Over the last week, site work has taken a break due to the snow.
Work is expected to continue intermittently over the winter season, weather permitting.
The playground fence was installed.
Remaining seed and blanket were spread.
Additional playground equipment pieces were installed, including adding swings to the swing posts.
Last week, the installation of the asphalt paths, basketball court, and parking lot was completed.
Crews have been working on grading the path and preparing for installation of the asphalt, which is expected to begin on Friday.
Installation of the playground surfacing has been completed. Up next is the installation of the playground fence.
The Lincoln School columns have been installed at the entry of the playground. Up next is the installation of the benches and other site amenities.
Both layers of the poured-in place playground surfacing have been installed.
Shelter: Installation of the shelter roof has been completed and this week the concrete pad was poured.
Field: This week, progress has also been made in the field, crews spread the infield mix for the ball fields and the grass continues to grow.
Parking Lot: The old parking lot curb was removed and the new curb has been poured. Up next, crews will grade the parking lot and surrounding path, then the installation of the parking lot asphalt and path will begin.
Playground: The woodchip playground surfacing has been installed and the base for the poured-in-place has been spread out. Up next, crews will install the poured-in-place surfacing.
Play Area: 
All of the playground equipment has been installed, and crews compacted the base layer for the playground surfacing.
Construction of the playground fence started this week and the fence posts have been installed.
Crews also prepared the base for installation of the columns from Lincoln School that will frame the playground entrance.
Shelter: 
This week the shelter posts were installed and work began on installation of the roof.
Parking Lot:
Demolition of the parking lot has been completed.
Next Up: The poured-in-place surfacing is expected to be installed next week, and the woodchips will be installed once the poured-in-place is all set. Crews will also wrap up installation of the playground fence. Grading for the park paths is expected to begin next week as well as the base for the basketball court to prepare the site to install asphalt at the court, parking lot, and for the paths in the next few weeks.
This week, crews installed the drainage under the playground, and began the prep work for installing the playground surfacing.
The framing for the dugouts concrete surfacing was also completed this week.
In the fields, the new grass is starting to grow.
Up Next: Grading work will begin for the park paths, basketball court, and the parking lot. Crews will also be wrapping up any remaining concrete work, and will start installation of the playground surfacing.
Installation of the backstops and ballfield fencing has been completed.
Progress continues in both the tot and elementary play areas.
Up Next: Crews will be finishing the installation of the playground equipment, begin installation of the shelter, and work to wrap up concrete work at the dugouts and new shelter.
The playground swing posts have been installed.
The backstop fencing has been installed, as well as the dugout fencing.
Progress has been made on the playground installation.
Installation of the ballfield backstops has started.
The ballfield dugouts are starting to take shape.
Up Next: The fence will be installed on the fence posts and playground installation work will continue.
Installation of the playground equipment has started.
Seed blanket has been installed in the field.
Grading work and site drainage installations are wrapping up. Crews will be on site today to spread topsoil and start seeding.
Over the last few weeks, crews have been working on grading the site and making drainage improvements.
Crews have also started installation of the clay infield for the ballfields.
Today, concrete work started in the playground area.
The new playground entry walk and gathering space is starting to take shape.
The new playground footprint is starting to take shape!
Last week, crews began framing the layout for both the tot and elementary play areas. Once complete, they will begin pouring the concrete curbs.
Work has also started to prepare the ballfields by removing the clay.
Demolition work is wrapping up this week and then crews will start laying out the playground and begin work on the ball diamonds.
Crews were hard at work on demolition at Lincoln Park this week!
Most of the path has been removed, as well as many of the site amenities.
Demolition work will likely continue for the next week or so, to prepare the site for improvements.
Tree protection fencing has been installed and demolition work has started.
The construction fence has been installed and Lincoln Park will now be closed for construction. The sidewalk along Green Bay Road will remain open, but the park paths will be closed. Check back here throughout the construction process for updates!
Crews are on site today, starting installation of the silt and tree protection fences.
Construction is expected to begin the week of July 28.
Once the construction fence goes up, the park will be closed, and will remain closed until construction is complete.
The sidewalk along Green Bay Road will remain open, but the park paths will be closed.
Thank you to everyone who provided playground equipment feedback at the open house and through the online survey.
The Park District heard from more than 80 people, and a playground design was selected.
See the results here.
On Tuesday, September 17, the Park District hosted a Community Open House to share refined playground concept designs and collect feedback. Thank you to everyone who attended last night’s meeting!
If you couldn’t make it but would still like to provide feedback, please take the online survey before it closes on Wednesday, September 25.
Thank you to everyone who provided playground equipment feedback through the online survey and visits to the park.
Through this effort, the Park District heard from more than 60 people at the park and 69 survey respondents. Your feedback will be used to refine the playground design options.
In September, the refined options will be shared, and the community will have the opportunity to select their favorite playground design.
See the survey results here.
The Planning and Projects team was at Lincoln Park on the following dates to share playground equipment options and collect feedback:
• Thursday, June 6, from 3:30-5:30pm
• Monday, June 10, from 9-11am
• Tuesday, June 18, from 5-7pm
Thank you to everyone who visited the park to share your feedback on the playground equipment! Your feedback will be used to refine the playground design options.
If you didn’t get a chance to stop by the park, or have more to say, please take the online survey before it closes on July 8.
The Park District of Highland Park was awarded $528,500 through the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant program administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for improvements to Lincoln Park. The OSLAD grant is a state-funded program providing up to 50% of the project costs for public park and recreation projects.
Design will begin this summer and the community will have various opportunities to participate in the design process. Construction is expected to begin in summer of 2025.
The Park District of Highland Park submitted an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant for improvements to Lincoln Park.
Support from the OSLAD grant program would enable the Park District to adjust the layout of Lincoln Park to accommodate an elementary playground, increase basketball court space and address critical updates to Lincoln Park’s existing amenities. Updates include a new tot lot and improvements to the walking path, diamond fields and soccer field. The proposed concept for Lincoln Park was presented as Concept 2 in the August 15 Community Meeting.
Thank you to everyone who attended the August 15 community meeting. Your feedback will be used to guide the concept design to submit in the Park District’s grant application.
Click here to see the presentation.
The Park District of Highland Park will be hosting a community meeting on August 15, 2023 at 6pm at West Ridge Center (636 Ridge Road) to collect feedback for Lincoln Park.
The Park District of Highland Park heard the neighborhood’s interest in a new elementary playground due to the approved agreement to sell Lincoln School. Two design options have been developed that reconsider Lincoln Park with the addition of an elementary playground.
Feedback collected at this meeting will be used to assist in securing grant funding and to support adding an elementary playground at the park, which is currently unfunded.
If you cannot attend this meeting and would like to provide feedback, the presentation from the August 15th meeting will be posted to the project page on August 16th for those who are unable to make the meeting and would still like to provide feedback.
The Park District heard the neighborhood’s concerns over losing an elementary playground due to the sale of Lincoln School. As such, the Park District of Highland Park is going back to the drawing board to develop plans for Lincoln Park that consider the inclusion of an elementary play space. The comments and data collected through the survey will be integrated into the plans for the improved tot lot playground. There will be other opportunities to get involved in design as the Park District proceeds with planning. While the Park District will continue with the planning effort, the addition of an elementary playground is not currently budgeted in the Park District’s capital plan.
This change of direction will impact improvements scheduled for 2023. The tot lot, repaving of the path, and the patch/color of the basketball court planned for 2023 will be deferred to a future year and incorporated into the new plan.
The Park District will continue to follow the School District’s plans to coordinate efforts. Project updates will be posted to this web page.
Please direct questions and comments to [email protected].
The Park District of Highland Park is hosting listening sessions at Lincoln Park to collect feedback for the playground replacement.
Please stop by during one of the following times to share your thoughts!
• Friday, April 28 from 9:30-11am
• Wednesday, May 3 from 10-11:30am
• Tuesday, May 9 from 4:30-6pm
• Friday, May 12 from 2:30-4pm
Over the last week, site work has taken a break due to the snow.
Work is expected to continue intermittently over the winter season, weather permitting.
Crews wrapped up work on resetting portions of the brick path.
Additional progress was made on playground equipment installation as well.
Last week, progress continued on installation of the playground equipment.
The porous-pave path to the playground has been installed.
More progress has been made installing the perimeter stone.
Installation of the tot lot play equipment has started.
This week, crews were working on site drainage, grading, and preparation work for the new path.
Installation of the playground perimeter curb and stonework began.
This week crews framed the perimeter of the playground area and started framing the seating area to prepare for concrete installation.
The playground equipment was also delivered to the site this week.
Next Up: Crews will finish the framing to pour concrete and will begin installing the playground equipment.
The contractors have completed the brick paver removal from the playground to the parking lot.
Crews are now working on preparing the layout and forms for the new concrete in the playground area.
Demolition of the playground equipment has concluded. Crews are on site beginning the prep-work to lay out the new playground.
The construction fence has gone up, and demolition work is underway.
The playground area is now closed until the project is complete.
Construction is now expected to begin in October. The Park District is working with the contractor on an updated start date, and as a result the playground will be closed for construction for a shorter period of time.
Once an updated start date is received, this page will be updated.
Construction is expected to begin the week of September 15.
Once the construction fence goes up, the playground will be closed.
Check back here for updates as the project moves through the construction phase.
Thank you to everyone who provided playground equipment feedback at the open house and through the online survey.
The Park District heard from more than 50 people who selected their preferred playground equipment.
See the results here.
Thank you to those who attended the Community Open House on Tuesday, October 22.
If you couldn’t make it but would like to provide feedback on your preferred playground design, please take this survey before it closes on Nov 4, 2024.
Thank you to everyone who provided playground equipment feedback through the online survey and visits to the park. Through this effort, the Park District heard from more than 20 people at the park and 46 survey respondents.
Your feedback will be used to refine the playground design options. In September, the refined options will be shared, and the community will have the opportunity to select their favorite playground design.
See the survey results here.
The Planning and Projects team was at Rosewood Park on the following dates to share playground equipment options and collect feedback:
• Wednesday, July 24 from 9-11am
• Monday, July 29 from 3-5pm
• Tuesday, July 30 from 5-7pm
• Wednesday, Aug 7 from 9:30-10:30am
• Monday, Aug 12 from 4-5pm
Thank you to everyone who visited the park to share your feedback on the playground equipment! Your feedback will be used to refine the playground design options.
If you didn’t get a chance to stop by the park, or have more to say, please take the online survey before it closes on August 19.
We’ve heard some of you may not have received the postcard so we are adding two more park visits and extending the survey date! Please share with your neighbors!
Wednesday, Aug 7 from 9:30-10:30am
Monday, Aug 12 from 4-5pm
In 2019 the Park District conducted a GreenPrint 2024 Review and Amendment, which expressed the need for a multi-purpose facility as well as the need to address West Ridge Center to provide flexible programming space to better serve the community with youth and adult programming, and an opportunity for a gymnastics studio.  
The Park District started the design process for a new community center at West Ridge Park to replace the existing West Ridge Center in 2022. The plan to build new on the southeast section of West Ridge Park is supported by a preliminary planning assessment completed in 2023.
In 2024, the Park District of Highland Park was awarded $1.4 million through the Park and Recreational Facilities Construction (PARC) grant program administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to support elements this project including a gymnastics gym, multi-functional dance room, and youth enrichment space. The PARC grant program provides funding for park and recreation facility construction projects.
In Spring 2025, construction started on the new Recreation Facility at West Ridge Park. The New Recreation Facility is located southeast end on West Ridge Park and will be home to a multi-use recreation facility featuring a gymnastics gym, a multi-purpose dance room, flexible classroom spaces, and a multi-purpose community room. The surrounding event lawn, enrichment courtyard, and relocated safety village offer opportunity for indoor/outdoor program experiences.
In Fall 2025, construction will begin on a new 90-foot base-length ballfield which will replace the existing field on the southwest side of West Ridge Park. The new ballfield will be the District’s first 90-foot base-length field and will support a variety of ages from youth up through adults.
Crews are hard at work outdoors, continuing installation of the ballfield underdrain system and adding brick to the east side of the building.
The solar panel crew mobilized this week and they are preparing the gym roof for the solar panel installation.
Inside, things are warm and bustling. Drywall, ductwork, and the sprinkler system are all going in, and the translucent wall panels which are designed to fill the gymnastics studio with natural light, without glare, arrived this week. 
Installation will begin next week!
Work will continue throughout the holidays, but our updates will take a short pause. Look out for the next construction update in the new year!
Building:
There is heat in the building and drywall in the gymnastics gym has started to go up. Much of the ongoing work will wrap up early December – including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins, brick veneer, exterior wall assembly, and sprinkler pipes.
With those efforts completed, the team will finish installing drywall throughout the rest of the building.
Ballfield:
The rain has interrupted the installation of the underdrains, but that work will pick up in the coming weeks.
The field has been fully graded and crews are working hard at installing the storm drain and underdrains.
In the coming weeks, framing and concrete work will begin for the spectator seating areas.
At the building, crews are wrapping up the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins. Installation of insulation, brick, and composite siding is also moving along steadily.
With colder weather on the way, the team is making preparations to keep construction on track through the winter season.
Crews are also making great progress on installing the composite siding.
Inside, rough-in work for the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems continues, and interior wall framing is now about 80% complete.
Looking ahead, crews will begin framing and forming the concrete for the ballfield’s new spectator and player seating areas. Installation of the underdrains will also continue over the next few weeks.
Crews are also making great progress on installing the composite siding.
Inside, rough-in work for the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems continues, and interior wall framing is now about 80% complete.
Looking ahead, crews will begin framing and forming the concrete for the ballfield’s new spectator and player seating areas. Installation of the underdrains will also continue over the next few weeks.
This week crews began laying the brick for the exterior façade and completed the trash enclosure wall.
The entry vestibules are taking shape as well.
Inside the building: Crews continue roughing in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, while making substantial progress on the interior wall framing.
Out in the field, crews are wrapping up grading. Installation of the underdrains begins next week.
We hit another exciting project milestone today! Two of the four mechanical units were delivered and lifted onto the roof, a major step forward in the building’s progress. The units are set into mechanical wells, keeping them hidden from view, for a clean, finished appearance.
Check out the video to see the crane in action as it carefully places each unit on the roof.
Inside the building, crews continue roughing in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, while making steady progress on the exterior wall assembly and interior wall framing.
Up Next: In the coming weeks, crews will begin installing the brick veneer on the building’s exterior. On the west side of the project site, crews will focus on drainage installation and grading for the ballfield.
Installation of the wall assembly is underway and will continue in the coming weeks.
Rough-in work for the building’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems is also progressing.
Coming Up:
Crews will begin installing the brick veneer, and demolition of the ballfield is scheduled to start next week.
This month, the Park District Board of Commissioners approved the construction for a new 90-foot base-length ballfield at West Ridge Center.
The new ballfield will be the Park District’s first 90-foot base-length ballfield and will support a variety of ages from youth up through adults. This field will replace the existing ballfield on the southwest side of West Ridge Park.
The ballfield scope includes grading, drainage, and underdrains to support the natural turf grass and skinned infield ballfield. The scope also includes player and spectator amenities like standard accessible player seating and spectator seating.
The Park District is excited that this field will expand its capacity to reach a diverse age group, that it will be accessible, and significantly improve the drainage at the field.
The road is back to normal!
This week, crews are busy continuing to install the roof system, roughing-in interior mechanical, electrical, and plumbing, and framing the exterior walls.
Last month, crews focused on underground utilities. This month, the action has moved to the roof! 
A crane is on site, the roof system installation is underway, and crews are also framing the exterior walls.
Next up: rough-in work for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
Concrete work is nearing completion as well. 
The building floor has been poured, and both the west and east sections of the roadway are complete. The remaining middle section is scheduled to be poured next week.
Thank you for your patience as we work through these roadway disruptions!
Over the next few weeks, they will frame and pour the rest of the building floor and the roadway.
To keep the roadway open, concrete pours will be done in sections. Each section will need a few days to cure before moving on to the next.
Thank you for your continued patience!
Crews are starting to pour the floor for the new gymnastics’ gym, dance room, and the sidewalk.
Check out a video here and a few photos are included below.
Gymnastics Gym
Dance Room
Sidewalk
Despite a few weather-related and unforeseen delays, progress continues.
The underground utility work is now complete, and concrete work will take place over the next few weeks.
To keep the road open, concrete pours will be done in sections. Each section will need a few days to cure before moving on to the next.
Thank you for your continued patience!
Thank you for your continued patience while the utility connection work at Ridge Road is nearing completion!
The construction team is targeting to have the sidewalk and roadway concrete poured next week. Once complete, the sidewalk will re-open and the roadway will be back to normal.
As for the building – work continues on the roof parapet wall and roof blocking.
The concrete floor will be poured in the coming weeks.
Underground utility work is in full swing!
Work along Ridge Rd. is expected to wrap up this week. Thank you for your patience.
On Tuesday morning, crews will be working in the southern lane of the front drop-off area where cars typically exit. The patron parking lot will remain open and the ADA spaces in the drop-off lane will still be available. If you need to use the drop-off lane, please enter and exit from the north side. This work is weather dependent, while we do our best to schedule construction activity, crews may need to adjust the schedule.
Starting today through early next week, there will be temporary impacts to Ridge Road due to water main and sewer work.
What to expect:
– Ridge Road will be down to one lane during working hours
– The sidewalk on the west side of Ridge Road, in front of the park, will be closed temporarily.
Thank you for your continued patience through construction!
The sub-contract has rescheduled the work to Monday, July 28. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience. On Monday, July 28, contractors will begin installing underground utilities in portions of the West Ridge Center parking lot. The lot will be closed Monday morning starting at 7:00 am. The lot will reopen late in the afternoon once crews are done, likely around noon. Construction will continue over the next few weeks in phases, with sections closed off one at a time. Please use extra caution and be mindful of ongoing construction activity.
 Contractors will begin installing underground utilities in portions of the West Ridge Center parking lot. The lot will be closed Friday starting at 1:30pm. The lot will reopen late in the afternoon once crews are done, likely around 4pm.Â
Construction will continue over the next few weeks in phases, with sections closed off one at a time. Please use extra caution and be mindful of ongoing construction activity.
Contractors were expected at the lot on Wednesday morning to begin saw cutting and excavating for underground utilities. But unfortunately, they did not make it. This work will be rescheduled for later this week. Crews will primarily work in the early morning hours. The team is doing their best to avoid closing the lot, thank you for your patience.
In just a few weeks the structural steel has been erected! It’s exciting to see the framework and scale of the building in the park landscape.
In July, crews will be working on framing the upper walls and parapets as well as installing the roof.
Here’s a bird’s-eye view of the foundation and piers framed and poured. From this vantage point you can see the shape of the new building. This is the last chance to see the full footprint of the building before it’s backfilled and hidden from view. Structural steel is expected to be delivered early June.
The construction team is busy working on the foundation for the new West Ridge Center building. Crews continue working on framing and pouring concrete for the footings, foundations, and piers.Â
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In June, a crane will arrive on site to erect the structural steel.
Check out the cement truck in action!
Demolition of the baseball field is complete and site grading is ongoing.
Next week, crews will begin excavation and framing for the new building foundation. Excavation and framing work will continue through early May.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 1, the south parking lot will be closed through mid-day for restriping.
The new parking lot striping will better accommodate the temporary parking configuration through construction. Cars should enter and exit from the north side of the lot. View the new configuration below (click to enlarge). 
Site grading is expected to begin later this week once demolition is complete.
This morning, contractors removed the athletic field light poles and the backstop.
Check out the video!
Thank you for your patience as we get started with construction at West Ridge Park. On Wednesday, March 26, the south portion of the south parking will be closed, and traffic will be limited to construction vehicles only.
Patrons must enter and exit from the north side of the lot. Once the weather allows, the lot will be restriped for the new configuration.
In the meantime, please be patient and pay attention to the signage guiding the temporary traffic flow.
The construction trailer was delivered this week and the fence line was laid out with stakes. The construction fence installation has been rescheduled to next week. Contractors will continue mobilization efforts in preparation for construction, including installation of tree protection fencing and erosion control measures.
In the coming weeks, the Park District will implement a new parking flow for the south lot. The Park District will post an update announcing the adjusted traffic flow for the south lot in addition to directional signage. In the meantime check out the construction map for an idea of where the fencing and patron parking will be.
Thank you for your patience as the project transitions into the construction phase.
Next Week (March 10-14):
Construction fencing is expected to be installed. Parking in the south lot will remain as-is through the end of next week.
In the coming weeks, the Park District will implement a new parking flow for the south lot. The Park District will post an update announcing the adjusted traffic flow for the south lot in addition to directional signage. In the meantime check out the construction map for an idea of where the fencing and patron parking will be.
Thank you for your patience as the project transitions into the construction phase.
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.
Read the Community Announcement shared with the Park District email database and learn what to expect during construction.
On Wednesday evening, the Park District took a big step toward- implementing the New Recreation Facility at West Ridge Park.Â
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The Park Board of Commissioners took action at the Park Board Meeting on January 15, 2025, to approve the contract amendment and guarantee the maximum price to construct the New Recreation Facility at West Ridge Park. This action provides the green light for the Construction Manager to award contracts. Over the next few weeks, the Park District will work closely with the project team to validate the construction schedule. Construction is expected to begin in March. More detailed information will go out in early February with schedule information and what to expect. There is no change to ongoing programs at West Ridge Center.Â
Over the last month, the project team has been busy reviewing the bids received for the New Recreation Facility at West Ridge Park Project. Bids will be reviewed by the Park Board in January. If awarded, construction could start as early as March 2025. Programs at West Ridge Center will continue uninterrupted through 2025. More information will go out to the community and program participants in early February. Construction of the new facility is anticipated to be completed by Spring 2026. Please check out the FAQ page for more information.
The project is out to bid! Bids will be accepted through Thursday, November 14 at 11am. View more information on the Bid.
What is next?
The Park Board of Commissioners will review bids in December.
Details regarding the construction schedule will be released in early 2025.
Construction of the new facility is anticipated to begin in March 2025 and be completed by Spring 2026.
After the community meetings in May, the Park District shared the same exhibits with the City Plan and Design Commission and went through the City approval process which reviews the project with particular attention to the exterior appearance of the building and zoning.
On Monday, July 29, the City of Highland Park City Council approved a special use permit and zoning map amendment for the new recreation facility at West Ridge Park project. This approval follows the design review approval from the Plan and Design Commission on July 16.
The Park District is concluding the design phase for the building and related site work and is on track to bid and award the construction contract by the end of the year. Design for the athletic fields and park elements will conclude design in 2025.
Thank you again for the those that provided feedback in May and attended public hearings as part of the City approval process. Your feedback is used to inform design and operations.
Below is a summary of the reoccurring comments heard.
• We heard from many of you who are excited and appreciate the project to address the West Ridge Center
• We heard an interest in adult programing.
• We heard positive feedback on the updated drop – off loop
• We heard an interest in views from neighbors
• We heard that there is a concern about the drainage in the fields
On Thursday, May 30, the Park District hosted a community open house to share schematic design plans for the new recreation facility and site improvements project at West Ridge Park.
We want to extend our thanks to the 20 community members who joined us and provided valuable feedback that will help in the continued development of the design.
If you have any questions and/or comments, please contact [email protected].
There will be a public hearing at City Hall at the June 18th City of Highland Park Plan and Design Commission meeting.
Click here to view the plans shared at the May meetings.
On Thursday, May 23, the Park District hosted a meeting with the direct neighbors of West Ridge Park to discuss the new recreation facility and site improvements project, and to review schematic designs.
We want to extend our thanks to the 20+ neighbors who joined us and provided valuable feedback that will help in the continued development of the design.
If you were unable to attend, there will be another community meeting this Thursday, May 30, between 5-7pm. The plans shared at the May meetings will be posted on the website on May 31.
This week, the Park Board of Commissioners reached consensus on a refined schematic design for a new recreation facility and site improvements at West Ridge Park. The schematic design plans are within the District’s budget and prioritize recreation programs that support community needs and interest. The schematic design for the new recreation facility and site improvements at West Ridge Park will be shared with the community at two upcoming meetings. See above for up-to-date meeting information.
Park District staff shared a progress update at the April Facility and Recreation Committee meeting on April 10, 2024.
Park Board Commissioners provided feedback and requested additional information from the design consultants. They also asked to postpone the project’s community meetings until this information is provided.
In March 2024, the Park District of Highland Park began hosting internal stakeholder meetings to collect feedback to influence the schematic designs.
In January 2024, the Park District of Highland Park was awarded $1.4 million in PARC grant funding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
The Park District of Highland Park submitted a grant application requesting $2.8 million from the Illinois Department of Natural Resource’s Park and Recreational Facilities Construction (PARC) grant program to help fund the New Community Center at West Ridge Park.
On May 6, 2023, the Park District of Highland Park held a Community Open House to share preliminary concept plans with the community to collect cares and concerns about the proposed project.
In early 2022, Holabird and Root was hired by the Park District to study options (renovate or build new) for West Ridge Center.
In June, a Preliminary Planning Study was completed for West Ridge, recommending building a new facility on the southeast portion of West Ridge Park, and demolishing the existing building once construction is complete. See the results here.
Work on the paths at The Preserve has been postponed until the Spring.
Rather than starting with the risk of not finishing before the weather limits work, the work at The Preserve has been postponed to the Spring to keep the paths open.
This week at Founder’s Park, the concrete forms were removed.
Work on the paths at The Preserve is expected to begin in the next few weeks.
Excavation work at Founder’s Park has been completed. Crews prepared the site, and started to pour concrete for the new paths.
Up Next at Founder’s Park: Crews will wrap up the concrete work, begin site restoration, and work to reset the bricks that were moved during the path installation.
Excavation work is underway at Founder’s Park.
The connection path at Fink Park has been paved.
Crews are working on site restoration and once complete, the path project at Larry Fink Park will be complete.
Crews will be on site at Founder’s on Friday working on excavation.
The path at Fink Park has been paved. Up next is restoration work.
Crews will be on site at Founder’s Park this week to begin work.
Work at Knoll has been postponed until 2026, the Park District is working with the City to coordinate connectivity at the site.
Work has started at Larry Fink Park. Crews are working on demolition and preparing for the paving process.
Paving at Larry Fink Park is expected to occur on Wednesday.
Work at Larry Fink is scheduled to begin the week of September 22.
Work at Knoll Park has been rescheduled to a later date. Work at Founder’s will now begin the week of September 22.
Check back here for updates to the schedule and the project.
Work at Knoll Park is tentatively scheduled to begin the week of September 29.
Work at Founder’s Park is tentatively scheduled to begin the week of October 10.
Check back here for tentative start dates for path work at Larry Fink Park and The Preserve, once confirmed by the contractor.
Construction is expected to begin the week of September 15.
Check back here for updates on when each path begins construction.
During construction, the sections of path that are being renovated will be closed.
The playground update prioritization survey has now closed. Results will be posted here once compiled.
The playground update prioritization survey has now closed. Results will be posted here once compiled.
The coloring and striping of the basketball court has been postponed until the Spring.
The construction fence will be taken down once the installation of the backboards and hoops is completed.
The basketball court will be open until the coloring/striping occurs.
Crews will be on site this weekend to install the basketball posts, the backboards and hoops will be installed once the posts are set.
Coloring/striping of the court is expected to begin in the next couple of weeks.
Site restoration work is nearly complete.
Up Next: The court will be colored/striped and the basketball hoops installed.
The court paving has been completed. 
Next the crews will work on site restoration and coloring/striping of the court.
Installation of the drainage tile and stone base has been completed.
The court is expected to be paved on Wednesday, September 24.
Crews were on site yesterday to start demolition of the basketball court.
Once demolition was completed, work began to install the drainage tiles and stone base layer of the court.
Construction is expected to begin the week of September 15.
When the construction fence goes up, the basketball court will remain closed until construction is complete.
Check back here for updates as the project moves along.
The existing site is a collaboration between the City of Highland Park and the Park District of Highland Park. Consistent with the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act, the City owns the land, and the Park District manages all operations at the site through a 99-year Lease Agreement. The current Dome is owned by a third-party (Grantee) who is permitted to rent space for indoor recreation uses such as soccer, lacrosse, and other similar sports consistent with the terms of a Concession and Site Agreement (Dome Agreement). This Agreement was initiated in 2009 and has since been extended several times. The final term for the Agreement expired in April 2024.
In August 2023, the Park District released a request for proposals for a new long-term agreement that would meet the needs of the community. The Park District did not receive a proposal from the current Grantee but did receive three alternative proposals. In January 2024, after an extensive review process, the Park District enthusiastically accepted a proposal from Highland Park native Ronald Saslow for an indoor pickleball and padel facility. Mr. Saslow is contributing a major portion of the funding for the new facility, which will now be a year-round paddle facility.
The cost for both materials and installation of the air supported structure (dome) is roughly $1.4M. Construction of the court surface; the interior furniture, fixtures, and amenities; and adding utility services for sewer, water, and electric, will bring the total to roughly $4.2M. While a significant portion is covered by the generous donation from Mr. Saslow, the Parks Foundation of Highland Park is actively seeking donations and sponsorships to raise $600,000 to make the new indoor paddle facility a reality.
Our newest facility, Club Pickle & Padel, officially opened on September 2. The project is now complete, bringing members and the community an exciting new space to play, connect, and enjoy both pickleball and padel.
Construction is in full swing, and key spaces like the reception desk, lounge, and restrooms are starting to take shape. We can’t wait to welcome you this August!
The new dome structure has been installed and inflated. Crews will now focus on installing insulation and lights inside the dome. Work will also begin soon on construction of the clubhouse structure.
Check out this video!
Significant progress has been made at the site since the start of the new year. Installation of the new sanitary sewer service and new water service have been completed. Plumbing and electric piping has been installed, and the mechanical units and generators have been connected.
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Work has been occuring to prepare for the new electric service. The final step, installing a new transformer, will be conducted by ComEd this week. Once completed, the mechanical units will be tested in preparation for installation of the dome fabric.
Over the past month, crews have made significant progress, including installing plumbing for the clubhouse structure and electric conduits throughout the dome area. Foundations for the padel courts have been dug and poured, while concrete pads for the mechanical units and generators have been completed, with the units now delivered and set in place. Asphalt work for the pickleball and padel courts has also been finalized.
In the coming month, crews will connect the mechanical units and generators to the electrical system. New sanitary sewer service, water lines, and piping for electric service will also be installed.
Check out a video update!
Over the past several months, the previous dome structure was demolished, and the site was prepared for new electrical service, water and sewer services, and construction of a new 50,000-square-foot dome. Â
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The site is located on a landfill, which supports sustainable practices and requires strict adherence to Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. It is also adjacent to the Skokie River Drainage, which requires careful planning and permitting from several agencies, including the United States Army Core of Engineers, Lake County Strom Water Management, and the City of Highland Park.Â
• New water service will be provided across Route 41 to accommodate new fire hydrants, indoor fire suppression, new bathrooms and showers. Â
• Structural engineers have evaluated the foundation and improvements have been made to ensure the new facility will last for generations.Â
• The surface of the new facility has been graded to accommodate the necessary standards for pickleball and padel. Â
• The existing concrete has been cut to accommodate new plumbing, sewer, gas, and electricity to support the new mechanicals that will heat and cool the facility and low-voltage lines that support emergency exits, security cameras, and other audio/visual needs of the new facility.Â
Over the next month, asphalt and concrete work will be completed, preparing the site for construction of the new dome and interior structures. Before the dome is erected, the site will receive new electrical, plumbing, and sanitary sewer services. Due to unpredictable winter conditions, the dome will be inflated in Spring 2025 to ensure it can be completed safely. Soon after that, the interior structures that support patrons using the new Club Pickle and Padel will be constructed, and Pickleball and Padel Courts will be finalized. Â
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We will continue to keep you updated on construction progress each month.Â
According to the USDA Forest Service, management solutions are urgently needed to cope with the large number of oak trees that are declining in our northern forests. Trees affected by root diseases like Phytophthora and Armillaria can lose capacity to absorb water and nutrients. This further weakens the trees and favors secondary issues such as infestation by two-lined chestnut borer. This spring, District staff observed secondary infections of Hypoxylon cankers in red oaks.
The Park District has been working to address oak decline since 2019 when it began a series of annual preventative treatments in our trees at Sunset Woods Park.
Beginning in August of 2022, the District has participated in a Morton Arboretum study to treat and track the health of declining oaks. Arboretum staff visited Sunset Woods and Heller Nature Center to test for Phytophthora, a soil-borne root rot disease. Species of Phytophthora produce spores that can survive for years in moist soil and can travel through water to infect a living host. A total of eight trees (four white oaks at Sunset Woods and four red oaks at Heller Nature Center) are part of the ongoing study.
Fortunately, many of the trees in Sunset Woods are Swamp White Oaks that are tolerant of wet conditions. Also, the District has been proactive about planting new trees. For example, since 2015, Arbor Day volunteers have been planting 20 trees a year in the park. No mow areas around the park also help protect vulnerable trees from damage. For more information, contact Liz Ricketts, Natural Areas Manager, [email protected].
On September 15-16, 2025, 71 trees will be treated for Two-Lined Chestnut Borer and 171 trees will receive a fungicide treatment. Two-lined Chestnut Borer treatments provide protection from the pest for 2-3 years and fungicide treatments aid trees in combating root rot.Â
Existing no-mow areas throughout the park will be expanded and new now-mow areas will be added as part of our ongoing effort to preserve the health and longevity of white oak trees. No-mow areas protect trees and their roots by preventing soil compaction caused by foot traffic and mowers. No-mow areas also avert mower blade damage that can expose a tree’s living tissue and leave it vulnerable to pests and diseases.
On August 8-9, 2024, 56 trees will be treated for Two-lined Chestnut Borer and 170 trees will receive a fungicide treatment in response to significant rainfall this growing season.
45 trees will be treated for Two-lined Chestnut Borer and 7 trees will receive growth regulator application.
Park District crews added a layer of protective mulch around select trees in Sunset Woods Park, as a follow-up to the air spading project that addressed soil compaction. Properly applied, the mulch layer helps regulate soil temperature and moisture to promote root health.Â
Select oak trees adjacent to the Sunset Woods playgrounds will receive an extra level of attention to promote healthy root growth and long-term health.  Arborists will use a process called air spading to loosen the soil around the roots of the trees.  Â
Compaction of the soil is a primary cause of tree decline. Compaction occurs when soil is compressed by heavy or regular traffic (even constant foot traffic) causing the all-important pores between soil particles to close. These pore spaces hold air, water and nutrients which are essential to tree health.Â
Crews will be on site today to make adjustments to the poured-in-place surfacing.
The tot lot slide will be closed for the day and will reopen tomorrow morning.
Thank you for your patience!
Path repairs on small sections of the playground path started today. Crews will be back on site on Thursday.
A few portions of the path will be closed to complete the work, but the playground will remain open for play.
Old Elm Park’s playground is open!
Crews will be periodically on site completing a few finishing touches over the summer, but the park will remain open when work occurs.
Check this page for updates on when work will occur.
Thank you for your patience during the construction phase.
We are excited to announce that the fence is scheduled to come down on Tuesday, May 27, and the playground will officially be open for play on Tuesday afternoon!
Check it out
Restoration work has started and a few new trees have been planted.
The path around the playground has been installed.
Next the crews will be moving on to restoration work.
Crews are installing the playground surfacing
The curb around the play areas has been poured and crews are preparing to begin installing the paths.
The top layer of surfacing around the tot lot hillside slide has been installed.
The winding slide is being installed on the elementary structure.
The climbing circuit is nearly complete on the elementary structure.
The we-saw has been installed in the elementary play area.
The hillside slide has been installed in the tot lot play area. The base layer of surfacing around the slide has also been installed.
The roof has been attached to the elementary structure.
The climbing pieces are being added to the elementary structure.
Work is underway and the elementary structure continues to grow.
Spring is on the horizon and construction has started again at Old Elm Park!
The elementary play tower is starting to grow.
The Park District is working with the contractor to continue construction throughout the winter and construction will occur weather permitting.
Progress has been made on the elementary tower installation.
The new drinking fountain has been installed.
The curb around the tot lot play area has been installed.
Installation of the elementary play area tower has started.
Most of the tot lot play equipment has been installed and installation of the concrete curb around the play areas has started.
Installation of the playground equipment has started!
The site has been prepared for installation of the new playground equipment.
Installation of the new playground equipment is expected to begin today!
The North backstop has been painted and both fields have been restored to grass.
The new playground equipment has been delivered
Painting of the Old Elm Park shelter has been completed.
Demolition of the playground has been completed.
Restoration of the ballfields to grass is nearing completion.
Installation of topsoil in the ballfields is nearing completion.
Clay removal at the ballfields is nearing completion.
Installation of topsoil and seed is expected to begin on Monday 9/16.
Construction fencing has been put up, the playground will remain closed until construction is complete.
During construction, the playground area will be closed. Restoration work on the ballfields may begin the week of September 2, and the ballfield area will be closed during that time.
During construction, the tennis courts and basketball courts will remain open. Tennis courts can be accessed through the southern gate.
Thank you to the 71 respondents who selected their preferred paint colors for the Old Elm Shelter. The winning combination is the darker grey (D) on the bricks and the blue (A) on the panels.
The shelter is expected to be painted before the end of the year.
The roof on the Old Elm shelter has been replaced.
Take this survey to vote for your color preference before the survey closes on August 23.
The shelter roof is expected to be replaced on Wednesday, August 7.
The design process has been completed for the Old Elm Playground Renovation Project. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback through the survey, listening sessions and community meeting, to help shape the final design for the project. See the playground renderings here.
Construction is expected to begin in August and be completed by November.
Thank you to everyone who attended the Old Elm Park Playground meeting on Tuesday, November 14 and providing your preferences on the playground equipment options presented.
The feedback collected will be used to further refine the designs. Once designs are finalized, they will be posted to this page and the project will be bid out.
This past summer many of you participated in a survey to share your feedback on Old Elm Park. The Park District will host a community meeting on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at Oak Terrace Elementary School to share the proposed playground design and two playground equipment options.
The meeting will start with a brief presentation providing an overview of the feedback collected this summer, the proposed layouts, and project timeline. After the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to review the equipment options and share their preferences. Feedback collected will be used to guide the final playground designs.
Meeting Details:
Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Time: 6-7pm
Location: Oak Terrace Elementary School, Multi-Purpose Room
See the survey results from the preliminary playground planning survey here.
We will be at Old Elm Park on Friday, July 7 from 1-3pm to collect your feedback on the playground renovation.
The Park District of Highland Park would like to hear from you!
There will be several opportunities for the community to participate in the design process and the first is the Old Elm Playground Preliminary Planning survey. Follow this link to share your feedback in this brief survey.
