Planning & Development

The Planning & Development (P&D) Department plans, designs and constructs capital improvements to make the Forest Preserves more welcoming and accessible. In recent years, the P&D Department has managed significant investment in campgrounds, regional trails and popular recreation sites, as well as major renovation of existing buildings and infrastructure to improve life safety and accessibility. This work is guided by the five‐year Forest Preserves of Cook County Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

The P&D Department also oversees plans and policies relating to land acquisition and land-use licenses. It also maintains maps, geographic information, real estate records and design standards for signs and other built structures in the preserves.