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 Lesley Haycock about her busy summer of family fun at the Park District.
Lesley Haycock is busy this summer. When we caught up with her it was the first day of Park District Camps for two of her three daughters: Skyler who is 5½ and Riley, who is 3½. Zoey, the oldest at 8½, is going to Discovery Day Camp this year. That’s just the beginning of the busy summer season for the whole family. “We like to take advantage of so many great things the Park District offers,” said Lesley.
On any given day, that includes spending time at Rosewood Beach, “We always get Beach Passes.” Her number one tip: “Arrive early if you want a parking spot!” Yes, we hear that a lot. “We also get our annual pass for the pool, because we’re there almost every weekend.” We hear that a lot too, and it’s why belonging to Hidden Creek AquaPark is such a great way to connect with friends and meet new families.
ParkSchool was the focus of our conversation, because Skyler just graduated from Mighty Oaks, and Riley will be a Sapling this fall. “Then she’ll move up and be a Mighty Oak the next year.” Why ParkSchool? “We had heard such great things about it from the community—not a bad word from anyone. They raved about the teachers, and one of the things I really liked was the small class size, so we knew our kids would get the attention they needed to be ready for Kindergarten.” Lesley added, “I know you’ve heard it before, but Miss Ginny is amazing! Miss Samia is following in her footsteps, and she’s just as amazing, so I feel excited, and confident, and comforted that kids will have her moving forward.”
In case you have not heard, our Miss Ginny retired in June. We have a story about her on our website.
Everything grows at ParkSchool. “We’ve done lots of the afterschool Enrichment programs at West Ridge,” Lesley said. “The KidoKinetics class is wonderful because it exposes them to so many different sports. I think the first day they played Lacrosse”—she laughed—”which is something I never would have taught my 3½ year old. It was awesome!” That’s one of the most important things about growing up in Park District programs. Beginners get the attention they need in order to love what they’re learning. “We’ve done Clay Play, and the girls love the weekly mini-camps that happen between the end of school and the start of summer camps. “We’re going to do those again in August.” Zoey did the Sewing and Fashion design camp, “which was fabulous.” “She really wanted to learn to run a sewing machine, and these are the only classes for kids in the area. There was a fashion show at the end, and she loved it!” We see Project Runway in your future, Zoey. “I was able to drop Skyler off at the same location for her cooking class. The times line up and that makes it so convenient.” We try hard to make that happen for parents year-round, and we’re happy that it’s working.
Zoey also wants to learn to play chess (watch out world), and this August will be in our Chess Camp. “I don’t know where that came from,” laughed Lesley, “and it’s so great that the Park District teaches my kids things that I can’t!” “She also took Fencing in the spring, which is another thing that’s hard to find for young kids.” Fashion, Fencing, and Chess. You won’t find that combination for an 8½ year old anywhere but here. Zoey is truly the epitome of what we call a park district kid.
Lesley offered the perfect description of what we’re all about: “It really is a place to try out so many different things, when you’re little, and see what you’re passionate about.” We loved hearing that.
Connections? “Skyler made some really close friends in her ParkSchool class. They would have play dates every few weeks, and one of them is going to Kindergarten with her in the fall, so I’m thrilled that she’ll have a buddy there.” “It’s really important for us to meet and know people in the community. In fact, we switched Zoey from gymnastics in Lake Forest to the Highland Park Gymnastics Pre-Team for the sole reason of meeting kids from the area. It’s that important.” “And I get together with the other moms. We’ve been out to dinner and had barbeques—so the connections through our kids are strong.”
We love the stories Lesley told us. They are about belonging, connecting, and caring about the community. We’re proud to be a part of those stories, and we work hard every day to stay connected to all of you.
If you have a story or two that you’d like to share, let us know. Until then, you can find all of our summer programs, activities, and events 24/7 at PDHP.org.
See you around the parks!
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 Tyler Jacobs about his baseball journey at the Park District.
It’s a tale as old as – well, baseball. And it’s part of how connections are made, and how a love of the game is passed from coaches to players, around the bases and all the way home.
Tyler Jacobs grew up in Highland Park. He’s what we fondly call a Park District kid. His stories are among the ones we love because they come full circle, and are full of joy all the way.
“Playing baseball at the Park District was always my favorite thing.” You can hear the smile in his voice. “I played travel baseball from the time I was 9 years old,” (before that, he played Baker Ball.*) “and because I lived about a minute from Danny Cunniff Park I was hitting baseballs there almost every day with my dad. I also skated some at Centennial Ice Arena.” That’s how kids get connected to the Park District and make lifelong friends. Through parks and programs. And coaches.
“I had a bunch of great coaches when I was playing baseball, but one named Chris took an interest in our team and had a really big influence on me. I’m still in touch with him today and we talk every once in a while.” Lifelong connections get built when you belong to a team. It’s one of the things we’re most proud of at the Park District. “Chris really cared about us” Tyler continued. “He motivated us. He wanted us to be better players—but also better kids, which was super cool. Seeing how dedicated he was made me want to be a coach.” There it is. That’s how it happens. “I really felt like I belonged to something bigger.” That’s the feeling we want you to have when you’re at the Park District.
The game stayed important. “I played baseball all the way through varsity in high school.” Along the way, Tyler the player became Tyler the camp counselor, and, of course, Tyler the coach. “I pretty much worked everything at the Park District — flag football, Jr. Varsity Sports Camp, Varsity Camp — I touched it all.” Is he the new Chris to this generation of Park District kids? “I try to be.” Take it from us…he is.
“Of course I love baseball, but my favorite part of coaching is demonstrating a strong work ethic and being a role model for the players.” But it’s more important than that. “I try to make them better humans, as well.” That’s why you want Tyler coaching your kids.
The team Tyler is coaching for us now is Highland Park 13U White. Are these young players as passionate about the game as you were? “These kids are always excited to be on the field. They’re 13 years old and you never see them on a phone.” (?!) “I stressed from day one that we’re going to spend a lot of time together, so when we’re on the field we’re a team and have a common goal. They get it.” Of course they do, coach. It’s who you are.
We’re proud to say that your Park District is where the next Tyler-level players can be found. In the parks, on the diamonds, learning and growing. Becoming better humans.
Summer’s in full swing here, and you can find all of our art facilities and programs 24/7 on our website. Until next time… See you around the parks.
*You can read about Coach Baker and the impact of Baker Ball on kids in this story.
The Park District invites you to join the conversation to discuss the accessibility of Park District facilities and parks for people with disabilities. Your view is important, and this is an opportunity to express your opinion.
If you couldn’t make it to the in-person meetings, please take the survey before it closes on August 14, 2024. Your feedback is anonymous and will be used to improve efforts by the Park District.
The Park District of Highland Park conducted two meetings to hear feedback about the accessibility of parks and facilities.
The Park District of Highland Park retained the WT Group (WTG) Accessibility Practice in 2024 to develop an updated transition plan for parks and facilities, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A transition plan identifies access barriers and phases the retrofit work over time. John McGovern leads the Accessibility Practice at WTG, and will coordinate the first portion of the meeting. In the meeting, WTG will:
Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) will join the discussion. NSSRA is an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of people with disabilities in their partner communities, including the Park District of Highland Park, through quality recreation services. NSSRA has created an environment of belonging through play since 1970, and it holds the distinction as the first Special Recreation Association in the country.
If you have any questions, contact John McGovern with the WT Group at 224.293.6451 or [email protected], or Amalia Schwartz, Planning Manager, at 847.579.4090 or [email protected].
Thank you in advance for helping the Park District of Highland Park with our ADA Transition Plan.
The Park Board of Commissioners Approved the 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of the Park District of Highland Park.
Staff reviewed the bid results for the 2024 Park Avenue Beach Access Improvements Project.
Staff reviewed the 2024 Independence Day Events Schedule and Entertainment, Children’s Activities, and Food Truck secured for Fourth Fest.
Staff provided construction project updates for improvements at Sunset Woods Park, the Lot 3 Pickleball and Padle Facility, construction at the Recreation Center of Highland Park, improvements at Jeff Fox Baseball Field, construction for the Preserve of Highland Park Compton Avenue Trail Connection, and the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park.
PMA Network and the Arbitrage Group reviewed the Park District’s arbitrage rebate payment due for the General Obligation (Limited Tax) Debt Certificates, Series 2021.
Staff reviewed the actual vs. budgeted quarterly revenues and expenses, membership and program utilization for the Recreation Center of Highland Park.
Staff reviewed the donation agreement from the Bondy Family Foundation to generously support construction of a new indoor pickleball and padel facility.
The Park District and City of Highland Park planned to renovate the shared parking lot in 2025. The Park District received an estimated cost from the City of Highland Park for the shared project, and the estimate was significantly higher than anticipated. The Park District is meeting with City Officials to discuss shared use terms outlined in the Intergovernmental Agreement and expenses the Park District can cover to support the project.
Since the bids for the 2024 Park Avenue Beach Access Improvements Project came in over-budget. Staff worked with the low bidder, Copenhaver Construction, to significantly reduce the total project costs. Staff reviewed the reduction options.
Staff received five bids for the 2024 Deer Creek Racquet Club Locker Room Improvements Project. To keep the project under budget, staff proposed purchasing some materials in house.
Staff determined a cargo van is a necessary replacement for the current needs of the District. Staff reviewed the costs for different options. A Ford Electric Transit Van was selected and is available through the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC) through the Northwest Municipal Conference.
Staff reviewed the costs and 3-Year Agreement Terms and Conditions to purchase Plan 2 Play Registration System for the Lot 3 Pickleball and Padel Facility. The District currently utilizes Plan 2 Play customer relationship management system (CRM) for the Recreation Center of Highland Park.
The Park Board of Commissioners adopted a proclamation for the designation of July as Parks and Recreation Month.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2024 Ford Electric Transit Van Capital Purchase, 2024 Park Avenue Beach Access Improvements Project Bid, the 2024 Deer Creek Racquet Club Locker Room Improvements Project Bid, the Arbitrage Rebate Payment Due For the 2021 Debt Certificates, Ordinance 2024-08 Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the Plan 2 Play Registration System Proposal, and the Donation Agreement Between the Park District of Highland Park, Parks Foundation of Highland Park and the Bondy Family Foundation For the Paddle Facility.
Staff provided project updates for improvements at Sunset Woods Park and the locker rooms renovations at the Recreation Center of Highland Park.
Staff received consensus from the Park Board of Commissioners to allow the recommended name of Club Pickle and Padel for the new indoor pickleball and padel facility to wait the sixty-day period prior to a vote.
Staff provided an annual report for grant-in-aid comparing the 2022, 2023, and year-to-date scholarship spending, participant demographics, and individual and household scholarship funds utilization to help cover the costs for memberships, programs, and camps.
As part of our series of articles for this year’s National Recreation & Park Association theme “Where You Belong”, we had a delightful conversation with Rachel Howard about her family’s experience with park district programs.
Rachel Howard is one of our most favorite people to talk with about the Park District, and especially about how her daughter Mia loves ParkSchool. The other day we got the latest on all things Mia, and learned a little about her brother Sam as well.
Last year when we talked with Rachel, Mia had just finished the school year as a Sapling. Now, Mia is 5 and a proud graduate of the Mighty Oaks preschool program. How is she doing? “She’s great! She went 5 days a week in the mornings,” said Rachel. “The program is fantastic. Miss Ginny and Miss Samia are incredible with the kids. It’s such a well-structured program that really gets the kids ready for Kindergarten. I’ve been so impressed with Mia’s growth, her independence, and how proud she was of the work she came home with. That’s been the most exciting thing—to see the pride she takes in the activities and all of the projects.” Being proud of what you’ve done. We couldn’t ask for a better outcome from Mia’s ParkSchool experience. Rachel continued, “Mia’s teachers have prepared her so well for the transition to Kindergarten. They really set the kids up for success as they enter elementary school.”
Our Miss Ginny retired in June after an incredible 39 years of making little lives better. You can read more about her in this story. Ask any Mighty Oaks parent, and they’ll tell you that Miss Samia continues to be amazing!
We talked about Mia making new friends and new connections at Mighty Oaks. “Yes! There were old friends who she had been with the year before, and there were lots of new friends this year as well.” ParkSchool kids tend to stay in the program. The smaller class sizes, the structure, and the connections to other families make it a place where everyone truly feels they belong. “Mia wants all of the kids in her class and her teachers to be with her when she goes to Kindergarten, because there is this warmth and sense of belonging to a community.” Well, we hope her friends go with her, but her teachers… not so much!
Did Mia do other Park District programs? “Yes!” (You can hear the smile.) “She did a Sports class, a Cooking class, and a Ceramics class after school at West Ridge. It’s so nice because she can stay at school and there’s a ‘bridge’ program where she played for a bit after Mighty Oaks. Then the teachers transition the kids to their after school classes, so parents don’t have to go back and forth.” How did Mia like those classes? “The Sports class (KidoKinetics) was great fun because they did some unique sports like Lacrosse and Pickleball. She also did Gymnastics on the weekends (at Centennial), which she loved.” We think “Keeping up with Mia” would make a great podcast!
“She’s formed a very strong bond with her friends and her teachers.” Connections, many of them lifelong, are what get built at your Park District. It truly is a place where you belong.
What’s next for the family? “My son Sam is 2½ and is in the Tot Stop camp this summer. He’s also done Gymnastics,” (at that age mostly tumbling, running, falling down), “and we love the Music class! We’re also registered for ParkSchool in the fall, so Sam will be a Sprout!”
That’s how the traditions continue and the connections grow at your Park District. We would love for you and your family to join us and be a part of everything we do. We invite you to share your stories with us. Right now, you can find all of our summer programs, activities, and events 24/7 on our website.
Looking for exciting activities for your kids on no-school days? Our Fall Fun Days offer a variety of engaging programs to keep them entertained and active. Join us for a few days full of fun and adventure.
The STREAM Explorers School Day Off program offers a fun and educational day for children when school is out. Split between Heller Nature Center and West Ridge Center, this program features a variety of activities in Science, Technology, Recreation, Environment, Art, and more.
Children will start their day at West Ridge Center, where they will be bussed to Heller Nature Center to explore environmental science projects, interactive nature walks, and creative art activities. Later, they will be bussed back to West Ridge Center for hands-on technology projects, recreational games, and art experiences, where they will also be picked up.
The program provides a perfect mix of indoor and outdoor activities to keep children engaged and entertained throughout the day. It’s an ideal way for kids to spend a school day off, having fun and exploring new interests.
Locations: Children will start and end their day at West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge Rd, as well as spend part of the day at Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Rd
The STREAM Explorers School Day Off program offers a fun and educational day for children when school is out. Split between Heller Nature Center and West Ridge Center, this program features a variety of activities in Science, Technology, Recreation, Environment, Art, and more.
Children will start their day at West Ridge Center, where they will be bussed to Heller Nature Center to explore environmental science projects, interactive nature walks, and creative art activities. Later, they will be bussed back to West Ridge Center for hands-on technology projects, recreational games, and art experiences, where they will also be picked up.
The program provides a perfect mix of indoor and outdoor activities to keep children engaged and entertained throughout the day. It’s an ideal way for kids to spend a school day off, having fun and exploring new interests.
Locations: Children will start and end their day at West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge Rd, as well as spend part of the day at Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Rd
The STREAM Explorers School Day Off program offers a fun and educational day for children when school is out. Split between Heller Nature Center and West Ridge Center, this program features a variety of activities in Science, Technology, Recreation, Environment, Art, and more.
Children will start their day at West Ridge Center, where they will be bussed to Heller Nature Center to explore environmental science projects, interactive nature walks, and creative art activities. Later, they will be bussed back to West Ridge Center for hands-on technology projects, recreational games, and art experiences, where they will also be picked up.
The program provides a perfect mix of indoor and outdoor activities to keep children engaged and entertained throughout the day. It’s an ideal way for kids to spend a school day off, having fun and exploring new interests.
Locations: Children will start and end their day at West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge Rd, as well as spend part of the day at Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Rd
The STREAM Explorers School Day Off program offers a fun and educational day for children when school is out. Split between Heller Nature Center and West Ridge Center, this program features a variety of activities in Science, Technology, Recreation, Environment, Art, and more.
Children will start their day at West Ridge Center, where they will be bussed to Heller Nature Center to explore environmental science projects, interactive nature walks, and creative art activities. Later, they will be bussed back to West Ridge Center for hands-on technology projects, recreational games, and art experiences, where they will also be picked up.
The program provides a perfect mix of indoor and outdoor activities to keep children engaged and entertained throughout the day. It’s an ideal way for kids to spend a school day off, having fun and exploring new interests.
Locations: Children will start and end their day at West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge Rd, as well as spend part of the day at Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Rd
You write the story! Choose your own path in this adventure series as we explore role playing and rolling the dice to see which way our story will go. Use your imagination to write which direction our story will go and act it out.
This is a drop off program. Pre-registration required. Program is outdoors so please dress for the weather. Participants also attending Superheroes may bring a peanut-free sack lunch and stay at Rosewood between programs.
Location: Rosewood Beach, 883 Sheridan Rd
Soar through the air, use your mighty strength, and explore your own super powers! Superheroes are everywhere, see what wild animals also have super powers just like those in the comics. Then explore how you too have your own super human powers.
This is a drop off program. Pre-registration required. Program is outdoors so please dress for the weather. Participants also attending Once Upon A… may bring a peanut-free sack lunch and stay at Rosewood between programs.
Location: Rosewood Beach, 883 Sheridan Rd
To celebrate Parks and Recreation Month, we are featuring a series of personal stories that exemplify the value Parks and Recreation brings to our lives.
Jami Buss is well-known to many of you as a member of our Registration Team at the Recreation Center. Great smile, always welcoming, and a wealth of knowledge about all things Park District. Lots of you also know her husband, Michael Buss, who has been an Instructor at the Fitness Club for almost 9 years. His Group Fitness classes are very popular. The family connections to the District go even deeper: their three sons are all park district kids, just like Jami was as she grew up in Highland Park. Her memories are the perfect place to start her story. Here we go.
Talking to Jami reinforces why this Park District has been so important to residents for their entire lives. “One of my fondest memories, from when I was just 5 years old, is going to Safety Village,” said Jami. “In those days, it was in the parking lot at Centennial Ice Arena.” Safety Village is still going strong at West Ridge. “Our kids went, and they loved it!”
“I grew up near Centennial, and we enjoyed ice skating and the shows. That area was such a great place to explore. We did lots of hiking and fishing, and of course, sledding in the winter. When I was in Middle School, sometimes we would just hang out at the Ice Arena. It was always great fun, and looking back, I realize how important it was to all of us kids.” That’s what we do at your Park District—provide safe, fun places where kids and families connect and make their own memories.
Flash forward. About 12 years ago, Jami joined the Fitness Club and continued a lifetime journey of healthy activities. Belonging to a club, connecting with Highland Park residents, and making new friends is one of the most important ways to stay physically and mentally fit. It’s a big part of what we offer every day. “My kids would come with me when they were 2 and 4, and play in the babysitting room while I worked out,” Jami related. Those two kids were Leo, now 15, and Henry, 13. “When Leo was 2 and 3 years old, he also went to Mommy’s Morning Away at West Ridge,” Jami said. “The teachers were wonderful!”
Samson, who is 8, rounds out the family. All three boys enjoy many of our year-round and seasonal programs: Baseball and Football, Sports Camps and Summer Camps, and especially Into the Wild Lakeshore, where campers explore nature, go swimming and dig into beachcombing as part of their summer adventures. “During Covid, living near Sunset Woods Park, the outdoor resources became extra important to our family,” said Jami, “and as things opened up, we all realized what amazing programs and opportunities the Park District offers the community. It’s one of the reasons I came to work here a year ago, and now helping other people get connected to the Park District is one of the true joys of my job.”
We can tell you that it’s a joy just to be around Jami, and we’re grateful to have her as part of our family.
We would love to hear your personal and family stories. Send us a wonderful memory or two that we can share. Until then… See you around the parks!
Connecting with nature is important at any age! Heller Nature Center’s programs are designed to inspire a lifelong appreciation for nature, foster environmental stewardship, and promote a healthier, more connected community. Whether you are an avid nature enthusiast or simply looking to explore new outdoor activities, Heller Nature Center offers something for everyone.
Check out our upcoming Adult/Adult-Friendly Programs:
Eat the forest! Join The Wild Dryad on a foraging tour of Heller’s woods; learn how to spot wild edibles and how best to cook them. Sample some of the plants we find on our hike.
Join us for an evening of nature-themed trivia. Enter in teams of up to 6, or join a team of new friends on arrival. Then, compete with fellow residents to see who knows more about the ecology in our local area and beyond.
This is a BYOB event. Light snacks will be provided.
Ages 21+
Our honey bees have been working all summer making our famous Heller Honey. Come and experience how to harvest our honey with one of our naturalists and take home a small jar you harvested from the hives.
From natural areas restoration to beekeeping, outdoor volunteer opportunities are aplenty!
The periodic cicadas have arrived! On this episode of Wild Insights, Mark describes the difference between periodic and annual cicadas, their molting process, and where you can see them in Highland Park!
