Des Plaines Park District dedicates Yates Crossing

The Des Plaines Park District held a ceremony July 1 to officially open Yates Crossing, a new bridge connecting Cumberland Terrace Park with Des Plaines Manor Park on the district's northwest side.

The event was attended by more than 50 people, including local residents, city officials, park district commissioners and staff.

The event marked the culmination of more than 30 years of discussions and planning with residents of the area to build a bridge over Weller Creek that would facilitate travel to area schools, the Cumberland Metra Train Station, the nearby High Ridge Knolls Bike Path, popular Community Gardens, and the park district's Community Center and Aquatic Center.

Bike and pedestrian travel between these neighborhoods previously required a circuitous route via busy streets, including the heavily traveled Golf and Wolf roads. A system of bike routes, and the new paths will allow much safer passage from Thacker Street on the south all the way to Golf Road on the north.

This new pathway has scenic attractions, and the bridge provides a clear view of Weller Creek, which had been hidden behind trees and sloped banks. The bridge was installed on April 21.

Yates Crossing is named for longtime park board Commissioner Bill Yates, who served the community from 1999 until his passing in March of 2021. Jan Yates cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the bridge that is dedicated to her late husband.

Along with the installation of the bridge and the creation of a walking/biking path through the two parks, the playgrounds at both Cumberland Terrace and Des Plaines Manor were recently renovated, providing kids and families with myriad opportunities for recreation close to home.

Des Plaines Park District Executive Director Don Miletic spoke about how the district coordinated its efforts with the city of Des Plaines and the Des Plaines Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and the importance of receiving an $152,700 Bike Path Grant.

"Commissioner Yates was a strong advocate for park improvements and a supporter of the staff. He will be missed," Miletic said.