A Highland Park resident and president of the Parks Foundation of Highland Park has been appointed to the board of commissioners of the city’s park district.
Rafael Labrador was appointed during the Park District’s Board of Commissioners meeting on Aug. 21 to fill the seat of longtime Commissioner Brian Kaplan, who resigned earlier this year. He will serve until May 2025 and will be eligible to run for a two- or six-year term in the next election in April 2025.
Labrador has been president of the foundation since 2015. He is active in biotech marketing and has worked for AbbVie since 2015, according to a Dismissal from the park district.
“I have fallen in love with the parks and recreational opportunities here in Highland Park,” Labrador said in a statement. “I value the diversity of backgrounds, experiences and cultures in our North Shore communities.”
During his time as president of the Parks Foundation, the organization reportedly raised more than $100,000 for scholarships for needy families in Highland Park and Highwood.
“I am proud to have been part of the foundation that provided funding for the long-awaited renovations of the Park Avenue Breakwater and boat ramp, the construction of Jeff Fox Field, and the installation of the beautiful seating at Sunset Wood Park Rocketship Playground,” said Labrador. “And we are all excited about the new state-of-the-art indoor pickleball and padel facility scheduled to open in early 2025.”
Labrador serves on the Park District’s Efficiency Committee and during that time has reportedly studied the District’s laws, regulations, rules, procedures, powers, responsibilities and relationships with other governmental entities.
“Rafael has been an important and dedicated member of the community and the park district for many years,” said Cal Bernstein, president of the park board of commissioners, in a statement. “We are thrilled that he has accepted the additional responsibilities that come with the position of park commissioner and look forward to benefiting from his knowledge and expertise.”
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