South Elgin bike bridge hosts grand opening

Want to learn more about the Stearns Road bicycle bridge and other good hiking and biking spots?

Join the Forest Preserve District and Kane County to celebrate new trails, bike bridges and open space at “Walk the Rock!,” set for 8:45 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 17.

During this family-friendly event, participants will meet at Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve at 8:45 a.m., and then hike, walk, bicycle, or ride the Fox River Trolley three-quarters of a mile to the Stearns Road bicycle bridge to celebrate the official opening of this important river crossing. The rock marks the site of the project groundbreaking.

Following introductory remarks and a ribbon-cutting, there will be giveaways and activities for kids including an inflatable climbing wall, hikes to Tekakwitha Woods Nature Center, bird bingo, wetland investigations with naturalists from the Forest Preserve District, rides by the Fox River Trolley Museum, healthy living information, trail maps, and more.

Be sure to get there at 8:45 a.m. sharp. Bicycle bells and a special commemorative coin will be given to the first 200 who participate.

Already in use by walkers, bicyclists and joggers, this popular river crossing is much more than simply a bridge. Learn about four trail bridges including the multiuse path over the Fox River; two new multiuse trail underpasses; the interconnection to three regional bike trails; three miles of new multiuse paths; and 216 acres of new open space.

There will be parking at Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve, with overflow parking at the Fox River Trolley Museum and at Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve.

Participants also are encouraged to ride bicycles in from nearby spots including Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve, LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, downtown South Elgin, James “Pate” Philip State Park, or Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve along the Illinois Prairie Path.

This event is presented by the Forest Preserve District, Kane County, South Elgin Parks and Recreation and the Fox River Trolley Museum.

The event goes from 8:45 a.m. to noon. Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve is at 35W003 Route 31, South Elgin. Learn more at kaneforest.com.