June 1, 2021 -- This news item pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic was originally posted in March 2020. For the latest information, visit cityhpil.com/covid-19. Note that many City services are available online and by mail. City Hall walk-in hours are 8 AM - 5 PM Tuesday - Friday. Appointments on Mondays may be available upon request.
March 12, 2020 -- The City of Highland Park is in close communication with the Lake County Health Department and federal and state agencies to actively monitor developments regarding coronavirus (COVID-19). Public health and safety are the City’s highest priorities. The City is taking proactive steps to protect all residents with a focus on most vulnerable residents at this time. Please note that the cancellations and closures listed here are precautionary actions intended to prevent the spread of illness. This page will be updated with additional information regarding cancellations and closures in Highland Park as information becomes available.
Mayor Nancy Rotering has called an emergency meeting for Saturday, March 14, 12:00 PM at City Hall, where the City Council will consider an ordinance regarding emergency management and disaster authority in response to the developing coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. This action will enable the City to immediately respond to an emergency as allowed by Illinois law. The meeting will be live-streamed on the City’s web site at cityhpil.com.
City of Highland Park: Municipal Buildings Closed to the Public Effective March 16; No Reduction to Public Safety Services
Essential public administrative services will continue to be offered in a limited capacity from the Highland Park Police Department. There will be no reduction in services for public safety and the City encourages residents to conduct business online or by phone where possible. Cancellation notices for public meetings will be published to the City’s website. Meetings have not been rescheduled; notice of rescheduled meetings will be posted to the City’s agenda and minute center. The City’s approach to limit these unnecessary public gatherings is in line with best practices from other area governments, including the City of Chicago. Additional information is available here and here. View meeting agendas, minutes, and videos here.
Highland Park Senior Center: Closed
As of Wednesday, March 11, the Highland Park Senior Center will be closed until further notice. All programs have been canceled, including offsite programming at various locations throughout the City. Additional information regarding the Senior Center is available here.
Highland Park Public Library: Closed
As a proactive measure, the Library will close at the end of business, Thursday, March 12 and remain closed until further notice. Residents may request items to be picked up from the Library, access a variety of all-ages streaming services, including movies, e-books, e-audiobooks, talking books, and more. Additional information regarding the Library's closure is available here. Access digital library services and learn more about how to access materials during this temporary closure by visiting www.hplibrary.org.
Park District of Highland Park: All Facilities Closed (effective noon on March 13)
All Park District of Highland Park activities and programs will be canceled and all facilities will be closed until further notice beginning noon, March 13, 2020. Some programs and activities will be rescheduled and memberships will be put on a temporary hold. Residents may contact the Park District at 847.831.3810 with any questions. Additional information regarding the closure of Park District facilities is available here.
School District 112: All Schools Closed March 13; projected to reopen April 14
To safeguard the health and wellness of students, staff, and the community, all schools in North Shore School District 112 are closed effective immediately. This includes students who attend special education schools outside of District 112 schools. There will be no classes on Friday, March 13; the projected return date is Tuesday, April 14 Additional information is available in a letter to families here.
NSSD 112 is distributing free meals (breakfast and lunch) to all residents ages 18 years and younger, regardless of the school district they attend. Meals will be distributed via curbside pickup at Oak Terrace School, 240 Prairie Ave., Highwood. Children must be present to receive a meal. Please note that meals will not be available during Spring Break, March 23-27. Download the flyer to learn more.
School District 113: Emergency Day Declared for March 13; further information to follow
School has been canceled for Friday, March 13, for Deerfield High School and Highland Park High School. Information was provided to families via email, and updates will be released to the public as available.
Ravinia Festival: Performances until June 1, 2020 Canceled
To help slow the spread of the pandemic coronavirus, Ravinia will cancel all public and privately hosted events at the park until June 1, 2020. This will include the cancellation of the six remaining spring BGH Classics concerts. Ticket-holders to those events have been notified and refunds have been issued to their original sources of payment.
Moraine Township: Door-to-Door Van suspended for most; Passport application, VITA programs suspended
Moraine Township has suspended the Door-to-Door Van service except for those going to dialysis or chemotherapy treatments until it is safe to resume the program. The Township's income tax preparation service, VITA, as well as the passport application program, are also suspended. However, Moraine Township continues to provide access to the Food Pantry; beginning March 16, the Pantry will provde pre-bagged food to clients and families receiving free meals from NSSD #112. Township staff will help residents with applications for Township or other assistance by phone. Township staff will likewise perform wellness checks via phone with senior clients.