HIGHWOOD, IL (FEBRUARY 2013) – The City of Highwood is proud to announce The Highwood Recreation Center has undergone a transformation thanks to generous donations from the Highwood Chamber of Commerce, Carefree Comfort, and Viti Financial, and the wonderful help from Highwood Fire Department volunteers.

Recognized as the “heartbeat of Highwood,” the Rec Center has been a community staple since the 1940’s, drawing in people from all over the North Shore for their youth and adult community programs. With the revitalized infrastructure, the Rec Center is now able to expand program offerings to outside organizations looking for a beautiful facility to call their home.

Thanks to the generous donations from the Highwood Chamber of Commerce, Carefree Comfort and Viti Financial, the renewed Rec Center has been updated with two new LED scoreboards, which replaced the old ones that were almost 40 years old. New floors have been installed throughout the lobby and multipurpose room, making it not only more attractive, but also more conducive for exercise and dance classes. Off-duty Highwood firefighters and administrative staff donated their time and talents to install the new flooring and save costs.

“All these upgrades make the Highwood Rec Center more appealing to anyone looking for a community center to call their home,” says director Ivan Tosi, who has been with the Rec Center for over 15 years. “Our multi-purpose room was always underutilized, as its old linoleum floors were not acceptable for exercise. With the new wood floors, we are bringing in all sorts of classes to be held in this large private workout room.”

The Rec Center is kept alive not only by its programming and donations, but by local business sponsors whose banners hang along the gymnasium walls for all players and spectators to see.

"The Rec center looks amazing. The charity that this city gives and receives never ceases to amaze me. With all of the great improvements that have been made, the Rec center has a lot to offer to Highwood's residents and our surrounding communities,” says Mayor Charlie Pecaro.

The Rec Center is also proud to welcome a new performing arts program, The Performer’s School, bringing theatrical workshops, classes and auditions to community members. “We are pleased that the theater space created at the Highwood Recreation Center will provide a home for our classes,” says Elizabeth Fauntleroy.

The Highwood Rec Center offer a variety of classes for children and adults alike, including: Small Fry basketball (originated in 1969), soccer by Little Legends, martial arts by Goju Ryu Karate, basketball and baseball by Finish Strong Athletics, Rausch Baseball, and Play Hard Hoops, fitness classes by Fit Club, Zumba classes by Family Network and more.

“We’ve never had this many programs,” says Tosi. The Center has plans to bring other new opportunities to the community, such as the renowned North Shore Flea hitting the Rec Center beginning in summer 2013! They are also available for private parties and not-for-profit events.

ABOUT THE HIGHWOOD RECREATION CENTER

The Highwood Parks and Recreation Department offers the community a variety of programs and recreational opportunities. The Rec Center is located at 428 Green Bay Road, Highwood, IL 60040. Private party rental is available to both residents and non-residents throughout the year for an hourly fee. For more information, please visit http://www.cityofhighwood.com/viewpage.asp?id=310, follow them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Highwood-Rec-Center/175495715804353, or call 847-432-6633.