New trails coming to Hidden Lake Forest Preserve
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is working with the Illinois Department of Transportation to bring 3,200 new feet of trail to Hidden Lake Forest Preserve in Downers Grove.
As part of its reconstruction of the intersection of Butterfield Road and Route 53, IDOT plans to build 3,200 feet of trail for pedestrians and bicyclists. One segment will connect the southeast corner of the intersection to Hidden Lake's north parking lot and existing Round Meadow Lake Trail.
A second segment near the preserve's south parking lot eventually will connect Round Meadow Lake Trail to a proposed trail that will run to the preserve's southern property line. IDOT also has agreed to resurface 1,200 feet of the existing lake trail between the two new segments.
The district will pay for 20 percent of the trail construction costs and 15 percent of the engineering. It anticipates money it receives from IDOT as compensation for granting right-of-way and easements to accommodate work at the intersection will cover the costs, and its board of commissioners has authorized Executive Director Michael Hullihan to sign a letter of intent on the matter.
"This is a wonderful project that will provide DuPage County residents with improved access to Hidden Lake," said Forest Preserve District Commissioner Jeff Redick, District 2.
The work at Butterfield and Route 53 is included in the state's 2017-22 Proposed Highway Improvement Program.
The new trail not only will serve Hidden Lake visitors but also complete a segment of the greater East Branch DuPage River Greenway Trail, which parallels Route 53. Once completed, the 31-mile regional trail will connect Bloomingdale to Woodridge and the North Central Regional Trail.
"This would provide visitors with a safer way to access Hidden Lake on foot or by bicycle," said Joe Cantore, forest district president.
At 393 acres, Hidden Lake Forest Preserve features two lakes, the East Branch DuPage River and more than 2 miles of trails. Later this summer it also will offer a 24-by-36-foot picnic shelter with two fixed grills and views of Round Meadow Lake.
The shelter will accommodate 50 people and six picnic tables and will be near the preserve's flush restrooms and 49-car north parking lot.