This summer, the Park District will replace the Centennial Ice Arena compressor system. The compressor system makes and maintains the ice rink. The replacement of the compressor is prompted by the discontinuation of the R-22 refrigerant that is used by the current compressor system.

The current system was installed when the building was first built in 1972.  The typical life expectancy of a rink refrigeration system is 20 years. The refrigerant that the existing system uses is typical to ice rinks but has since been categorized as an ozone-depleting substance by the US Environmental Protection Agency and is being phased out. In 2020, the R-22 coolant is no longer being produced.

The $1.8M system upgrade will take advantage of the latest advancements in efficiency, operability and sustainability by leveraging the Official Refrigerant Solution of the NHL® and direct digital controls infrastructure.  The upgraded system will also use 40% less water.   

The ice rink will be down during the replacement. Construction begins Monday, May 18. The new system will be operational the first week of September.

Centennial Ice Arena is currently closed as a result of the Covid-19 closures, and therefore the construction will not impact any programs or activities at this time.

Construction will primarily be limited to the interior of the building and is not expected to impact the neighborhood.

Please contact [email protected] with any questions about the project.

The Parks Foundation of Highland Park invites families to take a hike while enjoying a book about the wonders of nature. Join us at Heller Nature Center March 21^st from 10 a.m. to noon for the opening of Constance’s Story Trail, an interactive walk featuring a children’s nature-themed book with pages displayed at intervals along the trail. The opening event will include a craft project and complimentary hot cocoa. Visitors will be able to enjoy the Story Trail through the year, with books changing regularly.

Constance’s Story Trail is made possible through a generous grant to the Parks Foundation by former Highland Park resident Marc Mar-Yohana as a touching tribute to his late daughter and to celebrate her love of nature and reading. Constance and her father had shared many joyous hours wandering among books posted on Heller’s scenic trails before the display was severely damaged and removed last spring.

“It was something we always loved to do together,” said Mar-Yohana, explaining that Constance was on the autism spectrum and had difficulty with physical coordination and speaking. “The Nature Center really gave her a chance to exercise. She liked seeing the trees and shuffling her feet through the leaves in the fall and got excited watching squirrels running, birds flying by, and frogs jumping in the pond.”

The posted stories made their visits to Heller even more rewarding since Constance’s ability to speak was at its best when reading aloud. “The books gave her an extra incentive to walk the full trail,” Mar-Yohana said. “Our goal in bringing it back is to make it last with the best available equipment. I really want other families to be able to enjoy it.”

Featured stories will include some of Constance’s favorites and books selected by the Highland Park Public Library staff. Organizers also hope to offer a chance for local youth to display their writing.

Heller Nature Center is a 97-acre woodland preserve of the Park District of Highland Park located at 2821 Ridge Rd. The Story Trail will be open to all visitors free of charge.

The Parks Foundation of Highland Park is dedicated to the belief that every resident deserves the opportunity for an enriched healthy life. The Foundation supports and enhances the Park District of Highland Park’s exceptional facilities and provides resources to ensure that all community members are able to participate in Park District programs. The Parks Foundation of Highland Park is an independent, community-led, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To make a donation to the Parks Foundation, click here.  For more information, visit https://pfhpil.org

Constance’s Story Trail is based on the StoryWalk® Project. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.

Photo:  Constance Mar-Yohana, a lover of nature and reading.