The sheetpile has ben cut and the sheetpile cap has been installed. The lot has been backfilled.
Remaining items include installation of the handrail and placement of armor stone on the south side of the lot.
The mounting structure for the new ramp has been installed and the sand ramp has been set in place.
Once final modifications are made, the ramp will be completed.
Work on the winch electric line has been completed.
Replacement of the winch electric line is currently underway.
The new sand ramp has been delivered to the site and will be set in place once the mounting structure is fabricated and installed.
The project is on track to be completed by late April.
The asphalt path around the playground has been removed.
The tot lot playground equipment has been delivered to the site.
The playground equipment and surfacing has been demolished.
Demolition work of the tot lot equipment has started.
The construction fencing has been installed. The playground will be closed until the renovation work is completed.
Access to the tennis courts will be through the gate on the South side and signage has been posted.
Tree protection fencing is expected to be installed in the next few days. Installation of the construction fence will follow, and will likely be complete before next week.
Construction fencing is expected to go up next week (week of March 24).
During construction, the tot lot will be closed as well as the main entrance to the tennis courts. The tennis courts will be accessible via the South gate (near the parking lot) and signs will be posted.
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 30 people, and a playground design was selected.
See the results here.
On Thursday, September 26, the Park District hosted a Community Open House to share refined tot lot 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 Friday, October 11.
Thank you to everyone who provided playground equipment feedback through the online survey and visits at the park. Through this effort, the Park District heard from more than 35 people at the park and 46 survey respondents.
Your feedback will be used to refine the playground design options. In September, two 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 Larry Fink Park’s tot lot on the following dates to share playground equipment options and collect feedback
• Sat, June 15, from 10:30am-12:30pm
• Mon, June 24, from 3-5pm
• Tues, June 25, 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 19.
Contractors were on site working on grading for the park pathway.
The Park District is working with the contractor to continue construction throughout the winter and construction will occur weather permitting.
The new curb around the elementary play area has been poured.
Installation work of the new playground curb is underway. The curb line has been framed and concrete is being poured.
The tot lot has been demolished, and the site is being prepared for the installation of the new tot lot playground equipment.
The new tot lot playground equipment has been delivered to the site.
Installation of the new play panels on the elementary playground has started.
Construction fencing has been put up, the park will remain closed until construction is complete.
Construction is expected to begin the week of September 9. During construction, the park will be closed.
The design process has been completed for the Port Clinton 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 tot lot rendering here, and see the 5-12 playground updates here.
Construction is expected to begin in August and be completed by November.
On Thursday, November 16, the Park District of Highland Park held a community meeting to present the proposed playground updates for Port Clinton Park and collect feedback on playground equipment options for the tot lot.
Updates include:
• new pathway design to improve park circulation
• reorientation of the basketball hoop
• updates to the 5-12 playground (rather than a full replacement of the equipment)
• replacement of the tot lot (2-5) playground.
If you were unable to attend the meeting and would like to learn more about the project and/or provide feedback, please reach out to [email protected]. The planning team will be collecting feedback until Tuesday, December 5.
This past summer many of you participated in a survey to share your feedback on Port Clinton Park. The Park District of Highland Park will host a community meeting on Thursday, November 16, 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 park layouts, and project timeline. The presentation will outline the Park District’s decision to restore the existing 5-12 playground equipment instead of replacing the full structure. After the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to review the tot lot equipment options and share their preferences. Feedback collected will be used to guide the final playground designs.
Meeting Details:
Date: Thursday, November 16, 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 Port Clinton Park on Friday, July 7 from 9:30-11:30am 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 Port Clinton Playground Preliminary Planning survey. Follow this link to share your feedback in this brief survey.
The overall plan below overviews the design of the project components that have been developed through the design process.
The renderings below show the elements of the west side of the project area.
The concept plan below highlights the project area (red outline) and the project components.
The skate park bowl has been completed and the most of the skate park features are complete.
Crews are working on flatwork at the skate park.
The footprint of the skate park continues to expand as concrete is being poured.
Concrete for the bowl has been poured.
Work has started on the skate park bowl feature.
Progress has been made on the skate park ramps.
Progress has been made on the skate park ramps.
The skate ramps are being formed.
Concrete is being poured and the skate park elements are beginning to take shape.
The Park District is working with the contractor to continue construction throughout the winter and construction will occur weather permitting.
Grading and framing of the skatepark elements is underway.
Construction of the skate park elements has started.
Fence posts for the multi-use basketball court have been installed.
The concrete and asphalt for the game area have been installed.
Concrete for the game area is being installed and the curb around the bocce court has been completed.
The path along the skate park and wheel-friendly plaza has been paved.
Prep-work to install the bocce court has started.
Installation of the multi-use basketball court has started!
Prep-work for installation of the new wheel-friendly plaza and skate park is underway!
Demolition of the skate park and basketball court has started.
Prep-work for installation of the multi-use basketball court is underway!
Drainage to the rain garden area has been installed and grading work is nearing completion.
Prep-work for the installation of the game area is underway! Grading and excavation work has been completed.
Construction fencing has been installed.
Areas within the construction fence are now closed for construction.
Construction is expected to begin the week of September 16.
During construction, portions of the south end of Sunset Woods Park will be closed. The basketball court, skate park, and adjacent path will be closed in addition to the area between the main entrance and tennis courts. The main entrance and tennis courts will remain open during construction.
Click here to see a map of construction areas.
Thank you again to everyone who has provided feedback throughout the design process.
The project will go out to bid at the end of July and construction will start in September 2024.
Click here to see the plan.
A Community Meeting was held on Thursday, May 2, 2024 to share concept designs and collect feedback.
Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting, the feedback provided will be used to guide the final designs.
View a summary of the feedback received on the preferred concept designs and the preliminary updates here.
Thank you to everyone who attended the Skate Park Design Meeting!
The feedback provided is being used to guide the design process for the skate park and wheel-friendly plaza.
A Skate Park Design Meeting will be held on Monday, April 1, 2024 to collect community feedback to guide the design for the skate park and wheel-friendly plaza.
At this meeting, the community will have the opportunity to work directly with Professional Skateboarders, Cody McEntire and Julia Brueckler at American Ramp Company to re-imagine the skate park and wheel-friendly plaza.
A Community Meeting was held on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 to share information about the project and collect community feedback.
Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting, the feedback provided is being used to guide the design process.
A Neighborhood Stakeholder Meeting will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 5:00pm at the Sunset Woods Field House with neighbors that live directly adjacent to the park.
At this meeting, the project team will explain the project scope and will facilitate a conversation about cares and concerns as design work begins.
At the November 15 Board Meeting, the Park District Board of Commissioners approved Lamar Johnson Collaborative’s (LJC) proposal for Site Design and Engineering Services for the Sunset Woods Improvements Project.
LJC will be working with the Park District of Highland Park to design and implement the Sunset Woods Improvements Project.
The Park District of Highland Park was awarded $600,000 through the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant program administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for Improvements to the southern portion of Sunset Woods Park.
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.
The majority of the sheetpile that will form the parking lot has been driven into the ground.
Once completed, crews will cut the sheets, install drainage, and backfill the lot.
The project is on track to be completed late April.
Demolition is nearing completion and the crews will begin to prepare the site for installation of the sheet pile, which will serve as the border for the reconstructed lot.
A crane was delivered today. Additional equipment and sheet pile will be delivered in the coming days.
Driving of the sheet pile is expected to begin late next week.
The project is on track to be completed by April.
Construction is scheduled to begin on March 19, 2024
The Project scope includes (the letter corresponds with the layout plan below):
The Park District hired Hitchcock Design Group (HDG) to take the concept plan through to implementation.
The layout plan below builds on the approved concept plan and is based on a survey of existing conditions, dimensions, and utilities. The layout plan will be shared with the Park Board at a public meeting on October 4, 2023. HDG will then complete the construction documents for the project to be bid out this fall.
This phase is funded through the OSLAD grant award and Park District capital budget. (Highlighted in the red dotted line in illustration below)
A: Reconfigured parking lot for improved circulation, landscaping, and viewing of the Lake.
D: New concrete sidewalk for easier beach access for pedestrians walking to the beach.
H: New accessible boardwalk along the beach, improving access to the beach and circulation around Park Avenue Boating Facility.
G: Seating along the boardwalk.
This phase is unfunded. These elements will be designed and bid as alternates to Phase 1, and if funding is available, Phase 2 will be implemented. (Highlighted in the black dotted line in illustration below)
A: The fenced boat parking will not be resurfaced as part of this project but has been identified as a future need.
B: Plaza with pergola, tables, and chairs to enhance patron experience as the beach and provide space for gathering and passive use.
Districtwide planning efforts, including the Park Avenue Site Master Plan, Beach Management Plan, and the Lakefront Master Plan, support the Park Avenue Access Improvement Plan These plans were enhanced by engagement with the community and patrons of the Park Avenue Boating Facility.
Planting work along the boardwalk is nearing completion.
The fence has been replaced, all that remains is the gate installation.
Contractors are working on replacing the fence that is south of the parking lot. Work is expected to be completed in the next day or so.
Construction of the boardwalk is substantially complete!
Crews will be on-site in the coming weeks to clean up, make minor adjustments, and perform site restoration work.
Once the construction fence is removed, planting will begin.
Construction of the boardwalk is nearing completion, contractors are working installing access points from the boardwalk to the beach.
Installation of the boardwalk continues.
The boardwalk piers have been installed. Framing of the boardwalk is underway.
Installation of the boardwalk has started.
The Park District is working with the contractor to continue construction throughout the winter and construction will occur weather permitting.
New plants have been installed in the beds.
The parking lot improvements have been completed.
New asphalt has been installed and the lot has been striped.
Prep work to install the asphalt parking lot is underway
Concrete curbs, sidewalks, and the overlook have been completed.
Installation of the concrete walk has started
Framing of the curb and walkway is underway.
Demolition of the parking lot is underway.
The construction fence has been installed.
Construction is expected to begin the week of September 30. Construction fencing on site will go up and excavation work will begin.
Construction is now expected to begin the week of September 9. Construction fencing will go up that week.
Construction is expected to begin September 3.
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.
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
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.
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.
The final patchwork on the surfacing has been completed and the playground gates have been installed.
The playground is now open for play and features a new seating area!
Landscape restoration work within the tot lot has been completed.
Installation of the concrete entry walk and seating areas has been completed.
Installation of the new tot lot surfacing has been completed.
Installation of the new tot lot surfacing has begun.
Materials for the tot lot surfacing have been delivered. Installation of the new surfacing is expected to begin on Monday, September 16.
Replacement of the fencing around the elementary playground is nearing completion.
Replacement of the fencing around the tot lot is nearing completion.
The elementary playground will close for construction beginning in the afternoon on Wednesday, September 4.
Both playgrounds will be closed until the project is complete.
Concrete has been installed for the new seating area and entrance walk. Topsoil and turf restoration work has begun.
Demolition of the tot lot’s surfacing has been completed.
Construction on the Tot Lot is scheduled to begin Monday, August 19. Please note that the Tot Lot will be closed starting that day.
The elementary playground will remain open a few more weeks, until construction on the fence begins.
