The plan proposes to use pour-in-place rubber safety surface, often referred to as the soft surface.

No, the drinking fountain’s location will not change, but the drinking fountain will be replaced. 

Yes, in efforts to create a safer and less steep entry to the playground, the path will extend back further behind the playground which will move the entrance and create a gradually sloped pathway.

Through the listening sessions, we heard support for adding pieces that would be enjoyed by older kids. We also heard the need for a greater variety of play equipment, with pieces that are more challenging to stimulate the older tots.

The Park District is required to follow ASTM CPSI requirements regarding age-appropriate equipment. The proposed playground includes climbing opportunities and an expression swing that may engage older children.

No, the playground will remain a tot-lot, for the 2-5 age group.

No, the playground will remain in its current location on the South lot.

Following the Playground Feasibility Study last spring it was determined through the community engagement process that there was more support for the playground to remain within its current footprint.

While there was interest in moving and expanding the playground, the community valued preserving the open space, the scale of the tot lot, the secluded woodland feel of the tot lot and expressed concern for traffic and parking if the playground were to move and grow.

Transfers from one camp to another must be made on or before May 1. In order to request a transfer, please contact the supervisor of the camp your child is currently enrolled. If additional fees are required, payment is due at the time of transfer.

Each camp is supervised daily by a qualified adult director. Some camps depending on size, also have an assistant director. Each camp’s high school- or college-age counselors are chosen carefully by the Park District for their demonstration of maturity and enthusiasm. All camp staff complete an extensive training program, including supervision and safety techniques, activity development, and first aid.

The Park District of Highland Park encourages participation by everyone! If you or a family member have special needs and would like to participate in a program, we will be happy to make reasonable modification(s) to meet your needs. Please indicate on the registration form if you would like information regarding our inclusion programs and/or specifically identify any need and request for reasonable modification(s) according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Park District of Highland Park provides recreational opportunities for all residents of Highland Park. People with and without disabilities are encouraged and invited to register for all Park District of Highland Park programs of interest. People with disabilities will not be discriminated against in the delivery of Park District of Highland Park programs. To discuss our policies, programs, or services or raise a claim of discrimination on the basis of disability, contact Julie Nichols, our ADA Coordinator, at [email protected] or 847.579.3131.

Recreation program residency rates apply to everyone who lives within Park District of Highland Park boundaries and pays Park District of Highland Park taxes including residents of Fort Sheridan (60037); portions of the Town of Fort Sheridan that lie within Park District boundaries (60035); and Park District of Highland Park taxpayers who reside on the following Kings Cove (Deerfield) streets: Carriage Way, Bent Creek Ridge, Fox Hunt Trail, Millstone Road, Shag Bark Lane, Smoke Tree Road and Tanglewood Court.  All other Deerfield street addresses do not pay Park District of Highland Park taxes and are, therefore, non-residents of the Park District. 

Residency privilege is extended to Kindergarten through Grade 8 students living in the geographic boundaries of North Shore School District 112 and students Grade 9 through 12 living in the geographic boundaries of Highland Park High School. Parents of these children are not eligible for resident fees (some exclusions may apply).

Proof of Park District of Highland Park residency in the form of a valid Driver’s License or Illinois State ID may be required for registration.  To receive resident rates:

• Call the registration team at 847.831.3810 to ensure your account is set up correctly.
• Register online or in-person at Park Fitness, 1207 Park Ave West.
• One form of proof of Highwood residency is required at the time of registration (IL Driver’s License, IL State ID, lease agreement, real estate tax bill, real estate contract, or utility bill). 

Those who register for Park District programs and improperly use a Highland Park address are removed from the class and no refund or transfer is given. Non-residents pay a higher fee per program. Note: Non-residents are not eligible for resident fees even if their caretaker provider/relative is a Highland Park resident.