Updates from the March Park Board Meetings

March 12: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

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. 

March 18: Finance Committee Meeting

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.

March 19: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

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.

Updates from the February Park Board Meetings

February 12: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

Canceled due to the weather.

February 21: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed Ordinance #2025-02, An Ordinance Amending the Appropriation Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2024 that will transfer a total of $145,000 from Recreation Fund Item Type 610, Salaries and Wages to Recreation Fund Item Types 680, Cost of Goods Sold, 650, Maintenance & Landscaping, and 720, Capital Outlay, in the amounts of $36,000, $100,000, and $10,000, respectively; plus  a transfer of $20,000 from General Fund Item Type 610, Salaries and Wages to General Fund Item Type 660, Utilities; lastly, a transfer of $18,459.28 from Special Recreation Fund Item Type 620, Contractual Services to Special Recreation Fund Item Type 720, Capital Outlay. 

Staff reviewed Resolution 2025-02 to allow the bidding of electricity for the District from Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative and Satori Energy.  

Staff provided construction updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, Club Pickle and Padel, and the Recreation Center of Highland Park (landscaping plan for shared parking lot located at 1207 Park Avenue West, emergency repairs due to flooding, and the proposal from Williams Architects to provide architectural and engineering services for Phase Two of the locker room renovation).

Staff reviewed and provided contractor recommendations for the Park Avenue Dredging bid results and the Larry Fink Tot Lot Renovation bid results.

February 24: Master Planning Committee Meeting

The Lakota Group (designers, planners, and communication experts), aQity Research and Insights (survey consultant), and BerryDunn (Recreation Services Assessment consultant) held a kickoff meeting for the Greenprint Master Plan Update.

February 26: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2025 Park Avenue Dredging Project Bid, the 2025 Larry Fink Tot Lot Renovation Bid, the New Recreation Facility at West Ridge Park Construction Material Testing Proposal, the Williams Architects Recreation Center of Highland Park Locker Room Shower Area Remodeling Proposal, Ordinance 2025-02 An Ordinance Amending the Appropriation Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2024, Ordinance 2025-03: Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, and Resolution 2025-02 Authorizing the Purchase of Electricity for Park District Facilities and Meters and Authorizing the Director to Approve a Contract with the Lowest Cost Electricity Provider for a period up to 3 years.

Staff provided an annual report for Heller Nature Center and the Rosewood Interpretive Center comparing budgeted vs actual programming revenues, expenses, and participant utilization.

Updates from the January Park Board Meetings

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.

Updates from the December Park Board Meetings

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.

Updates from the November Park Board Meetings

November 13: Policy Committee Meeting

The Human Resources Department is revising the current Employee Handbook. Staff reviewed proposed revisions to policies impacting work conditions (safety and security), employee benefits programs, and time off benefits.

November 13: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

Staff reviewed the sponsorship program report comparing sponsorship and advertising partners and revenues over the last five years and 2025 plans.

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 Construction projects, Sunset Valley Golf Club Cart Path project, Old Elm and Port Clinton Playground Improvements project, Rosewood Park Playground Replacement Design Concepts, Sunset Woods Park Improvements project, and Park Avenue Boating Facility North Beach Improvements project.

Staff provided a preview of the proposed process to update the GreenPrint Master Plan.

November 14: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff provided a brief overview of the participant survey results for the ceramics program.

Staff reviewed the bid results for the 2024 Track Aerial Lift and provided a purchase recommendation.  

Staff provided a construction cost update for the Club Pickle and Padel project.

Staff reviewed the proposed 2025 Budget.

November 20: Facility and Recreation Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the process from 2014 to develop the GreenPrint 2024 Master Plan and compared it to the proposed process to update the master plan through the next five years.

November 20: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2025 Board Meeting Calendar, 2025 IAPD/IPRA Credentials Certificate, the 2024 Track Aerial Lift Bid Purchase, Ordinance 2024-11 Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, and the Truth in Taxation Resolution #2024-02.

Staff provided an end of season lakefront report comparing attendance and revenues and expenses at Rosewood Beach from 2022 – 2024. Staff also compared actual vs. budgeted revenues and expenses for Park Avenue Beach and Boating Facility Loyalty Memberships.

Updates from the October Park Board Meetings

October 16: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

In 2015, Park District staff developed the District’s first Sustainability Plan to identify strategies to achieve sustainability goals and better coordinate with City-wide priorities. The 2015 plan has since been used as an internal document guiding practices leading to quantifiable achievements in District operations. Staff presented a progress report on recent sustainability efforts and shared draft goals and objectives for a new Sustainability plan.

Staff provided construction updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, the Recreation Center of Highland Park Construction projects, Danny Cunniff Playground Resurfacing and Fencing project, Old Elm and Port Clinton Playground Improvements project, Rosewood Park Playground Replacement Design Concepts, Sunset Woods Park Improvements project, and Park Avenue Boating Facility North Beach Improvements project.

October 22: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff presented the updated agreement terms between the Park District and the Homeowners Association for the Rory David Deutsch Tot Lot and the proposed playground and site improvements.

Staff provided a tax levy recommendation and the impacts for an individual taxpayer.

Staff reviewed the five-year health insurance cost trends at the District and management’s strategy to address rising costs while continuing to offer employees a quality health benefits structure.

October 23: Policy Committee Meeting

The Human Resources Department is revising the current Employee Handbook. Staff reviewed proposed revisions to policies impacting military leave and bereavement leave, payroll and recording of hours worked, and employee conduct.

October 23: Facility and Recreation Committee Meeting

Staff shared images of construction progress for the new Club Pickle and Padel facility and site and presented the phased marketing approach to promote the new facility and membership since the grand opening has been delayed.  

October 30: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved Ordinance 2024-10 Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property.

Staff presented the end-of-season report for Hidden Creek AquaPark. The report compared attendance figures, revenues from daily admissions, memberships and rentals, and operational expenses from maintenance and staffing costs over the last three years (2022 – 2024).

Updates from the September Park Board Meetings

September 4: Special Meeting

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2024 Pickle and Padel Club Bid, the 2024 Sunset Woods Improvements Bid, and Resolution #2024-01: Authorizing the sale of Real Estate Property and Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Highland Park and the Highland Park Public Library.

September 11: Facility and Recreation Committee Meeting

Staff provided a sponsorship update for Club Pickle and Padel, reviewed the marketing campaign to promote the new facility and memberships, and provided an overview of the Registration Platform, new Website, and APP.

September 11: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

The Park District of Highland Park received two unsolicited proposals for Community Solar. Community Solar is a recently created program that allows Illinois small businesses and organizations to participate in savings with Community Solar. Representatives from Pivot/SunCentral LLC reviewed the Solar Subscription Agreement proposal.

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the OSLAD Grant Resolution Authorization, allowing the Park District of Highland Park to apply for funding assistance for the Reimagining West Ridge Park for All project.

The Park Board of Commissioners declined the 2024 Padel Court Purchase and Installation Bid so staff can update the bid specs and reissue the bid.

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 Construction projects, the Jeff Fox Baseball Field Improvements project, Deer Creek Racquet Club Locker Room Improvements project, the Danny Cunniff Playground Resurfacing and Fencing project, the Port Clinton and Old Elm Playground Improvements project, the Lincoln Park Playground Replacement Design Concepts, and the Larry Fink Memorial Park Playground Replacement Design Concepts.

September 18: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the Five-Year Capital Plan going through each line item by Parks and Facilities and reviewed the Ten-Year Funding Model.

September 18: Policy Committee Meeting

The Human Resources Department is revising the current Employee Handbook. To begin review of employee policies, the Human Resources Department is providing those that are most impactful to 2025 budget planning and 2025 annual employee benefits programs.  Staff reviewed proposed revisions to policies impacting the employee benefits programs, general employment, and introduction. 

September 25: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved 2024 Sunset Woods Improvements Project Change Order #1, the Illinois Community Solar Subscription Agreement by Pivot/SunCentral LLC, and the 2024 Padel Court Purchase and Installation Re-Bid.

Holabird and Root presented a draft of the Interior Renderings and Finishes for the New Recreation Facility at West Ridge Park.

Staff provided the end of season summer camp report highlighting 2024 and 2025 goals and compared the 2023 to 2024 season structure, enrollment, and revenue.

Updates from the August Park Board Meetings

August 14: Facility and Recreation Committee Meeting

Staff provided a five-year comparison of ceramics enrollment figures. Staff will conduct a needs assessment to help guide future planning efforts.

Staff presented the first draft of the business plan summary for the new indoor pickleball and padel facility. The presentation included a facility overview, proposed programs and services, membership options, proposed fee and operational structure, and the 2025 budget summary.

Staff presented the annual report for Deer Creek Racquet Club highlighting record-breaking moments and facility improvements. The report also provided a comparison of budgeted vs. actual revenues, enrollments, court utilization figures. 

Staff reviewed the Highland Park Senior Center and parking lot improvements schedule and operational impacts to the Recreation Center of Highland Park. 

August 20: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed and provided bid recommendations for the Sunset Woods Improvements project and the Asphalt Improvements project.

The cost estimates from W.B. Olson, construction management/general contracting company, for the new facility and site improvements at West Ridge Park came in under budget.

Currently, there is an intergovernmental agreement between Lake County Forest Preserve District, High School Township District 113, and the Park District of Highland Park outlining the Park District’s annual maintenance responsibilities for prairie wolf slough. The current term is set to expire. It was the consensus of the Finance Committee to terminate the park district’s maintenance obligations.

Staff provided a quarterly report of budgeted vs. actual revenues and enrollment figures for Centennial Ice Arena programs, camps, daily fees, and rentals.

August 21: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners appointed Rafael Labrador through May 2025 to fill the Commissioner vacancy. Rafael Labrador took the Oath of Office.

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the approve the Zoning Amendment Exhibit E Unconditional Agreement and Consent, a special exception allowing a vote for approval of a naming ordinance for the new Pickleball and Padel Facility to “Club Pickle & Padel” five days prior to the end of the 60-day waiting period, and Ordinance 2024-08 to name the new indoor pickleball and padel facility “Club Pickle & Padel”.

Staff provided construction updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, Lot 3 Pickleball and Padel Facility project, the Recreation Center of Highland Park Construction projects, the Jeff Fox Baseball Field Improvements project, Deer Creek Racquet Club Locker Room Improvements project, Deer Creek Racquet Club Parking Lot Improvements project, and the Danny Cunniff Playground Resurfacing and Fencing project.

The Park Board of Commissioners has reviewed the Closed Session Minutes and determined that the Closed Session minutes from January 31, 2024, Regular Meeting no longer require confidential treatment and be released for public inspection.

August 28: Policy Committee Meeting

The Human Resources Department is revising the current Employee Handbook. To begin review of employee policies, the Human Resources Department is providing those that are most impactful to 2025 budget planning and 2025 annual employee benefits programs.  Staff reviewed proposed revisions to policies impacting work conditions (safety and security), employee benefits programs, and time off benefits.

August 28: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2024 Asphalt Improvements Project bid and the Centennial Ice Arena Dehumidifier Unit Purchase.

Unfortunately, the Sunset Wood Improvements project is still over budget by $154,422, even with the removal of value engineering items and reducing the bid alternates. Some capital projects will have to be deferred to cover the costs. Staff are not recommending approval this evening. Instead, staff would like to review and better understand the impacts to the five-year capital plan before providing a bid recommendation and requesting approval at the September 04, 2024, Special Meeting.

The Park District is submitting an OSLAD Grant Application to support the reimagining of West Ridge Park, specifically, the development of a 90ft baseball field serving 13U, 14U+, and adults, player seating, and field drainage.

The Parks Foundation and Staff are preparing for the Smash for Charity Pickleball Tournament on September 21, 2024, from 8:00 – 2:00 p.m. The fundraising event will host up to 92 teams. Proceeds will support scholarship programs.

Staff provided an annual report for Centennial Ice Arena comparing budgeted vs. actual revenues and enrollment figures for programs, camps, daily fees, and rentals.

The Grand Opening event for Jeff Fox Field at Larry Fink Memorial Park is Monday, September 9 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

The APP Chicago Open Pickleball Tournament is being hosted for the fourth year at Danny Cunniff Park. The tournament is August 28 – September 1. Come watch the nation’s top pickleball players return to Highland Park and compete for the $100,000 prize. 

Updates from the July Park Board Meetings

July 17: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

Staff received the audit and site reports for District facilities and parks from WT Group for the 2024 ADA Accessibility Audit and Transition Plan. WT Group and Staff hosted community engagement meetings to highlight observations and collect feedback to improve accessibility throughout the District.

Staff provided construction project updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, the Lot 3 Pickleball and Padel Facility, construction at the Recreation Center of Highland Park, improvements at Jeff Fox Baseball Field, improvements for Sunset Woods Park, improvements for the North Beach at Park Avene Boating Facility, improvements for the Deer Creek Racquet Club Locker Rooms, and The Preserve of Highland Park Compton Avenue Trail Connection.

July 23: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff presented the semi-annual review of cost centers. Revenues and expenses are through June 30, 2024.

Staff reviewed the 2025 budget schedule and a draft of the 10-Year Funding Model.

Staff shared graphs comparing the user market participation over the last five years for programs (this excludes memberships and daily use). Programming participation has increased by 40% while the Highland Park population increased by 2.5%.

Staff submitted permits to the City of Highland Park for the new indoor pickleball and padel facility.

Staff is working with City of Highland Park Officials on an updated addendum for the intergovernmental agreement which outlines cost share and maintenance between the City of Highland Park and the Park District of Highland Park for the parking lot at the Recreation Center of Highland Park, The Preserve of Highland Park, the Highland Park County Club, and the Highland Park Senior Center.

Staff reviewed the 2024 Golf Equipment Bid results.

July 31: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2024 Golf Equipment Bid

The Parks Foundation and Staff are preparing for the Smash for Charity Pickleball Tournament on September 21, 2024, from 8:00 – 2:00 p.m. The fundraising event will host up to 92 teams. Proceeds will support scholarship programs.

Updates from the June Park Board Meetings

June 12: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners Approved the 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of the Park District of Highland Park. 

Staff reviewed the bid results for the 2024 Park Avenue Beach Access Improvements Project.

Staff reviewed the 2024 Independence Day Events Schedule and Entertainment, Children’s Activities, and Food Truck secured for Fourth Fest.

Staff provided construction project updates for improvements at Sunset Woods Park, the Lot 3 Pickleball and Padle Facility, construction at the Recreation Center of Highland Park, improvements at Jeff Fox Baseball Field, construction for the Preserve of Highland Park Compton Avenue Trail Connection, and the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park.

June 18: Finance Committee Meeting

PMA Network and the Arbitrage Group reviewed the Park District’s arbitrage rebate payment due for the General Obligation (Limited Tax) Debt Certificates, Series 2021.

Staff reviewed the actual vs. budgeted quarterly revenues and expenses, membership and program utilization for the Recreation Center of Highland Park.

Staff reviewed the donation agreement from the Bondy Family Foundation to generously support construction of a new indoor pickleball and padel facility. 

The Park District and City of Highland Park planned to renovate the shared parking lot in 2025. The Park District received an estimated cost from the City of Highland Park for the shared project, and the estimate was significantly higher than anticipated. The Park District is meeting with City Officials to discuss shared use terms outlined in the Intergovernmental Agreement and expenses the Park District can cover to support the project.

Since the bids for the 2024 Park Avenue Beach Access Improvements Project came in over-budget. Staff worked with the low bidder, Copenhaver Construction, to significantly reduce the total project costs. Staff reviewed the reduction options.

Staff received five bids for the 2024 Deer Creek Racquet Club Locker Room Improvements Project. To keep the project under budget, staff proposed purchasing some materials in house.

Staff determined a cargo van is a necessary replacement for the current needs of the District. Staff reviewed the costs for different options. A Ford Electric Transit Van was selected and is available through the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC) through the Northwest Municipal Conference. 

Staff reviewed the costs and 3-Year Agreement Terms and Conditions to purchase Plan 2 Play Registration System for the Lot 3 Pickleball and Padel Facility. The District currently utilizes Plan 2 Play customer relationship management system (CRM) for the Recreation Center of Highland Park.

June 26: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners adopted a proclamation for the designation of July as Parks and Recreation Month.

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2024 Ford Electric Transit Van Capital Purchase, 2024 Park Avenue Beach Access Improvements Project Bid, the 2024 Deer Creek Racquet Club Locker Room Improvements Project Bid, the Arbitrage Rebate Payment Due For the 2021 Debt Certificates, Ordinance 2024-08 Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the Plan 2 Play Registration System Proposal, and the Donation Agreement Between the Park District of Highland Park, Parks Foundation of Highland Park and the Bondy Family Foundation For the Paddle Facility.

Staff provided project updates for improvements at Sunset Woods Park and the locker rooms renovations at the Recreation Center of Highland Park.

Staff received consensus from the Park Board of Commissioners to allow the recommended name of Club Pickle and Padel for the new indoor pickleball and padel facility to wait the sixty-day period prior to a vote.

Staff provided an annual report for grant-in-aid comparing the 2022, 2023, and year-to-date scholarship spending, participant demographics, and individual and household scholarship funds utilization to help cover the costs for memberships, programs, and camps.