In 2023, the Park District of Highland Park was awarded a $600,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to make improvements to the South portion of Sunset Woods Park. The proposed project is consistent with the approved Sunset Woods Park Master Plan and- addresses aging recreation components while prioritizing intergenerational play and access for all ages and abilities. The project scope includes a rain garden with native plantings, a new game area, the replacement and relocation of the basketball court to create a multi-use sports court, the replacement and relocation of the skate park, and the addition of a new wheel-friendly plaza that creates a space for all ages wheel activities.
Other upcoming investments in Sunset Woods Park:
There will be various opportunities throughout the project to get involved. Some engagement opportunities may be specific to a recreational element (i.e. skate park, athletic field, etc.).
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.
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.
