Forest preserves opens newly improved section of Des Plaines River Trail

Another major section of the Des Plaines River Trail is ready for visitors following completion of improvements between Lawrence Avenue and Irving Park Road, continuing a years-long effort by the Forest Preserves of Cook County and partners to improve one of the region’s most popular trail systems.

The newly improved 1.1-mile section, known as Segment 4, relocates portions of the trail away from the Des Plaines River and out of the flood plain, helping address conditions that have historically made sections of the trail susceptible to flooding and extended closures.

The project also includes approximately 700 feet of new boardwalk and resurfacing.

The project improves access to the trail at Robinson Woods-South and Schiller Woods-West, including accessibility improvements and new trail amenities such as a bench and bike rack. The Robinson Woods parking area was also resurfaced as part of the improvements.

“The Des Plaines River Trail is one of the great connectors in our region, linking neighborhoods, nature and destinations across Cook County,” said Cook County and Forest Preserves of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Every resident deserves easy access to the outdoors, and investments like this help make that a reality. I'm grateful to our municipal, county, state and federal partners, whose commitment makes these long-term improvements possible.”

The approximately $3.8 million investment for Segment 4 was supported by federal transportation funding and Forest Preserves matching funds, which were provided through an agreement with the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways using Motor Fuel Tax funds.

“The Des Plaines River Trail, formerly known as the Bridle Path, is extremely important for the Village of Franklin Park as it provides residents with a sanctuary to relax and exercise,” said Franklin Park Mayor Barrett Mayor Pedersen. “The trail has long been an outlet for Franklin Park residents to enjoy the outdoors, and the improvements have been essential to making the trail usable for longer periods throughout the year. Once the remaining portions of the trail are completed, it will benefit the region economically and provide Village residents an opportunity to explore the region on foot or on a bike.”

“This is a great example of what we can accomplish when local communities and the Forest Preserves work together toward a shared goal,” said Schiller Park Mayor Chad Meyers. “The improved Des Plaines River Trail provides our residents and visitors with a safer, more accessible way to enjoy the outdoors and connect with the surrounding communities. Schiller Park is proud to have played a role in bringing this important improvement to the community, and we’re excited for people to experience the trail for years to come.”

Segment 4 builds on improvements completed farther north in 2024, when the Forest Preserves celebrated the renovation of 4.4 miles of the Des Plaines River Trail between Lawrence and Touhy avenues.

That $12.5 million project included a new pedestrian bridge over Lawrence Avenue, approximately 1,000 feet of boardwalk, trail rerouting and resurfacing, and safety and accessibility improvements at several roadway crossings.

Work continues south

The Forest Preserves is already preparing for an approximately $12.4 million investment farther south along the Des Plaines River Trail, on the segment extending approximately 1.3 miles from Fullerton Avenue to North Avenue.

Plans include rehabilitation or reconstruction of the existing trail, construction of trail on a new alignment, new boardwalks and signalized crossings at North Avenue and Strieby Drive. The project is expected to begin by the end of 2026 and will take approximately one year to complete.

The project has also been shaped by partnerships across multiple communities and levels of government. Rosemont funded Phase 1 work, the Village of River Grove used American Rescue Plan Act funds for Phase 2, and Franklin Park Mayor Barrett Pedersen helped secure Build Illinois funding for the project.