MESSAGE FROM THE PARK BOARD PRESIDENT
JOSEPH SULLIVAN
Commissioner since 2019
Dear friends and neighbors ,
Changing colors and cooler temperatures are just around the corner , and we are excitedly preparing for a host of fall themed programs and activities at the park district !
While the end of summer is approaching and our focus turns to school and fall events , I would be remiss to not acknowledge the grief our community experienced this 4th of July .
Many of us have connections and friends that were directly impacted by what happened in Highland Park , and we all struggled with the tragic events that day . We started the morning full of excitement for a full return to our holiday traditions , only to have our entire world turned upside down . We want to thank all of our volunteers , park district staff , police and fire staff , village staff and the 4th of July Committee for all of their work preparing for the day , and for their quick response in safely evacuating the event . Your safety is always our first priority at any community event .
We also have good news to share . Together with the village , we will host a fireworks display in Gallery Park on Friday , August 19 . The event will provide community members an opportunity to gather , picnic , and watch fireworks together . Find all the details here .
We would also like to welcome Tim Beckmann , the park district ’ s new Division Director of Park and Facility Services . Tim and the park services team have been hard at work this summer with park renovations . Work began with tennis and basketball courts being resurfaced , patched and repainted at Johns Park , Cunliff Park and Rugen Park . The work will continue through the fall at Willow Park , Roosevelt Park and Gallery Park .
Also at Gallery Park , we have begun repaving the pathways around the Little Bear Garden . The team will continue to repave all of the pathways throughout the park in sections this fall , enhancing ADA accessibility and improving rainwater drainage . All areas of the park will remain open to the public during this project , but please be mindful of any pathways that are closed or areas that have temporary pathways marked while visiting .