The Forest Preserves of Cook County Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a five‐year projection of planned capital improvements to Forest Preserves’ buildings, trails and infrastructure.
The $283 million, five-year plan for 2026 to 2030 includes $57 million in projected spending in 2026, primarily for rehabilitation and renewal of existing trails and facilities, including:
- Ongoing enhancements to the Des Plaines River Trail from the new Lawrence Avenue bridge south to Schiller Woods
- Ongoing Des Plaines River canoe and kayak access at Maywood Grove
- Repaving of the popular 2.7-mile Midlothian Meadow loop trail
- Reconstruction of portions of the Palos Trails system
- Structural repairs of limestone shelters at Harms Woods
- New restroom facilities at Beaubien Woods Boat Launch
- Ongoing building improvements at McGinnis Fisheries field station
- Vehicle and equipment upgrades
Updates and highlights on 2026 projects can be found in the Capital Improvement Plan. The report does not include lower priority “wish list” projects that could benefit Forest Preserves visitors but will require new grant funding or partner support. A total of $23 million in new construction and development funding is proposed in 2026.
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.