In Phase One: Design Ideation, the design team conducted a multi-tiered engagement process to consult with those most impacted by the Highland Park shooting and the broader community to share their thoughts on the design elements for the Highland Park Place of Remembrance.
In Phase Two: Design Concept Review, the team presented three concepts for both the primary Place of Remembrance at the Rose Garden and the subtle, secondary site at Port Clinton Plaza.
We recognize that engaging with this project may bring up difficult emotions. Participation is entirely voluntary. For support, connect with our team at resiliency@cityhpil.com
A Brief Process Overview
The Place of Remembrance is being designed through a phased, community-centered process. Every concept you'll see here is a direct result of what Highland Park residents, families, survivors, and first responders shared with the design team.
Phase 1: Design Ideation (February 2026 - April 2026)
Phase 2: Design Concept Review (May 2026 - June 2026)
Phase 3: Design Refinement + Construction (June 2026 - Onward)
Highland Park Refined Concept + Presentation
On June 8, 2026, SWA presented to the City Council. This document includes the presentation to City Council on Phase 2 Engagement, refined concepts for the Rose Garden, and considerations for Port Clinton.
Highland Park Refined Concept in Spanish
Phase One: Design Ideation
Engagement Summary
This report, prepared by All Together, synthesizes all community input gathered during Phase 1: Design Ideation of the Highland Park Place of Remembrance design process. This included a multi-tiered survey, individual and group listening sessions, and a community workshop, all conducted between February and April 2026
Phase Two: Design Concept Review
Engagement Summary
This report, prepared by All Together, synthesizes all community input gathered during Phase 2: Design Concept Review of the Highland Park Place of Remembrance. This included a multi-tiered survey, individual listening sessions, community workshops, and engagement conducted during May 2026.
Review the Designs for the Highland Park Place of Remembrance
Based on community feedback, the design team developed three concepts for each site of the Highland Park Place of Remembrance.
Concept 1: Woven Together
A naturalistic garden framed by seven ‘Remembrance Niches’ is tied together with a gently meandering path and a babbling through-line of water.
Concept 2: Mending Lines
A flowing narrative garden inviting meditation through grounding touchpoints with water, trees, and stone.
Concept 3: Petals
A simple meadow is host to 7 sculptural objects evocative of rose petals. The petals are a constant amidst the dynamics of seasonal change in the field around them.
Review the Full Concept Presentation for Phase 1: Design Ideation
In May 2026, SWA Group presented the Design Concepts to the Highland Park Place of Remembrance Working Group. Below are the presentations to presentations to read in English and Spanish.