BIKE TRAILS FOR JOLIET by Sam Basan, Director

A section of an old road will be converted for use by bicycles only and provide a good trail tor the bicycling enthusiasts.

The trail route will run parallel to the road and also stay close to the creek for a portion of the distance.

Due to the ever increasing popularity of bicycling as a pleasant family recreational activity and the availability of bicycles for rent in the Highland and Pilcher Park area, the Joliet Park District has undertaken a two phase program of bicycle trail construction.

The proposal to eliminate motorized vehicular use of one road, rejuvenate a second road and construct 9800 feet of hard surfaced bike trails 6' to 8' wide was presented to the Board of Park Commissioners and won unanimous approval.

To provide a safe bicycling experience, facilitate ease of construction and simplify future maintenance the trails will be approximately 12 feet from, and run parallel to, a few select and existing roads in the park. In order to complete the first phase of the project and create a loop from the beginning point at the Pilcher Park Nature Museum, Valley Road has been designated for bicycle use only, a temporarily abandoned road will be renovated in order to accommodate the bicyclists and trails over 3600 feet of heretofore virgin ground will be cut out. Also included in the plan is the provision for picnic and rest areas located in the more scenic spots along the trail routes and complete signing of the entire trail system.

To get the plan underway immeditely, 600 to 700 Boy Scouts who are annually involved in the Joliet Park District's "Conservation Good Turn Day," will begin the preliminary work on the first phase of the program. The Scouts will be responsible for cutting the many small sapplings which presently dot the planned trail route, raking the duff off the 3600 feet of trails and picking up litter in the general area. The work by the Scouts serves as their community service project which is required for advancement toward their merit badges.

They also receive a beautiful embroidered patch from the Park District's Conservation Department. After the preparatory work has been completed, Park District maintenance crews will begin the construction of four small bridges, which will traverse existing creeks, and laying and rolling the crushed stone and screenings which will compose the trail surface.

The second phase of the project includes constructing 6200 feet of bike trails in order to connect major points of interest within this sprawling 462 acre park area. This phase presents the most obstacles in the overall plan due to the topography of this area. The rolling terrain and marshy hollows present construction problems for the Park District but should make for an interesting ride for the bicycling enthusiasts in as far as taxing their stamina and perserverance.

The trail system will eventually connect Wilhelm's Landing, where a boat and bicycle concession exists, the Pilcher Park Nature Museum and Native Animal Zoo, Birdhaven Picnic Grounds and Conservatory, The Flowing Well and the Park District's miniature train ride which is known as the Cannon Ball Express.

Once completed, this system of inter-connecting trails will total over four miles of hard surfaced riding paths and permit the bicyclists to ride through one of the most scenic areas in the Chicago Metropolitan Region.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 16 May/June, 1975