Popular Chicago trail to be resurfaced over summer

CHICAGO (AP) - The city of Chicago is making improvements to a popular trail that runs along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

A statement from the mayor's office says the improvements will include resurfacing and paving. It says seven miles of what's known as the Chicago Lakefront Trail will be resurfaced this summer.

Chicago Park District Board President Jesse Ruiz says such trails aren't only used by Chicagoans for recreation but also for transit.

It's all part of an initiative called the Building on Burnham plan to upgrade and expand parkland available to the public.

The Chicago Park District currently manages more than 65 protected natural areas, encompassing more than 1,400 acres. The goal of the Building on Burnham plan is to have over 2,000 acres of protected natural areas by 2020.