The Park District of Highland Park is excited to announce that on January 15, the Park Board of Commissioners approved construction for a new recreation facility at West Ridge Park. Construction is scheduled to begin in March.
The new recreation facility will replace the existing West Ridge Center, and will feature:
The innovative building design will maximize space efficiency and blend seamlessly into the park, offering flexible, inclusive, and functional rooms for recreational services. After the new building is operational, the current West Ridge Center will be demolished.
NO CHANGE TO WEST RIDGE CENTER PROGRAMS
All programs at West Ridge Center will continue as scheduled through 2025. We do not anticipate any disruption to recreation programs during the transition to the new recreation facility.
NEW PARKING LOT ORIENTATION
Construction fencing is expected to be installed in March 2025. Once installed, the orientation of the south parking lot along Ridge Road will be modified.
During construction the south parking lot entrance will be restricted for construction personnel. The north parking lot entrance, formerly the exit of the lot, will become two-way traffic and will be the entrance and exit for patron use of the parking lot. Signage will be installed to assist in the transition. See map below.
PLAYGROUND, BASKETBALL, WESTERN BALLFIELD, AND MOST OF THE PATHS WILL REMAIN OPEN
The park areas outside of the construction fencing will remain open for patron use. See map below.
GYMNASTICS PROGRAMS WILL CONTINUE AT CENTENNIAL ICE ARENA
The Park District is excited to announce the future introduction of a 10,000-square-foot gymnastics gym to the community. The new gymnastics gym is over double the size of the existing gym at Centennial Ice Arena providing expanded opportunities to the community. Gymnastics programs will continue at Centennial Ice Arena until officially announced otherwise.
The project is on track to reach completion by Spring 2026. Toward the end of 2025 the Park District will share detailed information about the transition to the New Recreation Facility.
