September 2024: Park Board Meeting Briefs

October 4, 2024

Updates from the September Park Board Meetings

September 4: Special Meeting

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2024 Pickle and Padel Club Bid, the 2024 Sunset Woods Improvements Bid, and Resolution #2024-01: Authorizing the sale of Real Estate Property and Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Highland Park and the Highland Park Public Library.

September 11: Facility and Recreation Committee Meeting

Staff provided a sponsorship update for Club Pickle and Padel, reviewed the marketing campaign to promote the new facility and memberships, and provided an overview of the Registration Platform, new Website, and APP.

September 11: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

The Park District of Highland Park received two unsolicited proposals for Community Solar. Community Solar is a recently created program that allows Illinois small businesses and organizations to participate in savings with Community Solar. Representatives from Pivot/SunCentral LLC reviewed the Solar Subscription Agreement proposal.

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the OSLAD Grant Resolution Authorization, allowing the Park District of Highland Park to apply for funding assistance for the Reimagining West Ridge Park for All project.

The Park Board of Commissioners declined the 2024 Padel Court Purchase and Installation Bid so staff can update the bid specs and reissue the bid.

Staff provided construction updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, Club Pickle and Padel Facility project, the Recreation Center of Highland Park Construction projects, the Jeff Fox Baseball Field Improvements project, Deer Creek Racquet Club Locker Room Improvements project, the Danny Cunniff Playground Resurfacing and Fencing project, the Port Clinton and Old Elm Playground Improvements project, the Lincoln Park Playground Replacement Design Concepts, and the Larry Fink Memorial Park Playground Replacement Design Concepts.

September 18: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the Five-Year Capital Plan going through each line item by Parks and Facilities and reviewed the Ten-Year Funding Model.

September 18: Policy Committee Meeting

The Human Resources Department is revising the current Employee Handbook. To begin review of employee policies, the Human Resources Department is providing those that are most impactful to 2025 budget planning and 2025 annual employee benefits programs.  Staff reviewed proposed revisions to policies impacting the employee benefits programs, general employment, and introduction. 

September 25: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved 2024 Sunset Woods Improvements Project Change Order #1, the Illinois Community Solar Subscription Agreement by Pivot/SunCentral LLC, and the 2024 Padel Court Purchase and Installation Re-Bid.

Holabird and Root presented a draft of the Interior Renderings and Finishes for the New Recreation Facility at West Ridge Park.

Staff provided the end of season summer camp report highlighting 2024 and 2025 goals and compared the 2023 to 2024 season structure, enrollment, and revenue.