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Park Board Meeting Focuses on Park Avenue

At the December 12 Park Board Meeting, Executive Director Brian Romes discussed details of a meeting held on December 5 with the City of Highland Park and Park District staff, members of the Park Board, City Council, and the North Shore Yacht Club (NSYC) regarding the potential repair or replacement of the barge at Park Avenue. 

As a result of that meeting, the Park Board agreed to participate in a working group with members of the NSYC and assigned Commissioner Bernstein and Vice President Ruttenberg as the Board Liaisons. The working group will explore potential site improvements at Park Avenue. Lake Michigan is experiencing near record-high lake levels that are expected to continue rising in 2020. Additionally, storms with increased wave action have been occurring more frequently. These conditions have created challenges at all beachfront locations in Highland Park, as well as across all communities on the shores of Lake Michigan. High lake levels and increased storms put lakefront facilities and activities at risk. To assist with its planning efforts, the Park District will continue to work with the coastal engineering firm, SmithGroup. The working group will also explore potential improvements to the boating beach. 

The Park Board acknowledged the value Park Avenue Beach provides to Highland Park residents and will continue working with the City, NSYC, and the boating community on exploring options to preserve and improve this community asset. 

12/16/20 – Moody’s Investors Service has assigned a Aaa rating to Park District of Highland Park’s $6.5 million General Obligation Limited Tax Park Bonds, Series 2020.  Moody’s maintains the Aaa issuer rating and Aaa general obligation limited tax (GOLT) rating on the Park District’s outstanding bonds. Following the sale, the Park District will have $21.8 million in outstanding GOLT debt, all of which is rated by Moody’s.

The Park District’s issuer rating represents Moody’s assessment of the hypothetical debt of the Park District supported by a general obligation unlimited tax (GOULT) pledge. The Park District does not currently have any rated debt supported by a GOULT pledge.

RATINGS RATIONALE

The Park District’s Aaa rating reflects a large and affluent tax base, strong financial position further bolstered by additional liquidity within its capital projects funds and modest debt and pension burdens.

The absence of a distinction between the rating on the Park District’s GOLT debt and the issuer rating is based on the nature of the pledge, which is a first budget obligation payable from all available funds. Debt service is supported with a dedicated levy that is unlimited by rate but limited by the amount of the district’s debt service extension base (DSEB).

RATING OUTLOOK

Outlooks are usually not assigned to local governments with this amount of debt outstanding.

FACTORS THAT COULD LEAD TO A POTENTIAL DOWNGRADE

The Park District of Highland Park has been recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA).

The two statewide associations administer the Illinois Distinguished Accreditation program with the goal of improving the delivery of park and recreation services to Illinois residents. “Illinois is well known for having the best park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies in the nation,” said Peter Murphy, IAPD President and CEO. “The Illinois Distinguished Accreditation program provides an opportunity for these agencies to undergo a voluntary, comprehensive evaluation process to demonstrate that they have met state guidelines to provide exceptional park and recreation services to their community. The result is to improve the quality of life for Illinois residents.” 

“This program gives recognition to park and recreation agencies that go above and beyond in dedicating themselves to offering quality programs and services designed to fulfill their community’s needs,” said Debbie Trueblood, IPRA Executive Director.

A park district or recreation agency interested in applying for Distinguished Accredited Agency recognition undergoes a detailed, lengthy process of application and evaluation. A Joint Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation Committee (JDPRAC) comprised of members from IAPD and IPRA coordinates the process. “Agencies submit a self-evaluation and a formal letter requesting admission into the process,” said Mary Crout, IAPD Co-Chair of the JDPRAC. “If the committee determines the agency is eligible to continue the process, we send them an evaluation date.” 

According to Crout, on the day of the evaluation, the agency presents documented information and gives a tour of pertinent facilities and parks for the evaluation team’s review. The team reviews general management procedures, finance and business operations, facilities and parks, personnel, recreation services, legal documentation and other materials including mission statements, goals and safety manuals.

Upon completion of the evaluation, the agency is notified in writing of the official results within ten days. Agencies that have achieved Distinguished Accredited status are recognized with a plaque at the IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference Awards Luncheon in January. 

According to Park District Executive Director Brian Romes, achieving state accreditation brings benefits to the Park District and to the community. “Inviting outside review by experts from other leading agencies and comparisons to a set of industry standards improves the Park District of Highland Park’s effectiveness and efficiencies.” said Romes. 

The JDPRAC approved the Park District of Highland Park for Distinguished Accredited status in November 2018.  Ten areas were highlighted by the committee as outstanding for an agency including the Park District’s Sustainability Plan, Budget Development Process, Volunteer Recognition Program, and Safety Inspection Process. 

 In compliance with the program, the Park District of Highland Park will be re-evaluated in six years to verify that they have continued to demonstrate sound management practices in providing quality park and recreation services to the community.

 IAPD is a non-profit service, research and education organization that serves park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies. The association advances these agencies, their citizen board members and professional staff in their ability to provide outstanding park and recreation opportunities, preserve natural resources and improve the quality of life for all people in Illinois. 

IPRA is a not-for-profit organization and public interest group who is an advocate in providing quality park, recreation and conservation education, resources and services to professionals and citizens throughout the state of Illinois.

Rosewood Beach is now open to the public.  The Park District closed the beach temporarily this fall to implement an emergency sand nourishment project at the Nature and Swimming Coves.  The project was necessary to protect Rosewood’s structures and parking lot from erosion caused by near record-high lake levels coupled with powerful early fall storms.   High lake levels have caused major damage to beaches all along the north shore.  

Sand was strategically placed along both coves with a steep grade at the water’s edge.The lake will continue flattening the newly placed material to create a more stable slope.  See illustration below (click to enlarge).

The Park District is working with Smith Group to analyze future lake level projections and long-term options to protect the beach.  According to the United States Army Corp Research and Development Center (USRDC) Lake Michigan hit its highest level for the year in July at 581.92 feet.  The USRDC predicts the lake level will be at 580.94 feet in January – 10.3 inches higher than the level in January 2019.  Over the course of the coming year, the lake could rise another 11 to 12 inches. 

12/2/19 – The Parks Foundation of Highland Park is pleased to announce it has received a $50,000 grant from the Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation. These funds will be used to support construction of the Youth Golf Development and Short Game Center at Sunset Valley Golf Club.

This new learning facility at the recently renovated Sunset Valley Golf Club will offer a welcoming environment where young people can practice the game of golf while learning the qualities of discipline, fairness, and patience embodied by the sport. The Center will allow young golfers to develop skills in short game fundamentals, including short shots from bunkers, fairways, and roughs. Through lessons, summer camps, junior leagues, and local team practices, the site will encourage youth to improve their game and sports etiquette among seasoned players and professionals at an award-winning park district course. The Parks Foundation is proud to spearhead funding for this state-of-the-art facility typically found only at private clubs, and to further its mission of making world-class outdoor and recreational opportunities accessible to all community members.

“We are grateful that the Wadsworth Foundation recognizes the importance of our effort to establish the Youth Golf Development and Short Game Center,” said Parks Foundation Board President Bob Bernstein. “The Parks Foundation supports the Park District of Highland Park mission to enrich community life through healthy leisure pursuits and an appreciation of the natural world. That includes carrying on Sunset Valley’s tradition of being the primary center for generations of Highland Park and Highwood residents to learn and love the game of golf.”

The Wadsworth Foundation grant adds to the nearly $175,000 generously committed by the community to date toward an estimated total project cost of $200,000. The Parks Foundations actively seeks additional donations to complete the project and invites the public to chip in by buying a brick or contributing at https://pfhpil.aplos.org/Playitforward

The Parks Foundation of Highland Park believes every resident deserves the opportunity for an enriched healthy life. It provides the resources necessary for everyone in our community to have access to the benefits of our world-class park district and contributes to enduring legacies within the community for future generations. The Parks Foundation of Highland Park is an independent, community-led, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information, visit https://pfhpil.aplos.org/

The Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation is dedicated to improving communities through the embodiment of the moral, ethical and cultural codes of the game of golf. The Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, seeks to make golf and the character-building attributes of the game more accessible to more people, with the ultimate goal of not only enhancing lives but helping to build stronger communities. For more information, visit http://www.wadsworthgolffoundation.org/

The Parks Foundation of Highland Park is pleased to announce it has received a grant from the Highland Park Community Foundation. These funds will be used to support the Foundation Youth Initiative (FYI). The Parks Foundation provides financial assistance to residents in need to ensure that all families can participate in the Park District of Highland Park’s recreational offerings. FYI was established in 2018 to expand the Foundation’s reach to residents of surrounding communities, including Highwood, who rely on programs offered by the Park District of Highland Park. The Parks Foundation bridges the gap between public resources and the funding needed to maintain a vibrant park system.

FYI currently supports the successful Paddlers Learn to Swim Program by offering free swim instruction to young children, predominantly Highwood residents. The Community Foundation grant will be instrumental in allowing more youngsters to learn this critical life skill. Along with contributions from other generous sponsors and donors, this grant will help the Parks Foundation expand and fulfill its mission of ensuring equal access to quality athletic instruction, year-round outdoor activities, and other recreational opportunities for all community members.

“We are grateful that the Highland Park Community Foundation recognizes the immense value of the Parks Foundation and its Foundation Youth Initiative,” said Parks Foundation Board President Bob Bernstein. “Our mission is to support our Park District to enrich community life through healthy leisure pursuits and an appreciation of the natural world. That includes addressing the needs of all families who use our facilities, live in our community, and attend our schools. The Foundation recently launched FYI to augment our already successful SMILE program which serves Highland Park residents. We are proud of our outreach and believe it is good business to be as good a neighbor to our Highwood friends as they are to us. We thank the Community Foundation for supporting these efforts.”

The Highland Park Community Foundation annually awards grants though a competitive application and review process. For more information, visit www.hpcfil.org.

The Parks Foundation of Highland Park believes every resident deserves the opportunity for an enriched healthy life. It provides the resources necessary for everyone in our community to have access to the benefits of our world-class park district and contributes to enduring legacies within the community for future generations. The Parks Foundation of Highland Park is an independent, community-led, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. For more information, visit https://pfhpil.aplos.org/

The Highland Park Community Foundation was established in 1992 at the request of the City of Highland Park to build and maintain a permanent endowment fund. The fund serves to support and expand the services of social service, cultural, and educational agencies in Highland Park and Highwood. It is also used to nurture the early stages of new and innovative programs. As the philanthropic heart of the community, the HPCF strives to improve and enrich people’s lives with annual grants to nonprofits that provide programs and services for Highland Park and Highwood residents. For more information, visit www.hpcfil.org.

On Wednesday, November 13, the Park District of Highland Park invited Park Avenue powerboat launch pass holders to a meeting, at which an update was provided on the current status of boat launching via the concrete ramp at the Park Avenue Boating Facility.   Park District staff indicated that the barge, which acts as a breakwater for the concrete boat launch, has met its useful structural life and needs repair or replacement.  The costs associated with a repair or replacement of the barge is estimated to range between $550,000 – $1.6 Million.  The Park District is seeking third party funding for this project and asked the boaters to share their feedback.  Currently, the Park District plans to operate all facilities at Park Avenue Boating Facility in 2020.  However, numerous factors will play a role in the future of boating at Park Avenue. 

Park Avenue Recreational Boating

Park Avenue Boating Facility provides value to its users, including sailors, paddleboarders, fishermen, powerboaters, and leisure visitors.  The benefits these users receive are consistent with the Park District’s Mission to enrich community life through healthy leisure pursuits and an appreciation of the natural world. 

Portions of Park Avenue are owned by both the Park District and the City of Highland Park.  The Park District owns the northernmost property, including the boat storage and beach.  The property to the south is owned by the City of Highland Park, which includes the road, parking spaces, and land where the south storage pad, building, and concrete boat launch are located.  The barge, owned by the Park District, is located adjacent to the south property.  The site is also home to the Highland Park Water Treatment Plant, which provides safe drinking water to Highland Park and surrounding communities.   

The Park District has operated the Park Avenue concrete boat ramp and decommissioned barge since they were installed by the Park District in 1981.  Over the past five years, an average of 56 power boaters, and 56 non-power boaters including their family members and guests have enjoyed the benefits of boat launching and boat storage at Park Avenue Boating Facility.  Additionally, many enjoy the benefits of kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding, and simply appreciating the natural beauty of Lake Michigan. 

Visiting Park Avenue by bike or by foot, or even taking advantage of the small parking area to the north, are benefits offered to all Highland Park residents.  Consistent with Park District Policy, these benefits are available to the entire community and are critical to the Park District’s Mission.  The land owned by the Park District at the north end of Park Avenue, like all the parks and natural areas, is managed by the Park District and subsidized through taxation because it protects and conserves open space and promotes physical and mental well-being of our residents.

Boat launching and boat storage is also a service provided by the Park District.  Like many recreation programs and services offered through the Park District, these services provide the most benefit to the individual participant. In keeping with Park District Policy, recreation services must be supported by user fees and are expected to exceed the direct operating cost.  User fees support the administration, staffing, annual dredging and maintenance for the barge, concrete boat launch, and beach at Park Avenue.  The Park District works with the North Shore Yacht Club (NSYC) providing small craft boating programs and services to the community. NSYC is an affiliate of the Park District and provides its own leadership and administration.

The Park District works closely with the City of Highland Park and the NSYC providing programs and services to the community.  Currently, the Park District and City are meeting to update the presently expired lease agreement that dates back to 1981.  The Park District is also in regular communication with the NSYC to update terms associated with their affiliate agreement. 

As many residents know, Lake Michigan is experiencing near record-high lake levels that are expected to continue rising in 2020.  Additionally, storms with increased wave action have been occurring more frequently.  These conditions have created additional challenges at all beachfront locations in Highland Park, as well as across all north shore communities.  High lake levels and increased storms put all lakefront activities at risk.  Providing safe recreation and leisure activities for our community and Park District users is a top priority. 

While the Park District current plans are to continue all operations at Park Avenue in 2020, the future of boating at Park Avenue is contingent upon all the aforementioned factors including third party funding for the barge repair or replacement, an agreement with the NSYC, a lease agreement with the City of Highland Park, and the ability to provide programs and services safely amidst Lake Michigan water levels and weather-related conditions. 

Park District Planning

The Park District is committed to providing extraordinary recreational programs and services to the Highland Park community in a manner that is consistent with its mission, vision, values, and operational policies.  With over 800 acres of property that includes 45 parks, 24 playgrounds, four beaches, 12 acres of trails, 200 acres of natural area, nine facilities, and over 3,000 annual programs that serve the community, careful and responsible planning is a priority.  The Park District consistently evaluates the development, delivery, and operational expenses that support our programs, services, facilities, parks, and playgrounds.  Our hope is to serve all unique community needs. 

However, since District resources are not unlimited, we must often prioritize the programs and services that meet the needs of the largest, most diverse population, based on the current attitudes and interests of the community.  To do so, the Park District conducts a community-wide attitude and interest survey. The results of this survey, along with internal usage reports, help provide a basis for program offerings and capital projects that support the development, improvement, repair or replacement of facilities, parks, and equipment.  For more information on the Park District’s attitude and interest survey, annual budget, capital plan, and Master Plan (GreenPrint 2024), please click on the related links below. 

The Park District of Highland Park Board of Commissioners signed an agreement with the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) to receive a portion of 2019 Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (lllinois EPA) 319 grant funding to enhance the shoreline of the north pond located at the Community Park at the Recreation Center of Highland Park.  Funding for this project is provided, in part, by the Illinois EPA through Section 319 of the Clean Water Act.  The project will include planting of native plants and minor regrading to improve water quality, contribute to flood reduction and enhance wildlife habitat in keeping with the conservation values of the property.

The total cost for the project is $289,344.86, half of which is reimbursable by the grant upon project completion and approval from the Illinois EPA.  The SMC will administer the Illinois EPA 319 grant funds in the amount of $144,672.73 and will partner with the Park District to complete the project to include:

The Park District match for the project is budgeted in the 2020 Park capital budget. Park District staff will incorporate the design, engineering and implementation of this work into the overall community park project. According to the agreement, the Park District has two years from the date of the agreement to complete the project.  

In the coming weeks, work will begin to design the project and incorporate it into the overall master plan of the park which already features an additional 50 acres of native plantings designed to create new wetland savanna and grassland habitat.   

Seven figure skaters from the Park District of Highland Park’s Centennial Ice Arena competed in the 2020 Upper Great Lakes Regionals held in Saint Paul, Minnesota October 23 through 27.   The Centennial skaters included Danielle Simon, Campbell Saks, Ellie Kavadas, Lucy Millman, Greta Hollander, Leah Wernick, and Taylor Keno.  All seven skaters are involved in Centennial’s skating program.

“It is wonderful to have seven of our skaters compete in the regionals,” said Carol Sassorossi, Program Manager at Centennial Ice Arena.  “These girls work tirelessly, and it is fabulous to see their hard work and dedication pay off.”

Centennial Ice Arena is a premier regional center for ice skating with a highly qualified staff and progressive programming.  The arena is a proud member of US Figure Skating and Learn to Skate USA.  For more information about Centennial Ice Arena recreational and competitive skating programs, please contact Sheila Lonergan [email protected], or Carol Sassorossi, [email protected].

Photo:  (left to right) Danielle Simon, Campbell Saks, Ellie Kavadas, Lucy Millman, Greta Hollander, Leah Wernick, Taylor Keno

Ilya Mondrowski, a Centennial Ice Arena ice skater has advanced to the 2020 National Ice Dance Finals that take place in Hyannis, Massachusetts November 13 – 14.   Mondrowski, 14, of Highland Park and his ice dance partner Kiana Pan, 12, of Bolingbrook, have competed together for two years at the Novice level. The team placed fifth at the 2020 Midwestern Ice Dance Sectionals in East Lansing, Michigan in October.  Earlier this year the pair won the USFSA Championship Juvenile Ice Dance Division. 

“We are incredibly proud of Ilya,” said Carol Sassorossi, Program Manager at Centennial Ice Arena.  “It is an amazing feat to advance to the nationals.  Special thanks go out to their coaches and supportive families.”

Centennial Ice Arena is a premier regional center for ice skating with a highly qualified staff and progressive programming.  The arena is a proud member of US Figure Skating and Learn to Skate USA.  For more information about Centennial Ice Arena recreational and competitive skating programs, please contact Sheila Lonergan [email protected], or Carol Sassorossi, [email protected].