Parks Foundation of Highland Park
To maintain our vibrant park system , the Park District of Highland Park has joined the ranks of 2,000 park districts nationwide that are benefitting from grant and donation opportunities that only a Foundation can provide .
The new Parks Foundation of Highland Park is an independent , community-led , 501 ( c ) 3 nonprofit organization created to support the Park District ’ s exceptional projects that enhance our parks and our community . The formation of a Parks Foundation was an initiative outlined in the Park District of Highland Park GreenPrint 2024 10-year master plan . It was the first initiative to be completed from that plan .
Meeting the growing and changing needs of the community and keeping taxes and program fees in check requires a delicate balance . The Parks Foundation will bridge the gap between public resources and the need to maintain a vibrant park system . This will help the Park District improve the health of the community and become stronger stewards of our parks , historic properties and open land as outlined in GreenPrint .
Purpose
Supporting the mission of the Park District of Highland Park “ To enrich community life through healthy leisure pursuits and an appreciation for the natural world ” is the primary purpose of the Foundation including :
• Raising funds through private and corporate contributions , grants , and in-kind donations to enhance the Park District of Highland Park ’ s delivery of quality recreation programs , services , facilities
• Provide scholarship funds for participants experiencing economic difficulty through the SMILE Grant-in-Aid program
• Identify , cultivate and inspire advocates and supporters to promote generous giving of time , talents , and treasure to ensure the availability of a quality park system
DID YOU KNOW ?
• Only 6 % of resident property tax is paid to the Park District
• Property taxes support approx . 50 % of the park district operating costs to maintain nine facilities , over 700 acres of land , and 3,000 programs
• The remaining 50 % is derived from user fees , memberships , grants , and donations
Get Involved
Become a member … the Parks Foundation is currently seeking Board members . The Foundation Board supports the mission and work of the Foundation and provides missionbased leadership and strategic governance to the Foundation .
Serving a Board member of the Foundation is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who has a passion for the Park District and the services it provides . Board members will have a desire to dedicate time , talent , and treasure to support the District ’ s delivery of quality parks , facilities , and recreation programs for community members of all ages .
Make a donation … as a 501 ( c ) 3 nonprofit organization the Parks Foundation may accept contributions , gifts , items or bequests from foundations , organizations , and individuals .
Please contact Liza McElroy at 847.579.3108 or email lmcelroy @ pdhp . org if you would like to : Learn more about the Parks Foundation Become a Parks Foundation member Make a donation to the Parks Foundation
Keeping Great “ Parks ” in Highland Park