I remember taking all kinds of after school / summer arts, crafts, and sports activities here as a…read morekid, decades ago. Having seen inside the building, it hasn't changed a whole lot. Having been converted from a school that was built in the late 1950s,heavily renovated in the late 1970s, and only minor renovations in the 80's to present day; the building still appears in excellent condition. They host a number of Park District activities mostly for children, and some adult activities, as well as a number of all-ages events in the adjacent park. They also rent out rooms for community activities and private events, though the Highland Park Park District website. In the winter, the building is toasty warm though a teensy bit drafty near some of the windows (specifically those facing the park - maybe they're older?). In the summer, it seems like the place can get a little warm, as the AC seems to struggle a little. Still, the building is relatively comfortable for its age, and all the facilities are well maintained. The adjacent park - West Ridge Park - is very nice. There is a 0.4 mile (0.64 km) asphalt track that circles the park, with additional paths leading towards Red Oak Elementary School and surrounding city sidewalks. The parking lot is in great shape, has plenty of spots, and drains nicely. Accessible parking is near the West Ridge building. The playfields are pretty nice, though seem to flood a little bit during the rainy season. During the peak of the youth baseball, softball, and soccer season the field seems to stay dry enough. In early spring and fall, it can get a little muddy. The track also can get flooded in some spots, so walk carefully after a heavy rain. In the summer, you probably should wear a good mosquito repellent - West Ridge Park seems to have more mosquitos than other parks in the area (Woodbridge Park on Barberry Rd. or Devonshire Park at Devonshire Ct. and Winthrop Rd.), but not as bad as Larry Fink. During several weeks out of the year, Canadian geese like to chill here. I wouldn't recommend saying 'hello,' they can be a little aggressive. I frequently see whitetail deer roaming around as well. There's a playground that has equipment for 3 ~ 12 years of age, with benches around it so parents can comfortable supervise. The play area is pretty far from the parking lot, which is nice for some peace of mind, but - because there's only a little bit of cover - means you should keep an eye on the sky for rain. There are two or three water fountains around the park, a pet bag dispenser, and numerous garbage & recycling cans. There are a few porta-potties, and the park district will add more whenever there are events like movie night at the park. Aside from a few lights in the parking area, and alongside the building, the park isn't lit - best to head out before dusk. West Ridge Center offers a lot to residents of Highland Park, especially grade school to high school age kids. If you live in the area, I suggest checking out all the programs and activities they offer. Even you don't participate, the park is a nice feature for anyone needing a little time outdoors.

This is a review of the West Ridge walking/running path. During this mandatory stay-at-home order,…read moreit's still essential and okay to take a walk and get some fresh air. My hubby has been doing a great job of pushing us out the door to get a two mile walk in as often as possible. Yesterday we were about 30+ minutes away from a rain shower, so I suggested taking a walk closer to home. The truth is, the path is nothing fancy, the cement is a little bit cracked in a couple of areas, but it sure does the trick. This path is .4 miles all the way around, and it's small enough that you can keep your eye on the starting post for when you need to count your laps. There is onsite parking. It never seems crowded. It's flat and a little monotonous, but it gets the job done! Great little neighborhood walking path.

Briarwood is a wonderful 11 acre park that winds between the Kings Cove, Deer Run, and Briarwood…read moreVista neighborhoods; merging with Trail Tree Nature Area & Playground, and the North Branch Chicago River. There are entrances in each of these neighborhoods, though the best would be in the Briarwood Vista neighborhood along Greenbriar Drive, east of Eastwood Drive. If it's not busy, I've been able to park in the Moriah Congregation lot, which butts up with the lined outdoor tennis courts and full size basketball court. I can't tell if the lot is park district, or Moriah, but I've never seen any parking restriction signs. Paths wind around and through the park, connecting the various amenities. Additional features include playgrounds, soccer fields, picnic areas, a baseball / softball diamond, biking / riding paths, and several nature areas. The entire park drains well, as much of runs along and drains into the river branch. Only in driving rain have I seen water pooling in the field, or off the trails. The trails all manage to stay pretty dry, throughout the year. In the winter - weather permitting - the Deerfield Park District has set up a medium-sized ice skating rink over the soccer fields. All of the Shana Ellman playground equipment and Briarwood sports amenities were renovated between 2017 and 2019, so it's all in great condition. If you follow the paths to the north, and cross Carriage Way (Kings Cove / Carlisle neighborhood), it connects with the awesome playground and nature trails in the Trail Tree park. Most of the park is wooded, and relatively serene despite being in between three relatively big residential subdivisions of Highland Park and Deerfield. It's big enough that you can find some privacy, and get far enough from the occasional droning of landscaping in the spring and summer time. In the winter, I mostly ever see folks snowshoeing or skiing through the trails, and the occasional groups of kids playing the southern fields. While it keeps fairly dry, and I think the park district occasionally sprays the area, I recommend bringing mosquito repellent through most of the warmer months. They're just about the only thing I'm not fond of in Briarwood Park.

Fantastic playground for all ages. Nicely spread out too so that kids can run around without…read moreknocking into each other. Equipment suitable for little kids, big kids and everyone in between. We especially had fun making music but I can see how that might get loud and a little more difficult if the park is crowded. We were fortunate enough to have the playground to ourselves but my sense is that is not usually the case. The park also has a nice pavilion with picnic tables, athletic fields, basketball courts and bathrooms.

Visited as part our our summer park tour. Has a small hot wheels track and a variety of other…read moreoptions for varying ages.

Attached to the Alan B. Shepard Middle School, Shepard Park has a regulation size baseball diamond,…read moretwo smaller diamonds, and play fields for soccer or field hockey. On the weekends, I often see pickup games of cricket being played in the field. There are also disc golf holes here, continuing from neighboring Keller Park (to the west) which is just across the bridge over the river. There is a fair amount of parking here, along with a well-maintained bathroom and shelter that is attached to the Deerfield Water Treatment Plant. Because it's attached to the middle school, and where several junior teams play, the grounds are exceptionally well maintained; though it also means that it is often reserved for school activities during the morning and early afternoon. Parking is accessible via Locust Pl., and then turn right onto Hackberry Rd. The parking lot to the east, off of Grove Ave., is reserved for school staff during the daytime.