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Established on August 24, 1916 [1] by president Woodrow Wilson, the Council of National Defense was created because "The Country is best prepared for war when thoroughly prepared for peace." The local Highland Park branch was formed shortly thereafter.

The Highland Park Country Club was established in 1965 by Bertram Schwartz. The club featured an 18-hole golf course, outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, and large clubhouse. In 1967, the ownership of the club was transferred to a non-profit organization made up of members of the club. Over the years various plans for development of the club’s property were proposed. After real estate developer William Spatz’s attempt to build residential and commercial development failed, the City of Highland Park purchased the club property at auction for $10 million in 1993 to save the open space. In 1997, the city made the country public when it eliminated annual memberships and instead emphasized daily use and seasonal passes. After the city paid off the bonds used to purchase the property, the Park District of Highland Park assumed responsibility for the country club complex. Under the park district, the golf course operated at a loss and ceased golf operations at the end of 2017. The course was then converted into a nature preserve and trail system opening in 2022. The Highland Park Senior Center was relocated to the clubhouse building in 2021.