New Boaters
Resident Registration
Begins Monday, March 31
Non-resident Registration
Begins Monday, April 7
Motorized: Register online. In order to complete the registration process, new boaters must contact Debbie Pierce at [email protected] with proof of residency and proof of boat ownership documents within 2 days of registration.
Boat storage applicants are assigned spaces on a first come/first serve basis. Residents receive priority to obtain a seasonal storage space. (Limited availability).
You will be contacted if we are unable to fill your registration request.
Non-Motorized: Due to availability, you may be placed on a waitlist when you register. Waitlists are not taken via telephone or email. If a spot becomes available you will receive a call or email giving you directions on your registration.
• Depending on availability you may be waitlisted.
• Please register for the waitlist online only.
• If space becomes available, you will be notified in the order of the online waitlist.
• Registrations will only be taken from the online waitlist, not phone or email requests.
2025 Important Dates & Fee Schedule
March 17
Returning 2024 boaters may register for the 2025 summer season and purchase one additional parking decal. (One per household – online only).
March 31
New Motorized Resident boaters may register online. To COMPLETE the registration process, new boaters must contact Debbie Pierce at [email protected] with proof of residency and proof of boat ownership documents within 2 days. Returning Boaters may continue to register online, but spaces are not guaranteed.
April 7
New Motorized Non-resident boaters may register online. In order to COMPLETE the registration process, new boaters must contact Debbie Pierce at [email protected] with proof of residency and proof of boat ownership documents within 2 days.
April 30
Boat Storage Season begins (weather permitting).
May 1
2024/2025 Refundable Winter Storage Fee deposit processed for boaters who removed their boat from their winter storage space prior to April 30, 2025.
October 15
End of 2025 Summer storage season (boats should be removed or owner will forfeit $100 refundable storage fee deposit, except for boaters who chose to purchase Year-Round storage season option).
Getting Your Season Decals
Launch Pass Decal
For returning boaters who have purchased their passes online by May 15, your launch decal will be mailed. For passes purchased after May 16, you may pick up your decal at the West Ridge Center (636 Ridge Road) 5 business days after your registration date. Registrants must provide a driver’s license & printed email confirmation of registration along with a copy of their proof of ownership (if not on file) to receive decal.
Please note: All USCG Vessel Safety Checklists must be received prior to launching motorized vessels.
Contact Donna Feldman at 847.989.8232 or [email protected] for more information or to arrange an appointment.
Storage and Launch Pass Decal
If registered before May 15, your storage decal, map and gate access will be mailed to you. See note above regarding required Vessel Safety Checks for ALL motorized vessels.
Season Parking Decal*
- For returning boaters who have purchased their passes online by May 15, your parking decal will be mailed. For passes purchased online after May 16, you may pick up your decal at West Ridge Center (636 Ridge Road) 5 business days after your registration date. Registrants must provide driver’s license and printed email confirmation of registration along with a copy of their proof of ownership (if not on file) to receive decal.
- Starting May 1, parking decals may also be purchased in person at the Recreation Center of Highland Park during regular business hours.
*Parking decal is included with season storage.
In-Season Storage & Launch with Parking
Fees
Resident
Non-resident
Power Boat In-Season Storage & Launch
Includes Parking
PWC In-Season Storage & Launch
Includes Parking
Sailboats or Catamaran In-Season Storage
Includes Parking
Board Boat Tiers or Cables, In-Season Storage & Launch
Includes Parking
Catamaran Cable In-Season Storage
Includes Parking
Stand Up Paddleboards Indoor In-Season Storage
Includes parking and only one board per spot
Stand Up Paddleboards Outdoor In-Season Storage
Includes parking and only one board per spot
*Includes $100 refundable storage fee deposit, if boat is removed prior to October 15, 2025.
**Includes annual boat ramp improvement fee (10% of launch fee)
Year-Round Season Storage & Launch with Parking
Fees
Resident
Non-resident
Power Boat Year-Round Storage/Launch
Includes Parking
PWC Year-Round Storage & Launch
Includes Parking
Sailboats/Catamaran Year-Round Storage & Launch
Includes Parking
Board Boat Tiers Year-Round Storage & Launch
Includes Parking
**Includes Ramp Improvement fee (10% of Launch Fee)
Season Launch with Parking
Fees
Resident
Non-resident
Power Boat In-Season Launch
Includes parking
Personal Watercraft In-Season Launch
Includes Parking
Sailboats/Catamaran Launch ONLY
Includes Parking
**Includes annual boat ramp improvement fee (10% of launch fee)
Additional Season Parking Decal
Fee
Resident
Non-resident
Park Avenue Parking Decal
1 per household
Proof of Residency
To receive resident rates, bring your Highland Park Drivers License, along with one of the following documents (which displays a Highland Park address):
- Current Park District tax bill
- State of Illinois ID card
- Current automobile registration
- Copy of real estate contract
- Current US Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Safety Check
- Proof of vessel ownership
*The Park District reserves the right to reject incomplete or illegible registration applications submitted either online or in person.
Storage Information*
Board Boat Storage (kayak/sailboat) is located on the South Beach.
- Storage space is available either on our three tiers storage racks or on beach cable.
- Each season launch pass include one vessel decal and one parking decal.
- Racks for sails and other equipment are also available for an additional fee.
- Purchased spots are for one watercraft only.
- No additional watercraft may be stored unless a second spot is purchased.
Boat Storage
- All Power Boats will be stored on the North pad (Inside or Outside of the Fenced in area). Double hull boats are stored only on the South pad. Sailboats are stored ONLY on the South pad.
- Boat placement at the discretion of the Park District.
- Boat storage spaces are assigned according to boat type and storage location.
- Each assigned storage space includes: one storage decal, one launch decal and one vehicle/trailer parking decal.
*Loss from theft, vandalism or accident resulting during storage of any personal property on park premises is at the owner’s risk and the Park District is not held responsible.
