The existing site is a collaboration between the City of Highland Park and the Park District of Highland Park. Consistent with the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act, the City owns the land, and the Park District manages all operations at the site through a 99-year Lease Agreement. The current Dome is owned by a third-party (Grantee) who is permitted to rent space for indoor recreation uses such as soccer, lacrosse, and other similar sports consistent with the terms of a Concession and Site Agreement (Dome Agreement). This Agreement was initiated in 2009 and has since been extended several times. The final term for the Agreement expired in April 2024.
In August 2023, the Park District released a request for proposals for a new long-term agreement that would meet the needs of the community. The Park District did not receive a proposal from the current Grantee but did receive three alternative proposals. In January 2024, after an extensive review process, the Park District enthusiastically accepted a proposal from Highland Park native Ronald Saslow for an indoor pickleball and padel facility. Mr. Saslow is contributing a major portion of the funding for the new facility, which will now be a year-round paddle facility.
The cost for both materials and installation of the air supported structure (dome) is roughly $1.4M. Construction of the court surface; the interior furniture, fixtures, and amenities; and adding utility services for sewer, water, and electric, will bring the total to roughly $4.2M. While a significant portion is covered by the generous donation from Mr. Saslow, the Parks Foundation of Highland Park is actively seeking donations and sponsorships to raise $600,000 to make the new indoor paddle facility a reality.
Proposed Designs
June 2024
Project Updates
Stay up to date on the latest renovations
December 6, 2024
Over the past month, crews have made significant progress, including installing plumbing for the clubhouse structure and electric conduits throughout the dome area. Foundations for the padel courts have been dug and poured, while concrete pads for the mechanical units and generators have been completed, with the units now delivered and set in place. Asphalt work for the pickleball and padel courts has also been finalized.
In the coming month, crews will connect the mechanical units and generators to the electrical system. New sanitary sewer service, water lines, and piping for electric service will also be installed.
Check out a video update!
December 6, 2024
November 1, 2024
Over the past several months, the previous dome structure was demolished, and the site was prepared for new electrical service, water and sewer services, and construction of a new 50,000-square-foot dome.
The site is located on a landfill, which supports sustainable practices and requires strict adherence to Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. It is also adjacent to the Skokie River Drainage, which requires careful planning and permitting from several agencies, including the United States Army Core of Engineers, Lake County Strom Water Management, and the City of Highland Park.
• New water service will be provided across Route 41 to accommodate new fire hydrants, indoor fire suppression, new bathrooms and showers.
• Structural engineers have evaluated the foundation and improvements have been made to ensure the new facility will last for generations.
• The surface of the new facility has been graded to accommodate the necessary standards for pickleball and padel.
• The existing concrete has been cut to accommodate new plumbing, sewer, gas, and electricity to support the new mechanicals that will heat and cool the facility and low-voltage lines that support emergency exits, security cameras, and other audio/visual needs of the new facility.
Over the next month, asphalt and concrete work will be completed, preparing the site for construction of the new dome and interior structures. Before the dome is erected, the site will receive new electrical, plumbing, and sanitary sewer services. Due to unpredictable winter conditions, the dome will be inflated in Spring 2025 to ensure it can be completed safely. Soon after that, the interior structures that support patrons using the new Club Pickle and Padel will be constructed, and Pickleball and Padel Courts will be finalized.
We will continue to keep you updated on construction progress each month.
November 1, 2024
