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.

Residents may drop off their holiday trees for recycling at the Park District at two convenient locations:

• Larry Fink Park, 1377 Deer Creek Parkway
• Danny Cunniff Park, 2700 Trailway

Drop-off locations within the parks are in posted areas of parking lots. Trees must be free of decorations, wires, or any other materials.

Trees will be chipped for use as woodchips, which may be picked up and used for residents’ gardens and landscapes. Trees will be accepted for recycling through January 21, 2024.

For more information, contact Glenn Nance, Parks Landscape Manager at [email protected] or 847.579.4175.

Happy Holidays to you and your family! Be sure to check our holiday and New Years hours at the Park District.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Before heading to your favorite Park District facility, be sure to check our Thanksgiving 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.

$12/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

Highland Park Golf Learning Center: 2205 Skokie Valley Highway
Hours : Dawn – Dusk 

Open mid-December through mid-March (dates are weather dependent).   A large outdoor venue for your dog to run off some of that cabin fever energy. There are two off-leash exercise areas available, depending on the size of your dog. 

For more information on our dog parks and to apply for a dog park membership, click the button below.

Winter is Coming!

The Park District endeavors to keep our facilities and programs operating whenever possible. There are times, however, when weather, road conditions, or facility malfunctions dictate that programs and/or services must be cancelled or temporarily postponed or entire facilities closed.

In order to provide employees and patrons with a safe and secure environment in which to work and play, the Park District reserves the right to close a particular facility or cancel a program using the following criteria:

1. Whenever School District 112 (D112) cancels school due to weather conditions, all Park District activities and programs held at a school site will follow the same procedure the entire day and/or evening. When D112 cancellations take place in the morning (prior to the beginning of school), Park District programs at Park District facilities will also be cancelled through 12pm.
2. Program cancellation will be consistent district-wide unless there are facility-specific reasons for cancellation.
3. When programs are cancelled:
   • Affiliate and youth groups will be cancelled.
   • Adult rental groups will be given the option to cancel without penalty so long as they follow the above time period.
   • Private lessons/training staff or clients are given the option to cancel without penalty
   • Drop-in classes and/or programs will be determined by the facility manager
4. In all situations, the Park District reserves the right to adapt this procedure and make decisions based on extenuating circumstances and/or on the safety of staff, patrons, and/or participants.
5. Park District facilities themselves will remain open for non-registered and/or drop-in activities (e.g. fitness and tennis club use, public skating, open gym, cross country ski rentals, etc.) unless specifically directed to close due to weather conditions.

Because weather, including air quality, and road conditions can change dramatically as the day progresses, the Park District will monitor weather conditions and announce closing updates throughout the day. Communication regarding any weather-related closings and updates will be posted on the homepage of this website and the Park District Facebook page. Email updates are sent to customers who have subscribed to the Park District email list.

To remind residents of the importance of staying safe at our beaches and while boating this summer, the Park Board has proclaimed May 20-29 as Highland Park Beach and Boating Safety Week.

The proclamations coincide and support the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) National Beach Safety Week and the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Safe Boating Week. The Park Board urges all residents using our beaches to enjoy themselves at the beach this year while taking appropriate measures to protect themselves and their children.

Additionally, as boating continues to be a popular recreational activity, the Park Board is bringing attention to critical life-saving tips for recreational boaters so that they can have a safer, more fun experience out on the water throughout the year.

Park District of Highland Park
Beach and Boating Safety Week Proclamation

WHEREAS, the beautiful Lake Michigan waters and public beaches of Highland Park, Illinois represent valued recreational resources; and,

WHEREAS, Highland Park residents and visitors alike are drawn to our boating and beach facilities each year; and,

WHEREAS, drowning is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. and the world; most people who drown are good swimmers; and the aquatic environment has dangers to swimmers, particularly rip currents, that can be effectively managed through public awareness and the vigilance of professional lifeguards; and,

WHEREAS, on average, 600 people die each year in boating-related accidents in the U.S.; 79 percent of these are fatalities caused by drowning; and most of these accidents are caused by human error or poor judgment and not by the boat, equipment, or environmental factors; and a significant number of boaters who lose their lives by drowning each year would be alive today had they worn their life jackets.

WHEREAS, for reasons of public safety, an annual reminder of the joys and hazards associated with the aquatic environment are appropriate at the commencement of the busy summer beach season; and,

WHEREAS, Highland Park residents and visitors alike must remember: Only Swim in Designated Swimming Areas; Learn to Swim, Swim Near a Lifeguard, Swim with a Buddy, Check with the Lifeguards, Use Sunscreen and Drink Water, Obey Posted Signs, Keep the Beach and Water Clean, Learn Rip Current Safety, Enter Water Feet First, and Wear a Life Jacket when Boating.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Park Board of Commissioners by virtue of the authority vested in us for the Park District of Highland Park do hereby support the goals of the Safe Boating and Beach Safety Campaigns and proclaim May 20-29, 2023, as Beach and Boating Safety Week in Highland Park.

We urge all residents using our waters and beaches to enjoy themselves this year, while taking appropriate measures to protect themselves and their children.

City, Park District partner to host community events and activities from morning to night

Highland Park, Illinois – The City of Highland Park (City) and the Park District of Highland Park (Park District) announce plans for the community to gather on July 4, 2023. The City and Park District are working collaboratively to develop events and activities using a trauma-informed approach with a goal of balancing the diverse needs that have emerged in the wake of the Highland Park shooting. The theme, “We are Highland Park,” focuses on who we are as a community. The day’s events will be flexible and structured to allow community members the opportunity to participate in the way that is most comfortable and meaningful for them.

“The events planned for July 4, 2023, will focus on our community,” said Mayor Nancy Rotering. “We know that the day will be filled with emotion as we mark the one-year remembrance of the Highland Park shooting. We have carefully planned events and activities that will allow our community the time and space to remember the seven individuals who were taken from us too soon, opportunities to gather and connect, and provide us with the chance to celebrate Independence Day together as we create new traditions and memories.”

The day will begin at 10:00 AM with a remembrance ceremony at City Hall. The ceremony will include a performance by the Highland Park Strings, remarks by Mayor Nancy Rotering and interfaith clergy, and a moment of silence at 10:14 AM, when the first shots were fired on July 4, 2022. Live Spanish and American Sign Language interpretation will be available, and interpretation in other languages, including Russian, will be available upon request. The remembrance ceremony will be live-streamed on the City’s Facebook page and YouTube channel; the recording will be made available on the City’s website after the holiday.

A community walk will begin at 11 AM, following the 2022 parade route. The walk is a reminder of our beloved community tradition and symbolizes the reclaiming of our town as we build resiliency together. The community walk will step off from City Hall (1707 St. Johns Avenue) and progress north on St. Johns Avenue before turning west on Central Avenue, ending at Sunset Woods Park (1801 Sunset Road.) The community walk will not be a parade and will not include floats or performers.  It is intended to be an opportunity for active participation as one Highland Park and does not include viewing.  

Community members will be encouraged to register in advance to participate in the walk. Further details regarding the registration process will be available at cityhpil.com/july4 later this spring. Individuals who would like to participate in the community walk but who are unable to walk the full route (just under one mile) are invited to contact the City Manager’s Office at 847.926.1000 / [email protected]. The City is exploring transportation options for community members who need assistance, including seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Beginning at 11:30 AM, the Independence Day Community Picnic at Sunset Woods Park will bring together community members of all ages to enjoy live performances, food, and family-friendly games and activities.

“The picnic is an opportunity for families, friends, and neighbors to come together for a relaxing afternoon to enjoy each other’s company and our community, while also keeping the tradition of celebrating our country’s independence. We are pleased to present activities for people of all ages and abilities.” said Terry Grossberg, president of the Park Board.

In the evening, community members will enjoy entertainment at Wolters Field featuring live music and ice cream novelties, closing with a custom drone show. In consideration of concerns regarding the noise of fireworks and the City’s push for more sustainable alternatives, the annual fireworks display will not be held. The Bitter Jester Music Festival, which traditionally culminates with its grand finale concert on the Fourth of July ahead of the fireworks display, will be held as part of the Taste of Highland Park weekend at The Lot in Downtown Highland Park on Sunday, June 25, 2023.

The planning process has been informed by conversations and feedback with victims’ families and individuals who were injured, as well as input from community members, elected officials, and staff, many of whom attended the parade. Cognizant that individuals build resiliency in their own time and in line with guidance from the Department of Justice, community members are encouraged to “opt-in” to the activities that are most comfortable for them. These multiple opportunities for the community to gather will give individuals the option to choose how best to engage; the City and Park District encourage all community members to be understanding of neighbors who may have a different comfort level.

Information regarding July 4, 2023 activities will be shared by both the City and Park District as planning continues. Updates from the City are available at www.cityhpil.com, and updates from the Park District are available at www.pdhp.org. Individuals are welcome to share their feedback via email to the City at [email protected].

The City and Park District have prepared the below Q&A to address community questions regarding the activities planned for July 4, 2023. An updated Q&A will be available on the City website as more details are finalized and available. If you have a question that is not answered below, please email us at [email protected].

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

Summer camp is one of the highlights of childhood.  But, for parents, the whole registration process can be stressful and frustrating.  To help make the registration process a breeze, we have compiled a list of tips and tricks. 

New for 2023 Summer Camp

Our 2023 Summer Camps will be available for you to view directly on this website beginning  Fri., Dec 2.

Resident registration begins at 7 am,  Wed., Dec. 7,  giving you time to peruse the camps and coordinate your family schedule.   

Door-to-door bus service is available for Highland Park residents signed up for Crew Camp, providing convenience for you and the highest quality camp experience for your children. Make sure to select the “with bus” option when registering.

Update Your Account Information Before Registration Day

Several days before registration day, make sure you’re able to log in to your household account at https://registration.pdhp.org.

• If you’re unsure you have an account or don’t know how to access it,  email [email protected] and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.

Once you log into your account:

• Check and update your email address on file. All receipts and camp communication will be sent to the primary email address associated with your household account. To change this, click My Account in the menu select Update Username, Password & Email.
• Make sure all family members are added to your account. Under the My Account menu, choose Update Household Information. Verify their names and birthdates. If any information is incorrect, please get in touch with [email protected].

Camp Age Requirements 

Check the age requirements for the summer camp before you add it to your Wishlist or before you register. 

Select the age-appropriate camp that interests your child based on the grade they will be entering in September 2023.

Your Online Wishlist

The best way to de-stress the first day of camp registration is to add your summer camp selections to your Wishlist in advance.  You will be able to “Wishlist” camps starting on Wed., Dec 3.  Log in to your account at https://registration.pdhp.org.

1. When you find the age-appropriate camp you’re interested in, click the star icon to add the camp to your Wishlist.
2. On registration day, click the Wishlist link at the top of your screen to view the items you’ve tagged and add them to your cart once registration has opened.

Flexible Payment Options, Discounts, Scholarships 

• 3-Part Payment Plan – Select the 3-Part Payment Plan to divide your camp fees into three equal installments. 1st payment is due at the time of registration; 2nd and 3rd payments are automatically processed on the 5th of each month following enrollment (scheduled payments for those who register in December, January & February will begin processing on March 5). This payment plan option is available through April 22.
• Early Bird Discount – Register early and save! $100 off 7-week sessions, $50 off 4 & 3-week sessions, and $25 off mini and 1-week camps. The early bird discount ends Monday, February 28.
• Sibling Discount – Save $50 on each additional sibling who registers for any 7, 4, or 3-week camp.
• Financial assistance is available to Highland Park residents; please get in touch with  [email protected] or call 847.579.3101 for more information.