Highland Park Senior’s stadium athletic field closed this fall due to rainy summer

Here is an update about the timeline for the completion of Highland Park Senior High School’s athletic field in the stadium. Originally, the completion was set for early August 2024, but due to the excessive rain this summer, the field’s reopening will be pushed back later into the 2024-25 school year. This will provide time for the ground to dry up so the stormwater system can be installed to protect the new athletic field.

If the weather cooperates, the stadium field will be reopened in late October. However, the field will most likely be reopened in spring 2025, at which time we will have a celebratory groundbreaking event. Certain areas around the athletic field will still be usable by mid-August for some practices and physical education classes. 

This delay means football and varsity level boys’ and girls’ soccer games will take place on fields at other schools or locations. Coaches will provide updates on specific schedules and locations once school and/or practices begin. Transportation to practices and games will work the same way as previous years. 

For Homecoming on September 21, the dance, tailgating and other festivities will be at Highland Park Senior. The football game will be on a field at a location to be determined once the football season gets underway.

While we know this news may be disappointing for students, families and staff, please know that once the project is complete, the Highland Park school communities will be able to enjoy a brand new athletic field for years to come. Some of the improvements include new artificial turf, resurfacing the track, and the replacement of eight baseball and softball field dugouts.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work together to support students through this process. 

Future updates will be provided through your school or coaches. Meanwhile, please send questions or concerns to facilities@spps.org.