Terry Grossberg, President | Park District Of Highland Park
Terry Grossberg, President | Park District Of Highland Park
Representatives from Holabird and Root presented updated drainage and design plans for potential ballfield renovations at West Ridge Park during the August 2025 Park Board meeting. W.B. Olson representatives provided cost estimates for these plans, and staff later presented revised cost options after Holabird and Root sought ways to reduce project expenses.
The Park Board expressed support for Option B, described as "Suspenders – Standard Infield with Underdrains," regarding the ballfield renovation. Staff indicated they would seek approval of a Resolution for a Change Order at a Special Meeting scheduled for early September.
Staff also reported on construction progress at Club Pickel and Padel by sharing images with the Board.
There was discussion about converting the gymnastics space at Centennial Ice Arena into a studio ice rink, prompted by community interest. Staff engaged Ice Builders to estimate conversion costs, reviewed these estimates, visited neighboring ice arenas to compare dimensions and usage, and shared findings on rink sizes.
The meeting included reviews of bids and contract recommendations for both the 2025 Concrete Improvements Project and the 2025 Asphalt Improvements Project. The semi-annual review of cost centers was also presented, with financial data current through July 31, 2025.
Board policy updates were addressed as well. Policies 4.16 (Compensation) and 4.17 (Transgender Park Patron) were revisited following edits from legal counsel. After an incident on July 3, Policy 4.18 (Anti-Harassment and Behavior Management) underwent further review in collaboration with Policy Liaisons alongside other policies in Chapters 4 and 5.
No additional changes were recommended for Chapter 4: General Policies.
Commissioner Beck raised concerns about Policy 5.02 (Registration), specifically regarding Double Registration provisions, suggesting their relocation to Policy 5.03 (Refunds of Recreation and Facility Services). Beck also proposed adding guidelines addressing Drop-In Fee Refunds to Policy 5.03. Staff will review these suggestions and present revisions at the next meeting.
The Board approved several items: Resolution 2025-10 granting a nonexclusive easement for storm water utilities; bids for both the asphalt and concrete improvement projects; Ordinance 2025-12 authorizing conveyance or sale of surplus property; and Ordinance 2025-09 naming the new recreation facility at West Ridge Park as “West Ridge Community Center.”
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