget, and bid results for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park.  

December 11: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

WT Group has completed the ADA Audit throughout District facilities and site reports. Staff are reviewing the site reports and the draft transition plan with WT and expect to present the plan with the Park Board in February.

Staff provided a recap of the final draft of the revised Employee Handbook. The Employee Handbook was revised and rewritten in its entirety.

Staff reviewed the proposed renewal terms for the 2025 License Agreement with the North Shore Yacht Club.

Staff reviewed the proposed renewal terms for the 2025 Independent Contractor Agreement between the Park District of Highland Park and The Golf Practice for golf programs and services.  

Staff provided construction updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, Club Pickle and Padel Facility project, the Recreation Center of Highland Park scheduled construction projects and emergency repairs, Old Elm and Port Clinton Playground Improvements project, Sunset Woods Park Improvements project, and Park Avenue Boating Facility North Beach Improvements project.

December 17: Special Meeting

The Parks Foundation met with the Park Board of Commissioners to present 2024 fundraising accomplishments.

December 18: Facility and Recreation Committee Meeting

Architects Holabird and Root shared facility and site renderings and presented sustainability elements for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park project. 

December 18: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

A public hearing was held for the tax levy ordinance. Staff presented the 2025 proposed budget and the budget and appropriation ordinance.

Group Exercise Instructor, Lisa Hodges, received a Resolution Honoring her for performing lifesaving CPR to a patron at the Recreation Center of Highland Park.

The Park Board of Commissioners approved Ordinance #2024-09 – Tax Levy for 2024, Sikich 2024-2026 Audit Contract Extension, 2025 Highland Park Pops Affiliate Organization Agreement, 2025 Highland Park Players Affiliate Organization Agreement, 2025 American Youth Soccer Organization Affiliate Agreement, 2025 IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference Attendance, 2025 Uptown Music Theater of Highland Park Affiliate Organization Agreement, Renewal Letter of the Independent Contractor’s Agreement The Golf Practice, SourceWell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement for Golf Maintenance Equipment, Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract for Playground Equipment at Lincoln Park, Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract for Playground Equipment at Rosewood Park, Ordinance 2024-12 Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, 2025 License Agreement between the Park District of Highland Park and the North Shore Yacht Club, the Updated Policies in the Employee Handbook, and Resolution 2024-04, waiving the competitive bidding and awarding contracts for emergency restoration and preservation measures, authorizing the Executive Director to enter into agreement with Direct Fitness Solutions to purchase and install replacement fitness flooring for the Recreation Center of Highland Park.

Staff provided a progress update on the request for proposals process for the 2025 Master Plan Review and Revision project.