Highland Park Park District

The meeting featured public comments from community members requesting continued funding for the ceramics program. The board approved the consent agenda. Financial presentations included a review of the 2026 financial forecasts and treasures report, noting surpluses in several program areas such as fitness memberships, youth tennis, greens fees, and pickleball memberships. Additionally, the auditors presented the 2025 annual comprehensive financial report, highlighting a clean unmodified audit opinion and the district's participation in the certificate of achievement program.

The meeting focused on the adoption of the Beach and Boating Safety Week proclamation to promote aquatic safety during the summer season. Key discussion topics included an update on the consideration of locations for art sculptures on district properties, as well as an extensive update regarding the ongoing development of the comprehensive plan, which integrates the strategic plan, capital asset future plan, and various other operational master plans. The board discussed the framework of the strategic plan, focusing on priority goals related to customer engagement, a values-driven workplace for team members, and the stewardship of community resources.

The annual meeting focused on the election of park board officers, including the appointment of a president, vice president, secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer, and various liaisons and coordinators. The board also reviewed and reconfirmed committee chair appointments for finance, comprehensive planning, facility and recreation, lakefront, parks and natural areas, and policy committees.

The board conducted its annual meeting, which included the election of officers for president, vice president, secretary/executive director, assistant secretary, treasurer, IMRF authorized agent, auditor, and attorney. Committee assignments for facilities and recreation, lakefront, parks, natural areas, finance, and policy were discussed. Additionally, the board held a regular meeting covering the consent agenda and a detailed financial forecast report for the period ending in April 2022, highlighting surpluses in various programs and addressing the impact of current staffing levels on operations.

The board conducted an annual meeting followed by a regular meeting. Key agenda items included the election of board officers, including the President, Vice President, Secretary, Executive Director, Treasurer, authorized agent, and auditor. The board discussed the retention of legal counsel. During the regular meeting, the board addressed public comments regarding the potential opening of Park Avenue beach facilities for boating activities amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.