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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING THE FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF COOK COUNTY AND ITS PARTNERS FOR RECEIVING MULTIPLE AWARDS FOR PLANNING & IMPROVEMENTS MADE TO THE DES PLAINES RIVER TRAIL
WHEREAS, in 2025, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) and its partners received four significant awards recognizing the Des Plaines River Trail for planning and trail improvement efforts; and
WHEREAS, in February 2025, the Des Plaines River Trail received the Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies, Illinois Chapter, recognizing engineering excellence and honoring projects that demonstrate innovation, creative problem-solving, and engineering’s unique ability to improve communities; and
WHEREAS, in April 2025, the Des Plaines River Trail received the Advancing Trails Award from American Trails, in the trail design and planning category, which recognizes a trail project demonstrating innovative planning and design techniques, while incorporating accessibility and making a positive impact to the community; and
WHEREAS, in June 2025, the Des Plaines River Trail received an award from the National Association of Counties in the parks and recreation category, highlighting its efforts to revitalize and reimagine public spaces in ways that benefit residents and visitors; and
WHEREAS, also in June 2025, the Des Plaines River Trail project received an award from the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials in the trails and corridors category, which recognizes excellence in trail, greenway, waterway, corridor or other linear park development; and
WHEREAS, the Des Plaines River Trail is a 56-mile-long, regionally significant linear trail system that extends from Wadsworth, Wisconsin, to River Grove in Cook County, Illinois, winding through numerous municipalities and serving tens of thousands of users annually for recreation and alternative transportation; and
WHEREAS, the Forest Preserves, which manages 28.3 miles of the Des Plaines River Trail, identified persistent flooding along this well-used and popular trail as a cause of deterioration and safety concerns; and
WHEREAS, the Forest Preserves, in collaboration with local municipalities, including Franklin Park, Rosemont, Schiller Park, River Grove, and Park Ridge, along with transportation agencies, advocacy groups, and the engineering firm Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd., undertook a coordinated effort to improve trail user experience, reduce flooding, enhance safety, realign trail segments, and strengthen community connectivity to the trail; and
WHEREAS, completed trail improvements include new pedestrian crosswalks at major intersections, upgraded trail surfaces, flood mitigation measures, a pedestrian bridge, and a 1,000-foot boardwalk; and
WHEREAS, this complex and ambitious trail improvement project exemplifies the power of partnerships and community engagement to restore and enhance vital outdoor spaces for public use; and
WHEREAS, the improvements to the Des Plaines River Trail represent a significant investment in a regional trail system that promotes alternative transportation and healthy outdoor recreation for Cook County residents and visitors alike;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Toni Preckwinkle, President, and the Board of Commissioners of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County extend their congratulations to the Forest Preserves and its partners for receiving four distinguished awards recognizing their work on the Des Plaines River Trail. This outstanding achievement reflects the continued commitment of the Forest Preserves to enriching the lives of residents and visitors through thoughtful conservation and recreation initiatives.end