New multipurpose trail to open Thursday, June 4
Lace up your hiking boots or saddle up your horse and join the dedication and grand opening of McHenry County Conservation District's newest multipurpose trail at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, June 4, at Brookdale Conservation Area, Paulsen Entrance, Route 14 and Paulsen Road, Woodstock.
After a short presentation, help cut the ceremonial ribbon and then meander a 1.5-mile trail loop or venture the entire 4.5 miles on your own. The trail skirts along a woodland border, past the edges of an agricultural field and around two fishing ponds.
"The significance of this 4.5-mile, multiuse trail addition which will provide McHenry County residents access to another great outdoor recreational amenity, is that it would not have been made possible without the involvement and advocacy of numerous community partners," said board President David Brandt.
In 2013, the Equestrian Coalition of McHenry County made up of the Bull Valley Riding Club, the McHenry County Horse Club, the McHenry County Saddle Club, and the Riding Club of Barrington Hills, teamed up with the McHenry County Conservation Foundation to jump start a fundraising initiative to implement Brookdale Conservation Area's master plan, to add the 4.5-mile horse and pedestrian trail system, as well as temporary and permanent horse trailer parking lots, and access to two fishing ponds.
As momentum in the project grew, additional groups came forward to provide financial support including the Spring Grove Horse Show and the Illinois Equine Research and Promotions Board.
Together they have raised about $21,700 through a combination of fundraisers and grants. The group's goal is to assist the conservation district by raising $25,000 for the local match of a $160,000 federal Recreational Trails Program grant submitted on behalf of the conservation district.
Brookdale Conservation Area in Woodstock is a 1,645-acre site which opened to the public in 2000. This trail addition will complement the existing 1-mile looped nature trail, picnic shelter, 11-acre fishing pond and observation deck accessed off Route 14 or the Paulsen Road entrance. Visit www.MCCDistrict.org.