West Ridge Center is the perfect place for the young to explore and for adults to feel young! Opportunities include:
Childhood Enrichment
After School
Art Music, Dance, Theater
Martial Arts
Jammin’ Jungle Indoor Playground
Rental Spaces/Parties
Hours
NEW! 2019 Front Desk
Mon, Wed, Thu: 9am-5pm
Tue: 8am-6:30pm
Fri: 8am-4pm
NEW! 2019 Jammin’ Jungle Hours
Mon, Wed, Thu: 8:30-10:30am, 11:30am-1:30pm and 3-5pm
Tue: 8:30-10:30am, 11:30am-1:30pm and 3-6:30pm
Fri: 8:30-10:30am, 11:30am-1:30pm and 3-4pm
Sat: 9-11 am
Administrative Offices
Mon-Fri: 8:30am-5pm
Contact
Cathy Fiori, Recreation Program Manager847.579.3121
cfiori@pdhp.org
Michele Long, Facility Coordinator
847.579.3134
mlong@pdhp.org
Introducing ParkSchool for 2, 3 and 4-year-olds. Your child’s bright future begins at ParkSchool.
Variety After School Programs
(grade k-4)
Resident registration begins 7:00a, November 30
( Winter/Spring programs)
Programs at West Ridge Center provide children with a unique variety of opportunities to:
- Increase their motor and social skill development
- Learn and practice independence
- Use their creativity and imagination
- Develop an appreciation for learning
- Understand the importance of exercise in everyday life
West Ridge Connection (Busing)
(grade k-4)
Connect your child’s school day with a West Ridge Center after school program. Children are transported from school to West Ridge Center by District 112 school buses. Students are welcomed off their bus by staff and are provided with a snack, activities, and are then escorted to their program.
(grade 1-4)
Imagination Station
(grades K-1)
Mondays
4:15-5:45p
Step inside; think outside the box! Do what most doers don’t, think up something new. Then, make the new even newer—because we’re creative doers! Children may handle or consume food products. Instructor: Staff Min/Max 8/12.
Clay Shop
(grade 1-4)
Mondays
4:15-5:45p
Build skills and self-confidence while learning hand building techniques with clay. No matter your experience, design & make tiles, pots and figures easily. Creations are glazed and fired after imaginations have run wild! All materials are included. Instructor: Lori Cohen. Min/Max is 6/10.
Invention Convention
(grade 1)
Wednesdays
4:15-5:45p
Step inside; think outside the box! Do what most doers don’t, think up something new. Then, make the new even newer—because we’re creative doers! Children may handle or consume food products. Instructor: Ginny Schwalbach. Min/Max 8/12.
Crayons, Cooking and Fun
(grade K-1)
Thursdays
4:15-5:45p
Come cook, create, and cooperate with this exciting culinary class that will help enhance your child’s imagination, coordination, and socializsation in a yummy way! We mix and bake to create crazy coolies, magnificent muffins and even colossal cakes. In addition, your kiddos will use their artistic skills through amazing projects and play based activities. Children will handle and consume food products in this program. Instructor: Belle Kolman. Min/Max 8/14.
Contact
Sara Stanke, Recreation Supervisor
847-579-3123
sstanke@pdhp.org
The HP Studio for Visual Arts offers a variety of visual art classes for children and adults who show interest in exploring their imagination and talents in a creative and supportive setting. Our philosophy is to offer
a variety of classes to encourage learning in a fun and creative way.
Youth Programs
Youth Art programs are offered after school. Click here for more details.
Adult Programs
Our Ceramic studio has a range of firing possibilities including high-fire gas reduction and electric. The studio also offers plenty of electric wheels, a slab roller, extruder, glaze spraying booth, and ample storage space for works in progress. Open studio time allows additional time for project completion.
To view and register for programs, click here.
Contact:
Sara Stanke, Recreation Supervisor
Phone: 847.579.3123
sstanke@pdhp.org
Dance can make a difference in a child’s life!
To register, click here.
The Highland Park Studio for Dance and Performance is centered around a fun and nurturing environment that allows students to grow and advance at their own pace. Introductory classes focus on movement and coordination. Class levels progress to a more disciplined routine of stretching and proper techniques while promoting self-confidence. Our goal is to nurture each and every dancer while offering the highest level and quality of training.
Our professional staff strives for greatness in the areas of attitude, teachable spirit, discipline, selflessness, and integrity. We encourage every dancer to their fullest potential both inside and outside the dance studio.
2020 Winter Dance Show “Music at the Movies”
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Let our performers delight you with their passion, technique, and grace as they take the stage for our Spring Dance Show! Dancer costume is included in class registration, no additional fee required. Tickets are sold separately. Tickets are $10/person and children 3 years old and younger do not require a ticket.
Mandatory final rehearsal on Fri May 1, 2020.
Attire:
Ballet classes:
Girls wear pastel pink leotards (without skirt or tutu), pink tights and pink ballet shoes.
Boys wear black pants, white or black shirt, and black ballet shoes.
Hip-Hop and Tap:
Comfortable clothes (no jeans) and clean-soled shoes. No street shoes.
Modern and Contemporary classes:
Black pants (no bare knees), black leotard and no shoes
Jazz, Performance and Broadway classes:
Black pants (no bare knees), black leotard and black jazz shoes
We are excited to introduce our professional dance instructors who have trained with world renowned dancers such as… Merce Cunningham, Randy Duncan and Larry Long View their Bios Here
Contact:
Natalie Liang, Recreation Supervisor
Phone: 847.579.3131
nliang@pdhp.org
Variety Youth Programs
To register, click here.
Percussion and Drumming | Ages 8-13
Anthony J. Clausell Percussion Academy focuses on providing musical instruction for percussion, especially in the area of drum line. As a member of the Percussive Arts Society, this program is centered on the fundamentals of rudimental drumming which are the core of learning to play drums in concert band, marching band, and drum corps auxiliaries. Emphasis is placed on reading and writing the essential rudiments while applying the fundamentals in a rhythmic cadence facet. While learning the essential rudiments, we create a platform that allows the students to build rhythmic cadences to various genre of music. The required $40 materials fee (provides drumsticks and a sweatshirt) can be given to the instructor on the first day of class. (Payable to Anthony J Clausell Percussion Academy)
Instructor: Anthony J. Clausell Percussion Academy Staff.
| Program Name | Program Details | Class price | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percussion and Drumming Session 1 | Jan 11 – Feb 22 Saturdays 10-11am | $120/140 | Natalie Liang nliang@pdhp.org |
| Percussion and Drumming Session 2 | Feb 29 - Apr 25 Saturdays 10-11am | $120/140 | Natalie Liang nliang@pdhp.org |
Variety Adult Programs
Adult Sewing Basics | Adults
Join Ciao Bella and learn the ins and outs of sewing! This class is perfect for adults who are looking to learn the basics of sewing and apply their skills to everyday life. Sewing supplies, including hand sewing items, sewing machines, fabric, thread, needles, and pins, will be provided. Students may choose to purchase additional specialty items on their own. New and returning students welcome!
Instructor: Taylor – Ciao Bella Sewing.
Class Schedule
Week One (Jan 14):Sewing machine, hand sewing techniques, buttons and buttonholes.
Week Two (Jan 21): Hemming pants, mending holes and zippers.
Week Three (Jan 28): Basic alterations. Students are encouraged to bring items of clothing that they need altered.
Adult Sewing: Cooking Aprons | Adults
Dive into the world of sewing! During this three week class, students will make their very own cooking apron. Students will learn the basics of the sewing machine and gain a better understanding of patterns and production. This is a class that focuses primarily on the sewing machine. We will cover various sewing techniques throughout the course. Sewing supplies, including sewing machines, fabric, thread, needles, and pins, will be provided for the apron.
New and returning students welcome! Instructor: Taylor – Ciao Bella Sewing..
| Program Name | Program Details | Class price | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Sewing Basics | Jan 14 – Jan 28 Tuesdays 9:30-11:30am | $185/205 | Natalie Liang nliang@pdhp.org |
| Adult Sewing: Cooking Aprons | Feb 25 - Mar 10 Tuesdays 9:30-11:30am | $185/205 | Natalie Liang nliang@pdhp.org |
Contact
Natalie Liang, Recreation Supervisor
847-579-3131
nliang@pdhp.org
Be Inspired By the Magic of Theatre! Join us on the stage.
To register for Theatre Programs, click here.
Musical Theatre Tots| Ages 3-5
Join us in a musical journey singing, dancing and acting along the way. Students will perform in 4 songs and dances and receive 3 lines each in our final show. Students make new friends, connect to the musical theatre, and build a community among young artists. Theatre helps young children develop social, language, physical, and cognitive skills. Costumes are provided at the final performance. Children must be potty-trained and ready for a drop-off group experience.
Winter 2020 Musical Theatre Tots: Grease Lightning
- Final Showcase will be during the last scheduled class
Young Performers* | Grades K-1
Kids have their first chance to perform on stage. All children attend weekly rehearsals to learn songs, dances, and scenes. The class includes acting, games, singing, and dancing. Each child enrolled receives a character part, an audio file, and a script for personal practice.
Performance Program* | Grades 2-6
All children have the opportunity to perform in a musical theater production on stage. Actors rehearse weekly under the direction of our highly-accredited vocal, dance, and drama instructors. The final performance includes original costumes, sound, and set. Each child who auditions receives a part, an audio file and a script for personal practice. The first rehearsal is mandatory.
Winter 2020 Performance Program and Young Performers: Grease: School Edition
- Winter Theatre Show: Sunday, May 3, 2020
THEATRE CAMPS/WORKSHOPS
Musical Theatre Workshop | Grades 2-6
A weekly musical theatre workshop culminates in a showcase featuring age-appropriate excerpts from smash-hit movie musicals!
Students will learn the basics of vocal technique, choreography, and acting while working together to produce an in-class performance for family and friends.
Showcase classes are only six weeks long and are a great way for young artists to develop their talents, foster self-confidence, and grow in social skills and team building.
The showcase will take place during the last 30 minutes of our final class.
Contact:
Natalie Liang, Recreation Supervisor
Phone: 847.579.3131
nliang@pdhp.org
Karate (Wednesdays): Click Here To Register For All Karate Programs
Instructors of the Illinois Shotokan Karate Club, under the direction of John DiPasquale, a four-time National Champion and former U.S. Karate National Coach, lead the Park District’s karate programs. Deerfield Park District residents, through a cooperative agreement, pay resident rates. This discount is not available through online registration.
Uniforms
Uniforms are not mandatory but are recommended at the beginning level. Uniforms are mandatory at the continuing, intermediate and advanced levels and program advancement is emphasized. Uniforms and belt testing are available through the ISKC instructor for an additional fee. Purchasing safety equipment ($50-100) is required for continuing, intermediate and advanced levels. Belt Testing Belt testing is available twice a year at various suburban locations for an additional fee. Uniforms and belt testing are available through ISKC instructor.
Youth Karate (Ages 8-14)
Karate skills put children in touch with their bodies and help build coordination, agility, strength and poise, as well as personal safety skills in a well-supervised setting. The confidence gained helps foster a strong positive self-image. The mental aspect builds confidence, control and discipline, and the physical aspect is enjoyable and beneficial.
Pre-Karate (Ages 4-7)
Through a variety of fun and creative activities, children develop coordination, strength and personal safety skills in a well-supervised setting. This program helps children develop memory and agility skills that are necessary for success in school and other sports.
Parent/Child Karate (Parent/Child, Ages 8 & Up)
Share quality time with your child while developing muscle tone, coordination, cardiovascular fitness and karate skills. Regardless of age, weight or current physical condition, karate can put your family on the right track to physical well-being.
Taekwondo (Mondays or Thursdays): Click Here To Register for All Taekwondo Programs
One of the newest Olympic sports is a 2000-year-old martial art offering a variety of benefits for people of all ages and physical abilities. Students have the opportunity to improve concentration and self-esteem, achieve lifelong physical fitness and learn self-defense skills. Classes are taught under the direction of Grand Master Ki Hong Kim (8th Dan World Tae Kwon Do Federation).
Uniforms
A $45 uniform fee is required at the first class. Belt testing is offered through the K.H. Kim’s Taekwondo (OATC) at an additional fee. All colored belt students are required to have complete sparring gears. Please note, after the second class the fee is not refundable.
Little Dragons (Ages 4-5)
This introductory class is designed to captivate the interest of our youngest students. Skills are developed through gentle instruction and appropriate games for their ability. This class focuses on developing balance, coordination and respect for the discipline of martial arts training.
Early Taekwondo (Ages 6-7)
Designed especially for younger children, this program helps kids develop conditioning, coordination, listening skills and self-confidence through creative activities.
Adult & Child Taekwondo (Parent/Child, Ages 7 & Up)
This class provides families with a fun opportunity to spend time together while improving physical and mental conditioning through cardiovascular drills, calisthenics and traditional Taekwondo techniques including punching, kicking and blocking.
Youth Taekwondo (Ages 8-13)
This program includes a balanced cardiovascular workout including punching, kicking and blocking skills using the Taekwondo tradition and self-control. Participants will improve coordination, power of concentration, balance and both physical and mental discipline.
Contact:
Michael Divencenzo
Athletics Coordinator
Phone: 847.579.3198
mdivencenzo@pdhp.org
Village (Adult/Child, Ages Newborn-16 Months)
This class stimulates the cognitive, social, emotional and physical development in the early days of your child’s life. We will participate in activities appropriate for the different stages of development for this age. We’ll play, massage, explore objects, sing and move to nurture development!
Our Time (Adult/Child, Ages 16 Months-3 1/2)
Based on child development research, this program addresses the whole child 
through singing, listening, moving and playing simple instruments. We will also explore texture and sounds, play finger games and learn to “take turns” so social skills will blossom.
To register, click here.
Contact:
Natalie Liang, Recreation Supervisor
Phone: 847.579.3131
nliang@pdhp.org
West Ridge is a great place to have your next birthday party or business meeting! West Ridge has the” at home” feeling with rooms
full of toys, small tables and chairs to accommodate children. You can have your party here and leave the mess to us. You can bring in your own entertainment and food. We ask that you not bring in live animals or DJs.
- Jammin’ Jungle is our indoor playground and can be a great setting for the active child in your life.
- Multi-purpose room is great for those big parties with room for up to 100 people.
- Gym is perfect for an athletic party.
Rental Days/Hours
All rentals are a minimum of 2 hours and are available Monday through Friday (depending on availability) and Saturday between 10am and 4pm. Rentals can be made up to 90 days in advance in person.
Fees
| Cost per Hour Resident/Nonresident Minimum of 2 hours per rental | Room capacity | Amenities | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preschool Rooms | $64/84* | Maximum Capacity: 30 | Toys Tables & chairs Sink (rooms 1 and 2) Wi-Fi |
| Gymnasium | $64/84* | Maximum Capacity: 50 | Adjustable height basketball hoops Wi-Fi For athletics use only No food and drinks allowed |
| Jammin' Jungle | $75/95* | Maximum Capacity: 30 | Indoor playground structure child size bathrooms Wi-Fi No food and drinks allowed |
| Multi-Purpose Room | $75/95* | Maximum Capacity: 100 | Tables & Chairs Wi-Fi |
| Additional Fees: | All rentals will be charged a refundable $50 cleaning/damage deposit *Sunday rentals are charged an additional non-refundable after hours fee: $25/hour |
||
For availability Inquiries
Michele Long
Facility Coordinator
Phone: 847.579.3134
mlong@pdhp.org
Park District of Highland Park Building Use Policy Rental Rules and Regulations
- Park District sponsored activities shall have priority in all facility usage.
- All rentals must be applied for in-person at the designated facility at which time full payment is required.
- Any individuals or groups applying for use of the facility must complete and submit the appropriate permit with the exception of scheduled Park District activities. The permits may be submitted no more than ninety (90) days prior to the proposed usage date and approved by the Center Supervisor dependent upon facility availability.
- Rentals are ninety percent (90%) refundable if reservation is canceled ten (10) or more working days prior to approved rental date.
- A refundable cleaning deposit will be charged. Cleaning deposits shall be refunded approximately two weeks after the date of rental if the group or individuals using the Center left the room in an orderly state. Please note: Additional fees will be assessed to the renter if there is any damage incurred by misuse of the facility and its property.
- All rental fees and charges are subject to change and are established annually by the Board.
Rental fees will be charged based on 2 divisions: Resident and nonresident. Proof of residency is required with a valid ID.
Individuals signing permit must be 21 years of age, be present during rental period and assume responsibility for all actions of the group and usage of the room and equipment including the chaperoning of minors. - A rental permit shall be revoked at any time due to misconduct of individuals, falsification of information, misuse of property or failure to comply with Center and Park District rules and regulations. Rental payment will be forfeited to the Park District and future permits will not be issued to group or individuals involved.
- Park District reserves the right to prohibit any rental application which is contrary to the public safety and welfare.
Any use of loudspeaker or public address instruments must be approved by the Park District. Necessary information must be submitted on rental application. - Rental information for each facility, including forms, fees, hours and duration, room availability, and rules/regulations are available at the designated facility.
- Permits for fund-raising activities must be submitted thirty (30) days prior to the proposed usage date and must be approved by the Board.
