Highland Park Considering Green Bay Road Community Center

Submitted by the City of Highland Park

The development of a Community Center serving Highland Park-area residents adjacent to the property occupied by the Karger Recreation Center and Firehouse Youth Center on Green Bay Road is being mulled by the city and other entities.

According to a news release issued Tuesday, the City of Highland Park, Park District of Highland Park and the Community Family Center are collaborating to explore the potential development that would facilitate programs and services for recreational, educational and family support purposes.

The Park District and the City are considering donating a portion of the land necessary to accommodate the development. Any other organizations involved in the project would operate programs and services out of the center with an emphasis on combined programming and shared space to create economies of scale, cost savings, and increased effectiveness in operations due to the collaborative effort of all parties.

In developing the proposed center, the possible partner agencies have discussed the following comprehensive human services be included in the community center: General Counseling Services, Community and Social Services, Pre-Natal Counseling, Early Childhood Education and Children’s Services, Individual and Family Support, Youth After School Services, Comprehensive Senior Services

“It is critical that we meet the needs of our neighbors from youth to seniors. Doing so effectively and responsibly is our collective goal,” said Mayor Nancy Rotering. “Consolidating these programs and services could achieve community-wide efficiencies within a centrally located, accessible, financially sustainable, functional and up-to-date facility.”

The Center would be a City-owned, operated and maintained facility that would replace the Karger Center and Firehouse Youth Center, also City-owned facilities. The organizations contemplate that costs associated with the development, construction and maintenance of the center would be shared, proportionately amongst all agencies.

It is estimated that development of the center will cost approximately $15.8 million, with costs to be shared between the City and the Community Family Center. In an effort to begin raising funds for development, the Community Family Center will soon announce the kickoff of its fundraising campaign to raise sufficient funds for its portion of the center costs.

“One integrated site will allow all agencies to work together more effectively and will provide participants with seamless access to service,” said Herbert . Wander, president of the Community Family Center.

The Community Family Center, a 501(c)3 organization, will be seeking private funds to help finance their costs for the Center.