NBC Sports Chicago recently featured Sunset Valley Golf Club on its highly-rated The Golf Scene hosted by
Emmy-award winning Steve Kashul.  Earlier this summer, the network highlighted Sunset Valley on Golf 360 hosted by Patrick Mannelly.  To view both segments, click below. 

A mosquito pool (batch of mosquitoes) sampled on June 13 in Highland Park, Illinois has tested positive for West Nile virus. The mosquito pool is the first confirmed indicator of West Nile presence in Lake County in 2019. 

Residents are urged to drain standing water near their homes or businesses, use insect repellent when outdoors, be especially cautious at dawn and dusk, and cover skin with long sleeves, pants and closed-toed shoes when outdoors.

The Moraine Dog Beach continues to remain closed due to complex failures on the path leading to the beach.  The path failures resulted from record breaking rainfall this spring.  The Park District is exploring all repair options as well as consulting with appropriate agencies. Once a sustainable solution is determined, a timeline for reopening the beach will be established.

Dog park members also have access to the Debbie Gottlieb Beitler Dog Park at Larry Fink Park. However, if dog park members  wish to cancel their membership and receive a pro-rated refund, they may contact Heller Nature Center at 847-433-6901.

The Park District of Highland Park Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce the selection of Brian Romes, CPRP, as the new Executive Director beginning July 1, 2019. Brian has over 20 years of experience within the parks and recreation field including various positions of increasing responsibility at the Park District of Highland Park.  He joined the Park District in 2009 as the Recreation Manager.   In 2012, he was promoted to Assistant Director of Recreation and in 2017 was named Director of Recreation and Facilities.  Brian was a key contributor to the development of the District’s GreenPrint 2024 Master Plan and its Strategic Plan.  He played a significant role in project renovations at Rosewood Beach, the Recreation Center of Highland Park and Sunset Valley Golf Club.

Brian earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation Administration from Eastern Illinois University and is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP).  He is a graduate of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Revenue/Management School, Indiana University Executive Development School, and was a Board Regent for the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association (IPRA) Leadership Academy.  Prior to joining the Park District of Highland Park, Brian was the Superintendent of Recreation at the Carol Stream Park District where he worked for seven years.  Early in his career, he held various managerial roles for 24 Hour Fitness Inc., City of Yorba Linda, CA; Wheeling Park District; and the Northbrook Park District.

“Over the past ten years, Brian has brought unique ideas and leadership that align with the mission and goals of the Park District of Highland Park,” said Park Board President Brian Kaplan. “We’re confident he will continue to position our organization for future growth and success serving the Highland Park community.”

Brian Romes replaces Liza McElroy who retired in February 2019 after ten years of service to the Highland Park community. 

For the safety of our swimmers at Hidden Creek AquaPark, we updated our minimum height requirement to 48 inches for the following features:

•  Drop Off Point
• Cliff Hanger
• Twisted Rapids

Swimmers between 42 inches to 48 inches tall must pass a swim test to use these features.  Please see our Guest Services (located on the west side of the Bathhouse) to inquire about the swim test. All swimmers under 42 inches are not permitted to use these features.

Golf Inc magazine named Sunset Valley Golf Club the third best “Renovation of the Year” for public golf courses in the world in its May/June 2019 issue.It’s the third award Sunset Valley has won for its innovative design features since it reopened in late summer 2018.

Golf Inc. judges called Sunset Valley “an impressive project that provides benefits to the community while improving the golf course.  Interesting use of parkland/links characteristics into a cohesive aesthetic. Wonderful transformation of mild featureless parkland into functioning and engaging golf course.”

Park District of Highland Park Interim Executive Director Kathy Donahue said the latest recognition is further affirmation that the District achieved its goals for Sunset Valley.  “The renovation breathed new life into our 99 year-old course and ensures that Sunset Valley will continue to be a great destination to play the game for generations to come.” Donahue said. “We are thrilled and humbled to receive recognition for our vision for Sunset Valley.”

Other awards Sunset Valley Golf Club has also won:

2019 Illinois Parks and Recreation Association, Facility of the Year

2018 American Society of Golf Course Architects Design Excellence Award

Sunset Valley underwent an extensive 18-month renovation to the course and clubhouse. The new course reflects a unique British Heathland design with an openness accentuated with strategic landforms, flowing masses of native grasses and groves of trees which harken back to the character and aesthetic appeal of the course’s original 1920’s era golf course architecture. The newly remodeled clubhouse offers a classic vibe with striking views of the golf course. Now featuring an expanded golf shop, the new 13ninety restaurant as well as a cozy lounge area with fireplace, the clubhouse is a destination for guests and golfers to relax and Enjoy the Sunset.

Since the August 2018 opening, golfer feedback on the new course layout, designed by golf course architect Rick Jacobson, has been extremely positive.  This Spring, Sunset Valley has already seen record breaking total rounds played in a single weekend.

Lifeguards Need Your Help Too!  Rosewood Swimming Beach and Hidden Creek AquaPark open for the season Memorial Day weekend.  Now is the perfect time to review these important water safety tips before heading to the pool or beach to ensure you and your family enjoy a fun, healthy, and safe summer.

1. Water Safety Tips:

• Before every visit to the pool or beach, discuss water safety and rules with your children 
• Ensure your children have strong swimming skills by enrolling them in swimming classes
• If you bring a child’s friend to the pool, assess their swimming ability yourself, don’t just rely on what their parents tell you
• Don’t give shoulder rides, you may not be able to tell if your child’s head is above water
• Don’t let your children play breath holding games
• Enter the water feet first;  serious injuries can occur by diving into unknown water
• At the beach, be aware of rip currents.  Don’t try to fight a strong current to get to shore, swim parallel to the current until it eases up, then swim to shore.
• At the beach, look for these warning flags:  
  • Green Flag – bacteria levels are not elevated, no advisories
  • Yellow Flag – bacteria levels are elevated, a caution swimming advisory
  • Red Flag – high levels of bacteria, no swimming is advised
• Always swim within view of a lifeguard, and go the guard if you need help
• Always swim with a buddy — there is safety in numbers
• Keep toys that sink to the bottom of the pool at home
• Watch your children at all times around any body of water
• Don’t get distracted by books or electronics, you are there to have fun, so unplug!
• Remember to stay within an arm’s reach of your child at all times, even if they’re wearing a life jacket
• Only use Coast Guard approved life jackets that are properly fitted–Hidden Creek AquaPark has Coast Guard approved life jackets for children (x-small-medium) that are free to use while at the pool
• Protect yourself and children from the sun by always wearing sunscreen and reapply often.  Sunburns can happen even on an overcast day.
• Hydrate and refuel often.  The sun can drain your energy — drink water and eat often throughout your day. 

2. Share These Water Safety Tips With Your Kids:

• Have an adult with you whenever you go swimming
• Make sure a lifeguard is watching the pool and the adult you are with gives you permission before you go into the water
• Don’t rough house or play breath holding games; it’s dangerous
• If you see someone in trouble yell “HELP!” over and over again – don’t try to help someone in trouble yourself, or you could be pulled under
• If you are tired, remember to take a break

3. Review Rosewood Beach Safety Regulations with Your Family:

• Climbing on rocks is prohibited
• Flotation devices are prohibited in the water
• Glass containers are prohibited
• Swim only during public swimming hours and in designated areas
• Children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by an adult
• Diving from the shoreline or rocks is prohibited
• Please dispose of all litter in the receptacles provided
• For Public Safety Dogs are not allowed at Rosewood Beach –  Rosewood Beach is for the public’s use and the presence of dogs and other pets creates a safety and sanitation concern. Therefore, for the safety and well-being of our beach visitors, dogs and other pets are not allowed at lower Rosewood beach including the boardwalk, bridges, and beach (per Park District Ordinance No. 15-04, section 2.03-e).

The Park District of Highland Park is introducing Go Highland Park, a new community movement designed to increase community health through activity, education and collaboration. 

“We want to create a culture in our community that promotes physical movement. GO Highland Park is designed to encourage everyone to make a commitment to themselves and get moving for 30 minutes each day,” explains Kathy Donahue, Interim Executive Director for the Park District of Highland Park. 

This movement is in response to the former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy’s call to action challenging Parks and Recreation agencies to focus on the health benefits for people of all ages and stages of life to walk at least 30 minutes each day.

The GO Highland Park initiative is simple:  everyone makes a commitment to take a walk or other similar exercise every day this summer in their own neighborhood or at a park of their choice.

To get Go Highland Park off to a good start the Park District is planning a kickoff Community Walk event on Saturday, June 8, 2019 from 9:30 – 10:30am at the Community Park at the Recreation Center of Highland Park located at 1207 Park Ave. West. 

• Walkers will meet at the south entrance of the park and walk together. 
• The Recreation Center of Highland Park is hosting five exercise stations along the walk that will be fun for all ages.  This free walking initiative offers an opportunity to encourage everyone in our community to take part in improving our health and wellness. 
• Participants will also have a chance to win a free three-month membership to the Recreation Center of Highland Park. 
• Working Bikes – donate your adult bikes in repairable condition and gently used kids bikes as well as bike accessories.   Working Bikes is a 20 year-old nonprofit that gives away 8,000 bikes a year locally and internationally.  
• Go Highland Park t-shirts will be handed out to the first 100 walkers along with other fun give-aways. 

There are many benefits to walking 30 minutes every day.  Walking can help to prevent and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, premature death and supports positive mental health.   For more information on this important initiative and how you can get involved click here: Go Highland Park.

The Park District of Highland Park Level 3 Gymnastics Team competed in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Gymnastics Central District State Meet in Rockford on Saturday, April 27, 2019.  The team placed 11th with a season high score of 110.225, just missing the top 10 by .075.  This is the team’s inaugural season. 

Individual highlights from their respective age groups include Hannah Spencer awarded second on beam, floor, all around, and

taking the vault champion title.  Lucky Fincher placed third on floor, and vault, and fourth in all around.  In the Junior Division, Ali Danziger placed fourth on vault, and fifth on floor.  Lindsey Drake placed sixth on both the vault and beam. In the Child Division, Rowan Kach placed fifth on vault, and second place on floor.

The Park District Level 3 Team is coached by Bruce Keeshin.  He is a former Head Coach for men and women’s gymnastics team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.). 

“These girls have been working hard, learning routines and taking on the challenge of being the founding members of our competitive team,” said Keeshin.  “I am truly impressed with the improvement I have seen this season.”

The Park District Gymnastics Team practices out of Centennial Ice Center.  Centennial is a premier regional center for gymnastics with a highly qualified staff and progressive programming.  The arena is a proud member of Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Gymnastics.

For more information about Centennial Ice Arena recreational and competitive gymnastics programs, please contact Carol Sassorossi, [email protected].

Top Left Photo:  (left to right) Ali Danziger, Hannah Spencer, Lindsey Drake, Lucky Fincher

This fall, ParkSchool is opening its doors for the first time offering a one-of-a-kind early childhood educational program for 2, 3, and 4-year-olds.  Our early childhood educational staff at West Ridge Center, Heller Nature Center and Rosewood Beach Interpretive Center have partnered along with the Park District’s entire team of recreational professionals to bring a new level of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) with the added benefit of recreation education for young learners.  

ParkSchool is a new unique combination of modern early childhood education methods along with the expertise in recreation and access to the natural world that only the Park District of Highland Park can provide.  And, the new program has been carefully structured to offer a streamlined set of options that fit into your family’s hectic schedule.   Choose from morning or afternoon, one day or multiple days, one session or the full year, before or after care to extend your child’s day.  And, 4-year-olds have the added opportunity to participate in an afternoon of nature programs at Heller Nature Center and Rosewood Beach. 

The sounds of giggles, the magic of learning and the buzz of activity will fill every nook and cranny at the new ParkSchool beginning this fall.  Peek into our classrooms and you will see eager youngsters engaged in creative lessons in technology, science, mathematics.  Turn the corner into our gym and you will find one of the Park District’s professional staff from Sunset Valley Golf Club, Deer Creek Racquet Club, Centennial Ice Arena – just to name a few —  teaching a room full of excited students the fundamentals of tennis, golf, gymnastics, basketball, and more. 

Walk out to our 16-acre backyard at West Ridge and you will find children playing or participating in an outdoor art lesson.   Or, travel with our 4-year-olds on the nature shuttle for a fun-filled afternoon exploring and learning about the wonders of nature at the 97-acre Heller Nature Center or the marvels of the Lake Michigan ecosystems at Rosewood Beach; a perfect way to prepare for full-day Kindergarten. 

How did the concept for ParkSchool come about?  According to  the Park District’s Recreation Team , we took feedback from our loyal customers and combined the best of the Park District’s popular early childhood programs to create a new level of learning for children.  We coined the term “STREAM,” commented Jessica Reyes, Manager at Heller Nature Center, incorporating the component of recreation into the traditional STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) methods which really sets ParkSchool apart.  Providing access to sports for all our students and our beautiful natural areas for 4-year-olds is something that makes ParkSchool truly unique.

But the difference doesn’t stop there.  The philosophy of the ParkSchool educational team brings a whole new level of expertise and professionalism to caring for and nurturing each child’s special qualities and talents. 

We believe that creating a strong love of exploration and curiosity early in a child’s life establishes a pattern of lifelong learning. Success is measured by nurturing and celebrating each child’s individual development. We embrace experiential project-based activities that enable children to discover their true potential—methods that encourage them to question, explore, and discover. It is through ParkSchool’s unique blend of a supportive warm environment and discovery-based play that children can truly expand their imagination, acquire a confidence and inquisitiveness that allows them to establish a Successful Beginning for a Bright Future of Learning.

For more information and to register for ParkSchool, click here.