The Forest Preserves of Cook County Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a five‐year projection of planned capital improvements to the Forest Preserves’ buildings, trails and infrastructure.
The $278 million, five-year plan for 2024 to 2028 includes $56 million in projected spending in 2024, primarily for rehabilitation and renewal of existing trails and facilities, including:
- Enhancements to the Des Plaines River Trail, including access and parking at Catherine Chevalier Woods, as well as improvements extending south to Schiller Woods.
- Des Plaines River canoe and kayak access at Maywood Grove.
- Repaving of the popular 2.7-mile Midlothian Meadow loop trail.
- Structural repair of 11 picnic shelters in Dan Ryan Woods, Eggers Grove and south suburban locations.
- Restroom renovation at Busse Woods and Dan Ryan Woods.
- Bridge repairs at Chick Evans and Edgebrook Golf Course.
- New trailhead and wayfinding signs at various trailhead locations.
A more detailed list of 2024 projects, along with $222 million in priority projects for 2025-2028, can be found in a separate appendix. Additionally, roughly $69 million in additional new amenities that could benefit Forest Preserves visitors, but will require new grant funding or partner support, are also listed in the appendix. A total of $19 million in new Construction & Development Funding is proposed in 2024.
Requests for New or Improved Facilities, Amenities & Infrastructure
Learn about the process for requesting new or improved buildings, trails, recreation facilities or infrastructure and make specific requests.