title
PROPOSED GRANT AWARD
Department: Department of Planning and Development
Grantee: Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”)
Grantor: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Request: Authorization to accept grant
Purpose: Authorization is sought for the Forest Preserves to enter into an agreement with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to accept grant funding to support signage and wayfinding improvements to the Palos and Sag Valley Trail System. The Forest Preserves' Palos complex - which includes Swallow Cliff, Red Gate Woods, and other preserves - lies in southwest Cook County and is over 10,000 acres in size.
Grant Amount: $40,000.00
Grant Period: 9/1/2025 (retroactive) - 8/31/2027
Fiscal Impact: N/A
Accounts: Land Improvement 51009.560019, 51010.560019, 510034.560019; and future Construction & Development accounts
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final agreement is subject to legal review and approval.
District(s): 16
Summary: The Forest Preserves has been awarded funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity that would build on Project #22-203570 ($10,000,000.00) Swallow Cliff and Palos Trail Infrastructure Enhancement Project that is currently underway, by supporting the development and installation of new maps and additional wayfinding signs along this extensive 42-mile trail system. The original Project included sign scope focusing primarily on introductory routes, but this additional funding would allow for more signs at additional locations. Maps will clearly identify the routes, and supplemental pedestrian directional signs will be installed to help direct people along the routes to major attractions and to contribute to people feeling confident and safe.
The proposed project supports the Forest Preserves' goal to re-envision this expansive area as a “campus” with well-marked and easy-to-follow trails linking the many amenities together in a network.
end