The story of how an unwanted facility is being forced upon the tax paying public
In 1988 Highland Park residents voted down an ambitious lakefront plan proposed by the Park District of Highland Park (PDHP). In 2008, Highland Park residents voted down another ambitious lakefront plan proposed by the park district. In 2010, the PDHP prepared yet another lakefront proposal. Their proposed plan presented in 2010 was still ambitious, yet their focus upon a single beach rather than the entire Highland Park lakefront would render the public's opinion on the development inconsequential (or nearly so). This time around, there was no need for a referendum to raise funds. Twenty millions dollars had been amassed within the park district's reserve funds. With this level of cash reserves, the PDHP could cover more than just emergency repairs. By consolidating efforts upon a single beach -- Rosewood Beach -- it was now possible to erect (if not maintain) what the PDHP's executive director confirmed would be a "signature facility", funds in hand, with no need of a referendum or input from the public. Read More