DECEMBER 09 FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

Staff provided a detailed review of the 2026 Budget Book. 

DECEMBER 09 LAKEFRONT, PARKS, AND NATURAL AREAS COMMITTEE MEETING

Resident John Cooper, owner of 2700 Point Lane, submitted a proposal for City of Highland Park consideration to permit property tours as a special use. The proposed “Experience Greatness” program aims to inspire personal transformation through themes of mindset, action, and service, offering mentorship to youth from all economic backgrounds. The proposal seeks a partnership with Heller Nature Center as the access point, including a small trail extension, funding for improvements, shuttle service, and insurance coverage. The partnership would provide financial support, program integration, and event access for the Park District.

It was the consensus of the Park Board to allow the Executive Director to engage in conversations with Mr. Cooper, to authorize two Park Board Commissioners to act as liaisons to these discussions, and to direct all official communications to the Executive Director. 

DECEMBER 09 WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD

Staff provided construction updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, Lincoln Park Improvements, and the Rosewood Park Playground Replacement. 

DECEMBER 17 MASTER PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING 

The Lakota Group presented the GreenPrint Master Plan initiatives matrix. The matrix has capital development projects, capital improvement projects, planning/programming projects, and operational planning projects listed by prioritization tiers designed for the capital plan.

DECEMBER 17 REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD

A public hearing was held for the tax levy ordinance. Staff presented the 2026 proposed budget and the budget and appropriation ordinance. 

The Park Board of Commissioners approved Ordinance #2025-13 An Ordinance Authorizing a Supplemental Property Tax Levy to Pay the Principal of and Interest on the Outstanding General Obligation Limited Tax Park Bonds, Series 2024, of the Park District of Highland Park, Lake County, Illinois, Ordinance #2025-14 Tax Levy for 2025, the 2026 IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference Attendance, the 2026 Renewal Letter of the Independent Contractor’s Agreement The Golf Practice, the 2026 License Agreement Between the Park District of Highland Park and the North Shore Yacht Club,2026 Highland Park Pops Affiliate Organization Agreement, 2026 Highland Park Players Affiliate Organization Agreement, 2026 American Youth Soccer Organization Affiliate Agreement, and the 2026 Uptown Music Theater of Highland Park Affiliate Organization Agreement. 

Staff received consensus from the Park Board of Commissioners to move forward and lay the 2026 budget down for a period of thirty days so that the public may review it. 

Staff presented the end of season golf report comparing 2024 to 2025 operations and financials and highlighting 2025 events and tournaments.

Staff reviewed budgeted vs actual membership sales and year-to-date participation figures for winter pickleball programs, permanent court times, and open play for pickleball and padel.