The Park District of Highland Park Board of Commissioners adopted the 2020 budget of approximately $30.6 million at the
December 12, 2019 meeting.   The 2020 Budget reflects a continuation of the Park District’s commitment to maintain quality parks and facilities, continued efforts towards the completion of phase  one of the Park District’s comprehensive master plan, as well as the Park District’s fiscal philosophy of successfully striking a balance between exceeding our community’s expectations with respect to programs and facilities while operating in a fiscally responsible manner.

In preparation for the 2020 budget approval, the Park District reviewed the proposed budget at three public meetings including the Park Board Finance Committee meeting on October 25, 2019; the Park Board Workshop meeting on November 5, 2019; and a budget public hearing that preceded the Board meeting on December 12, 2019.  The 2020 Budget has been available for public review for the past 30 days at West Ridge Center, Recreation Center of Highland Park, the Highland Park Public Library and on the Park District website.  The adopted budget will be published and available on the Park District website in December 2019.

Highlights of the 2020 budget are:

• Operating surplus of $3.7 million
• The District developed a five-year Capital Plan (GreenPrint 2024 capital improvement, capital repair and replacement, and facility and park maintenance) through 2025 that totals $31 million.
• Issuance of $7.1 million in general obligation debt in 2020 to support the District’s five-year Capital Plan.
• Improved revenues in camp and a greater focus on adult programming.

“It is our goal to continue providing valuable programs and services to Highland Park residents that enrich community life through, accountable, ethical, and sustainable operational and long-term planning efforts,” said Brian Romes, executive director of the Park District of Highland Park.  “In the coming year, the Park District will continue aligning our GreenPrint 2024 Comprehensive Master Plan, five-year Capital Plan, 2016‐2020 Strategic Plan, and the 2020 Budget to ensure we continue exceeding resident and customers’ expectations by delivering extraordinary experiences within our parks and facilities.”

The Park District continues to maintain Moody’s Investor’s Service Aaa bond rating, based on its healthy reserve levels, favorable debt profile, and conservative revenue assumptions.