June 11: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

Representative from Williams Architects presented the Schematic Design Final Design for the renovation of the Park Fitness (Recreation Center of Highland Park) locker room shower area.

Staff shared the process (why or why not change a name) and findings (pros vs. cons) for the proposed name for the new recreational center at West Ridge Park. Staff recommends changing the name to West Ridge Community Center. Staff received consent from the Park Board of Commissioners to allow the recommended new name to wait the sixty-day period prior to vote.

A statistically valid survey was released to community members that represents the demographic to gather feedback for the updated masterplan. 

Staff reviewed and made changes to the Park District of Highland Park Policy Manual in its entirety. All draft policies have been reviewed by legal, Ancel Glink, to ensure up-to-date compliance with the Park District Code. The Park Board reviewed and approved the changes to chapters 1-2. Staff presented a review schedule for chapters 3-6. 

Staff provided construction project updates for the Park Fitness (Recreation Center of Highland Park) Landscaping project, Port Clinton Playground renovation, Sunset Woods Park improvements, Larry Fink Toto Lot renovation, Centennial Ice Arena Dehumidification project, New facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, and Club Pickle and Padel Facility project. 

The Park District is reviewing and updating our ordinance and working with the Highland Park Police as they review their Ordinance and regulations regarding e-bikes on park paths. Also, staff are installing signs at Park Avenue “Bicycles, Skateboard and Scooters are not allowed on sidewalks or boardwalk”. 

June 17: Finance Committee Meeting

A Representative from Sikich LLP presented a draft of the Park District’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. 

Staff reviewed and provided a contract recommendation for the 2025 Lincoln Park Renovation bid. 

Staff proposed the Finance Committee move their meetings to the third Thursday of every month at 8:00 a.m. 

June 25: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

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

The Park Board approved Ordinance 2025-08- Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of the Park District of Highland Park, the bid from Hacienda Landscaping Inc. for the 2025 Lincoln Park Improvements, including value engineering recommendations and Alternates 1 and 4, and the additional scope items proposed by Holabird and Root Authorizing Additional Architectural and Engineering Services for West Ridge Park Site Planning and Project Improvements including the proposal for Site-Based Owner Revisions Post-Bid, Permit & GMP Issuance for Programming & Scope Work Sessions in the amount not to exceed $29,000, and Site-Based Owner Revisions Post-Bid, Permit & GMP Issuance for the South Ballfield. 

The statistically valid community survey is complete for the updated masterplan. A separate survey will be released this week to the entire community to further community engagement.

Staff provided a year in review for 2024 and year to date scholarship spending.