Project recognized for engineering excellence, innovative design and environmental stewardship that enhances safety and year-round trail use
The Forest Preserves of Cook County’s ambitious improvements to the Des Plaines River Trail have earned top honors from several national and state organizations that recognize the Forest Preserves’ commitment to innovative design, environmental stewardship and collaboration in revitalizing one of the region’s most important trail systems.
“These awards highlight the incredible partnership and dedication that went into transforming key segments of the Des Plaines River Trail,” says Adam Bianchi, General Superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. “Through thoughtful planning and collaboration, we’ve created a safer, more accessible, and more resilient trail that connects communities while protecting the natural beauty of the Des Plaines River corridor.”
The Forest Preserves owns and manages 28.3 miles of the 56-mile Des Plaines River Trail, which stretches from Wadsworth, Wisconsin to River Grove, Illinois. The trail system is a vital regional corridor that connects communities, supports recreation and provides access to nature for tens of thousands of visitors each year. However, recurring flooding and outdated crossings have long limited its usability and safety.
Beginning in 2016, the Forest Preserves partnered with local municipalities including the villages of Rosemont, Schiller Park, Franklin Park, River Grove, River Forest, the City of Park Ridge, and engineering firm Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. to develop solutions that would make the trail safer, more accessible and more resilient while protecting the surrounding natural environment.
Completed in 2024, the first phase of improvements covered more than four miles of the trail between Touhy and Lawrence avenues. The project included reconstructing the path, upgrading and improving traffic signals at major intersections, realigning trail sections, installing a new pedestrian bridge over Lawrence Avenue, and adding a 1,000-foot elevated boardwalk to lift the trail above the 100-year floodplain. The project also prioritized sustainability, using innovative construction methods to protect trees, wetlands and wildlife, including root pruning and minimal excavation techniques.
These efforts garnered the Des Plaines River Trail improvements multiple awards in 2025, highlighting the project’s success as a model of collaboration, creativity and conservation:
- Engineering Excellence Award from The American Council of Engineering Companies Illinois Chapter
- Achievement Award in Parks and Recreation from the National Association of Counties
- Trails and Corridors Award from the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials Award Program
- Advancing Trails Award in Trail Planning and Design from American Trails
With Segments 1 through 3 now complete, the next construction phase, which includes Segment 4 between Lawrence Avenue and Irving Park Road, is already underway. This next phase will continue to address flooding concerns, enhance connectivity and ensure that the trail remains a cherished public resource for years to come.
The Des Plaines River Trail remains one of the Forest Preserves’ most popular destinations, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, running and nature exploration along the scenic Des Plaines River.
“With recent improvements and continued investment, the Des Plaines River Trail now stands as a regional model for how thoughtful infrastructure can protect nature while connecting people to it,” Bianchi says.
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About the Forest Preserves of Cook County
Don’t you sometimes just want to escape? Explore the natural beauty of Cook County for an hour, a day or even a night. When you’re surrounded by 70,000 acres of wild and wonderful there’s no better place to feel free.