The Parks Foundation
of Highland Park

The Parks Foundation of Highland Park is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to the belief that all community members deserve the opportunity for an enriched, healthy lifestyle. The Foundation raises funds to ensure that every Highland Park/Highwood resident can access Park District programs and works to support the parks facilities that bring our community together.

Since its establishment in 2016, the Foundation has:

Tribute & Memorial Gifts

Life is full of occasions to celebrate – weddings, births, anniversaries, the lives of loved ones lost. The Parks Foundation’s Tribute and Memorial Gift program offers you the opportunity for recognition of special occasions and loved ones with the gift of a tree, bench, or brick for placement in our parks.  Proceeds from your donation go to improving our community parks and facilities.  

For questions and to submit forms, please contact Mike Evans at [email protected] or call 847.579.4085.

Park Tree

Choose from a selection of trees in a selected park. A 2.75” x 5” raised lettering plaque with your personalized message is displayed at the base of your tree. Orders are accepted throughout the year; plantings are dependent upon availability, season and weather.

New Tree: $1,500 (includes warranty for 3 years)

To purchase a tree, complete this form and send it to [email protected].

Park Bench

Park benches are 6-foot-wide with a personalized 2.75” x 5” raised lettering plaque. The exact location will be coordinated at the time of purchase and is subject to approval by Park District staff.

Park Bench: $3,000 (includes warranty for 10 years)

To purchase a bench, complete this form and send it to [email protected].

Bricks

Bricks inscribed with your personal message are available at several locations around the Park District. Recognition will be given on a 4” x 8” brick paver. A message is engraved with the wording of your choice (three lines with 13 characters per line). Orders are sent in to the fabricator on March 1 and August 1 of each year. 

Brick Paver: $200

For questions, contact [email protected].

Major Gifts

The Parks Foundation also offers individuals and organizations the opportunity to give major gifts, such as underwriting the cost of playgrounds, buildings, and additions, or gifting an item to one of our facilities.  If you are interested in learning more about these opportunities, please contact Brian Romes, Executive Director of the Park District of Highland Park, at [email protected].