Park District To Enter Discussions on Swapping Land with District 112

Discussions will begin on the possibility of the Highland Park Park District swapping some land to District 112 to help alleviate some of the concerns regarding a large middle school campus that is part of a bond referendum school officials could decide to put on the ballot next week.

The Chicago Tribune reports the park district agreed on Wednesday to discuss swapping the West Ridge Park land that sits just east of Red Oak and Sherwood elementary schools - the site of the proposed middle school that would house fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth graders if the referendum is put on the ballot and approved by voters in the April 7 election.

The potential swap, according to one District 112 board member, would be “a tremendous enhancement” to the middle school plan. It would provide an easement to an area that a study indicated could experience additional traffic problems if the middle school campus is approved.

The memorandum of understanding approved by the park merely “puts in place our agreement to have a conversation,” Park Board President Scott Meyers said. “It does not commit us to make the exchange.”

Read more via the Chicago Tribune