Construction at Park Avenue North Beach is expected to begin the week of September 9. During construction, the North parking lot will be closed to the public. The North lot will be open for registered boat storage patrons.
Construction at Port Clinton is expected to begin the week of September 9. During construction, the park will be closed.
Construction at Old Elm Park is expected to begin the week of September 9. During construction, the playground area will be closed. The basketball and tennis courts will remain open during construction, the tennis courts can be accessed through the south gate.
Restoration work on the ballfields may begin the week of September 2, and the ballfield area will be closed during that time.
Construction at Woodridge Park is expected to begin the week of September 9. During construction, the basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts will be closed.
Construction at Sunset Woods Park is expected to begin September 16. During construction, portions of the South side of the park will be closed. The skate park, basketball court, and that section of walking path will be closed as well as the area between the main entrance and the tennis courts. The tennis courts and main entrance will remain open during construction.
Rafael Labrador, Highland Park resident and president of the Parks Foundation of Highland Park, was appointed to the Park District’s Board of Commissioners at the August 21 Workshop Meeting. Labrador will serve until May 2025 in the seat of long-time Commissioner Brian Kaplan, who resigned earlier this year, and will be eligible to run for a 2-year or 6-year term in the April 2025 Consolidated Election.
Labrador, whose professional background includes a long career in biotech marketing, has been with AbbVie in the cancer therapeutics space since 2015. He and his family moved to Highland Park from the East Coast eight years ago. “I fell in love with the parks and recreation opportunities here in Highland Park,” he said, “and I appreciate the diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and culture in our North Shore communities.”
Labrador has served as president of the Parks Foundation since 2021.
During his tenure as president, the Foundation has raised over $100,000 to fund recreational scholarships for Highwood and Highland Park families in need. Through their fundraising efforts, the Foundation has raised close to $1 million in donations to bridge funding gaps in a number of important Park District projects. “I am proud to have been a part of the Foundation which contributed financial resources to the long-awaited Park Avenue Breakwater and Boat Ramp renovations, building Jeff Fox Field, and installing the beautiful Sunset Wood Park rocket ship playground seating plaza,” said Labrador, “and we’re all excited about the new indoor state of the art pickleball and padel facility which is scheduled to open in early 2025.”
In addition to the connections forged between the Parks Foundation and the district, as a resident member of the Park District’s Efficiency Committee, in 2023, Rafael studied the district’s governing statutes, ordinances, rules, procedures, powers, jurisdiction, shared services, intergovernmental agreements, and interrelationships with other governmental units and the State of Illinois. Included in the Efficiency Committee’s responsibilities were collecting data, research, and analysis as necessary to prepare a report to the Lake County Board in compliance with Illinois Decennial Committees on Local Efficiency Act.
“Rafael has been an important and engaged member of the community and the Park District for many years,” said Cal Bernstein, President of the Park Board of Commissioners. “We are thrilled that he has accepted the additional responsibilities that come with being a Park Commissioner, and we look forward to benefiting from his knowledge and expertise.”
“It’s truly an honor to have been asked to serve as a Commissioner,” said Labrador. “The staff at this Park District works hard to bring exceptional programs, camps, and facilities to people every day, and I intend to work just as hard to support them and provide even more fun, healthy recreational activities to the community I love.”
The City of Highland Park is installing a new parking lot, improved lighting, and an additional vehicle entrance at the Recreation Center. This important project will be done in two phases beginning next Monday, August 26. The estimated completion is the beginning of November. During construction, the Recreation Center will remain open. However, there will be changes to exits and entrances to the lot and alterations to the parking configuration.
The Recreation Center locker rooms are getting an upgrade, including new carpet and paint, a full restroom remodel (not including shower areas), and upgraded plumbing in the showers and restrooms. The project is in coordination with the City’s work on the Senior Center and is expected to begin next month. More details to follow.
We appreciate your patience and will keep you updated as the project progresses.
The Park District of Highland Park has petition packets for three open Park Board Commissioner seats (two 6-year terms and one 2-year term) for the April 1, 2025 Consolidated Election. Those interested in running for a Park District of Highland Park Commissioner seat must be registered voters and residents of Highland Park for at least one year prior to the election. Please review the Election Calendar here.
To request a packet, please complete the form below:
The circulation period for the Consolidated Election on April 1, 2025 will be open until November 18, 2024.
The filing period for petition packets is November 12 – November 18, 2024. Petition packets must be hand-delivered to the Executive Coordinator at the West Ridge Center Administrative Office, 636 Ridge Road, Highland Park, IL 60035, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. No petitioner packets will be accepted before or after the stated dates and times. The Park District of Highland Park staff cannot provide any election or legal advice for any petitioners. Petitioners are encouraged to contact the Lake County Clerk’s Office.
Consolidated Election
City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Ave.
847.926.1000
Weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Moraine Township Office, 800 Central Avenue
847.432.3240
Weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
West Deerfield Township, 601 Deerfield Road
847.945.0614
Weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
You may register to vote if:
Note: You must register again if your name or permanent address has changed. Voter registration requires two forms of identification, including one with a current address (new residents may use a utility bill, checkbook, etc.).
Staff received the audit and site reports for District facilities and parks from WT Group for the 2024 ADA Accessibility Audit and Transition Plan. WT Group and Staff hosted community engagement meetings to highlight observations and collect feedback to improve accessibility throughout the District.
Staff provided construction project updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, the Lot 3 Pickleball and Padel Facility, construction at the Recreation Center of Highland Park, improvements at Jeff Fox Baseball Field, improvements for Sunset Woods Park, improvements for the North Beach at Park Avene Boating Facility, improvements for the Deer Creek Racquet Club Locker Rooms, and The Preserve of Highland Park Compton Avenue Trail Connection.
Staff presented the semi-annual review of cost centers. Revenues and expenses are through June 30, 2024.
Staff reviewed the 2025 budget schedule and a draft of the 10-Year Funding Model.
Staff shared graphs comparing the user market participation over the last five years for programs (this excludes memberships and daily use). Programming participation has increased by 40% while the Highland Park population increased by 2.5%.
Staff submitted permits to the City of Highland Park for the new indoor pickleball and padel facility.
Staff is working with City of Highland Park Officials on an updated addendum for the intergovernmental agreement which outlines cost share and maintenance between the City of Highland Park and the Park District of Highland Park for the parking lot at the Recreation Center of Highland Park, The Preserve of Highland Park, the Highland Park County Club, and the Highland Park Senior Center.
Staff reviewed the 2024 Golf Equipment Bid results.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2024 Golf Equipment Bid
The Parks Foundation and Staff are preparing for the Smash for Charity Pickleball Tournament on September 21, 2024, from 8:00 – 2:00 p.m. The fundraising event will host up to 92 teams. Proceeds will support scholarship programs.
Starting Monday, August 19, the Recreation Center and Senior Center parking lot will undergo construction. While the Recreation Center will remain open, sections of the parking lot will be closed, limiting available parking spaces.
Renovations include:
The parking lot is expected to be completed on November 1, 2024, with additional site landscaping and a new monument sign anticipated in 2025.
We will continue to provide updates directly to our Rec Center members and on this website as parking configurations change throughout the project.
The Park District of Highland Park is partnering with the Gratitude Generation to collect new toys for children in need to stay busy during days and weeks off from school.
As of August 20, 2024, the Park District of Highland Park will have petition packets for three open Park Board Commissioner seats (two 6-year terms and one 2-year term) for the April 1, 2025, Consolidated Election. Those interested in running for a Park District of Highland Park Commissioner seat must be a registered voter and have been a resident of Highland Park for at least one year prior to the election. Please review the Election Calendar here.
For additional information, please contact Roxanne Hejnowski at [email protected].
The circulation period for the Consolidated Election on April 1, 2025, will be open until November 18, 2024.
The filing period for petition packets is November 12 – November 18, 2024. Petition packets must be hand-delivered to the Executive Coordinator at the West Ridge Center Administrative Office, 636 Ridge Road, Highland Park, IL 60035, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. No petitioner packets will be accepted before or after the stated dates and times. The Park District of Highland Park staff cannot provide any election or legal advice for any petitioners. Petitioners are encouraged to contact the Lake County Clerk’s Office.
Consolidated Election
City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Ave.
847.926.1000
Weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Moraine Township Office, 800 Central Avenue
847.432.3240
Weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
West Deerfield Township, 601 Deerfield Road
847.945.0614
Weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
You may register to vote if:
Note: You must register again if your name or permanent address has changed. Voter registration requires two forms of identification, including one with a current address (new residents may use a utility bill, checkbook, etc.).
On any given day, if you walk down to one of our four public beaches, you’ll see people enjoying the beauty and recreational opportunities offered by our beautiful lakefront. At Moraine, dogs are playing with frisbees in the waves. At Park Avenue Boating Facility, sailors are heading out for a sail after work. Families are having fun in the cool water and building sandcastles at Rosewood. Meanwhile, at Millard, people are taking leisurely strolls and soaking in the lake breezes. Each beach has its own unique charm and provides unforgettable experiences for visitors.
Debbie Yakimisky, our dedicated Lakefront Aquatics Supervisor, aptly describes our shores with three words: beautiful, welcoming, and clean. Debbie oversees the beaches of the Park District of Highland Park and the staff who work hard to keep our beaches open and safe.
This is Debbie’s first year with the Park District of Highland Park, and it’s clear right away that she is passionate about her job. Her typical day starts with ensuring that all beaches are safe to open and that our lakefront staff are fully prepared for the day ahead.
“I wanted to work in aquatics because I’ve always loved the water and being outdoors,” explains Debbie. “I also enjoy being around people and witnessing the joy that the lakefront can bring.”
Debbie finds the most rewarding part of her job in seeing the happiness her team brings to our visitors. By doing little things to enhance their experience, Debbie and her team help make our beaches a place where cherished memories are made.
“That’s what our beaches are all about. We want our residents to feel that our beaches will allow them to make beautiful memories and have great experiences.”
Debbie is happiest when working with the Park District’s lifeguards. She explains that staff members quickly bond and support each other like a family once the season starts. “We quickly become a family unit, having each other’s backs and learning different skill sets. The camaraderie within the aquatics department is very strong.”
“Through our ongoing in-service training and day-to-day work, I’ve gotten to know each guard. It’s heartwarming to know that you’re changing some of these kids’ lives and giving them the tools they need to succeed.”
Debbie also participated in Guard Wars recently, where lifeguards competed in fun aquatic games, chose themes, and dressed up. “This activity was a blast because it was a time for our lifeguards to focus on building relationships and having fun with their peers. It brought the lifeguards together, and we got to know them better in a different light.”
“My experience with the lifeguards made me think more about our Park District values and how we incorporate them into our aquatics program, making us more Welcoming, Caring, and Extraordinary. We take those values to heart every day we step out onto the beach.”
So, take the next opportunity you have to visit one of our beaches, take in the fresh air from Lake Michigan, and savor the moment!
By: Allie Stewart, Marketing Intern
As part of our series of articles for this year’s National Recreation & Park Association theme “Where You Belong”, we had an inspiring conversation with Lisa Azoory-Keller and her husband Jon. Originally from Canada, they moved to Highland Park in 2014, and are building their own tennis dynasty with their three children, all of whom are competitive tennis players.
The Keller kids started playing tennis during the pandemic, at park district courts near their house. When the Deer Creek Racquet Club reopened, Kira, now 13, Maya who is 12, and 8-year-old Nate started taking lessons from two of the resident pros: Richard Watson is the Assistant Head Tennis Professional and Hristo Pandulev is a Full-Time Tennis Professional.
“Deer Creek is a second home to us now, and the pros are like family, “said Lisa. You can hear it in her voice when she talks about the staff: “Everyone there from the front desk to the pros prioritizes making sure the players have a great experience every time they’re on the court.” Being welcoming and caring is part of what makes Deer Creek extraordinary, and it’s one of the many places at the park district where you truly feel you belong.
Kira and Maya are at the same class level. “Kira works with Hristo, who has taken her tennis to the next level, and he is the perfect coach for her game,” said Lisa. Maya is coached by Richard, “another out-of-this world pro— she takes every bit of instruction like a sponge, and puts it into her game.” Nate is already in the Junior Excellence Program. “He loves that because he gets to play at a more competitive level with the older kids.”
Because Kira and Maya play against each other often (like two well-known tennis sisters), they sometimes get angry “which is good, because in competitive tennis you have to learn to be tough.” Of course, in matches there is only one winner, and that can be tough, too. Maya was recently the G12 Singles Finalist in the 2024 USTA Chicago District Championships held at the Oak Brook Tennis Center. “The very first people I texted after that match were the pros at Deer Creek,” Lisa said.
Hearing stories like that makes all of us at the park district feel really good about how what we do every day helps people make lifelong connections.
Lisa continued, “These pros are the best of the best. Other clubs prioritize profit and competition whereas Deer Creek prioritizes instilling a love for tennis, which results in the children having a healthy and positive attitude towards sports. The pros are always engaged, and truly care about the kids.” Our kids are always smiling when they’re at Deer Creek, and we know these years are going to be some of their best memories. They can’t wait to start summer camp!”
Any final thoughts? “We love Deer Creek. We’ll never leave.”
Wow. We love hearing that, too. (Last one out, please turn off the lights.)
You can read more about Deer Creek Racquet Club, tennis, pickleball, and camps on our website. Ready to get started? Great. The ball’s in your court.
See you around the parks!
