The Parks Foundation of Highland Park is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to the belief that all community members deserve the opportunity for an enriched, healthy lifestyle. The Foundation raises funds to ensure that every Highland Park/Highwood resident can access Park District programs and works to support the parks facilities that bring our community together.

Since its establishment in 2016, the Foundation has:

• Awarded more than $450,000 in grants to lower-income families so all can participate in recreational programming
• Funded nearly 700 resident enrollments in summer camps, athletic leagues, sports lessons, fitness activities, creative classes, and nature programs
• Contributed $200,000 to park improvements, including the new Youth Golf Development Center at Sunset Valley Golf Club and planned playground seating plaza at Sunset Woods Park
• Connected community members through special events such as the Firecracker 5K, Bike the Parks, Fitness in the Park, and the North Shore Pickleball Tournaments
• Promoted inclusiveness, increased access to healthy leisure pursuits, and enhanced appreciation for the natural world

Life is full of occasions to celebrate – weddings, births, anniversaries, the lives of loved ones lost. The Parks Foundation’s Tribute and Memorial Gift program offers you the opportunity for recognition of special occasions and loved ones with the gift of a tree, bench, or brick for placement in our parks.  Proceeds from your donation go to improving our community parks and facilities.  

For questions and to submit forms, please contact Mike Evans at [email protected] or call 847.579.4085.

Park Tree

Choose from a selection of trees in a selected park. A 2.75” x 5” raised lettering plaque with your personalized message is displayed at the base of your tree. Orders are accepted throughout the year; plantings are dependent upon availability, season and weather.

New Tree: $1,500 (includes warranty for 3 years)

Purchase

Park Bench

Park benches are 6-foot-wide with a personalized 2.75” x 5” raised lettering plaque. The exact location will be coordinated at the time of purchase and is subject to approval by Park District staff.

Park Bench: $3,500 (includes warranty for 10 years)

Purchase

Bricks

Bricks inscribed with your personal message are available at several locations around the Park District. Orders are sent in to the fabricator on March 1 and August 1 of each year. 

Sunset Valley Golf Club Sunset Woods Park Jeff Fox Field

Park Ave North Beach Bench

Benches are 6-foot-wide with a personalized 2.75” x 5” raised lettering plaque. The exact location will be coordinated at the time of purchase and is subject to approval by Park District staff.

Park Bench: $7,500 (includes warranty for 10 years)

Purchase

Park Ave Plaque or Bench

Your personalized message on one of six benches on the breakwater or a 5.5″x8″ plaque on the breakwater parapet wall. For questions, please contact Liz Gogola at [email protected].

Learn More

The Parks Foundation also offers individuals and organizations the opportunity to give major gifts, such as underwriting the cost of playgrounds, buildings, and additions, or gifting an item to one of our facilities.  If you are interested in learning more about these opportunities, please contact Brian Romes, Executive Director of the Park District of Highland Park, at [email protected].