View as Webpage

June 15, 2023

The City of Highland Park Fire Department is partnering with Rush for a pop-up car seat check event today, Thursday, June 15, from 12:00 - 1:30 PM at Fire Station #33 (1130 Central Ave.) Certified child passenger safety technicians will instruct parents and caregivers on the proper use and installation of child restraints. For this event, no appointments are necessary.

At the Monday, June 12 City Council meeting, Mayor Rotering and City Council recognized Monday, June 19 as Juneteenth National Freedom Day. In celebration of Juneteenth, a member of our community generously donated 200 Juneteenth flags to share with others. Please stop by City Hall to take home a flag in celebration!

This year, the City is proud to support the Juneteenth Commission of Lake County in presenting the 2023 Juneteenth Festival of Lake County.

In support of the Highland Park Community Foundation, community members may purchase "We Are Highland Park" t-shirts. T-shirt orders may be placed through the July 4, 2023 We Are Highland Park website, wearehighlandpark.enmotive.com. You do not need to register to attend an event to order a t-shirt. All proceeds support the Highland Park Community Foundation.

To order a t-shirt, visit wearehighlandpark.enmotive.com. Scroll past the "ticket" sections to view t-shirt options. Adult sizes XS - 2XL are available for purchase online. T-shirt orders must be placed by June 19, 2023.

T-shirts may be picked up at the Highland Park Country Club (1201 Park Ave. W.) at the following times:

• Thursday, June 29, 2023: 3 PM to 7 PM
• Friday, June 30, 2023: 9 AM to 4 PM
• Monday, July 3, 2023: 9 AM to 4 PM

Please be sure to bring your email confirmation and related QR code(s) to t-shirt pickup. T-shirt pick-up will not be available at the July 4th events.

At the Monday, June 12 City Council meeting, Mayor Rotering and City Council honored Highland Park High School rising senior Jagger Barnes, who was recognized by Serve Illinois with the Governor's Volunteer Service Award for her efforts to address local food insecurity during the pandemic with the innovative Shop 'N Drop program, a grassroots food pantry.

Additionally, the City celebrated the attainment of the Government Finance Officers Association's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 29th consecutive year. The Award reflects the City's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of governmental budgeting through the publication of a clear, accessible, and comprehensive budget document. Learn more about the City's budget.

City Manager Ghida Neukirch provided an update on plans for July 4 events as well as the 2023 season at The Lot. City Manager Neukirch also introduced updates to the City's mission, values, and priorities for fiscal year 2024. Two new priorities, economic development and environmental sustainability, have been added to these guiding principles, which are integrated into the City's budget document and major projects. The City's five core priorities are: fiscal stability, public safety, infrastructure improvement, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Further information will be released in the coming weeks.

City Council approved agreements pertaining to infrastructure improvements and public safety. City Council also approved a memorandum of agreement between the City and the Ravinia Festival Association with respect to the City's provision of traffic control, transportation, and security services for the 2023 season of concerts and events at Ravinia.

During the meeting of the Committee of the Whole, City Council discussed a proposed mural arts program and explored how similar programs have been implemented in comparable communities in Illinois and across the country.

To receive day-of notifications about the community events on July 4, 2023, simply text HPJULY4 to 67283.

Please note that signing up for text notifications is not the same as event registration. Individuals wishing to attend one or more of the community events will need to register for those programs at wearehighlandpark.enmotive.com. Similarly, individuals must opt-in separately from event registration to receive text notifications. Individuals who register to attend one or all of the community events will not be automatically enrolled in text notifications.

Upon successful enrollment in text notifications, individuals will receive a confirmation message. The City will use this tool in the event of a weather cancellation or other emergency. The City will not issue text event reminders or programmatic updates; please continue to follow us on social media and in eNews for this information.

On Friday, June 23, from 9 AM to noon, the City of Highland Park and the Park District of Highland Park will host a volunteer planting event along the McClory Bike Trail. The goal is the replacement of invasive species on public lands and the continued re-introduction of native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. This project is part of the City’s pollinator garden initiative. Prior experience is not necessary!

Volunteers should dress appropriately for the weather as the event will be held rain or shine. Gloves will be available on a first-come, first-served basis; long sleeves and boots are strongly recommended. Tools will be provided and parking will be available at the Braeside Train Station (40 St Johns Ave) and at the Ravinia Festival South lot (see map.)

Please email cityhp@cityhpil.com to RSVP so we can ensure adequate supplies are available for participants.