New ‘Destination Trailhead’ Connects Gilman, Fox River Bicycle Trails
A new connector path joins the Virgil Gilman Trail (pictured) with the Fox River Trail at South River Street Park, where a “destination trailhead” allows users to travel in all directions. Phase II improvements at the park will include a shelter, boat dock and expanded parking, among other features. Photo courtesy of Fox Valley Park District
South River Street Park is undergoing a second round of renovations that will greatly increase access and convenience for users of the Fox River and Virgil Gilman trails, among other improvements.
Adjacent to the Fox River, South River Street Park’s eight acres of parkland are located at the confluence of the two trails. An expanded trailhead was completed last fall; coming improvements as part of Phase II of the development plan will further enhance the park to serve as a central hub for the Park District’s growing trail network that currently features 45 miles of interconnected trails.
“We are creating a destination trailhead for users to access two different trails that will offer opportunities for travel in all directions – north, south, east and west,” said Jeff Palmquist, Director of Planning, Development and Grants.
A connector ramp now joins the two trails and allows easier navigation on what used to be a steep grade that was inaccessible. Also, in 2010, the Park District completed an extension of the Fox River Trail through South River Street Park to connect with the new Trail Gap bridge that crosses the Fox River to Hurds Island.
Additional improvements to South River Street Park will include a new riverfront shelter, an upgraded boat ramp and dock, accessible fishing stations, expanded parking, bio swales, habitat restoration and a trailhead kiosk with maps and interpretive signage.
A regulation ball field that’s currently at the site also will be connected via sidewalk. Renovation work will be performed by Wilkinson Excavating of Somonauk for $308,900, funded by the 2008 referendum as part of the Open Space, Park and Recreation Investment (OSPRI) plan.
The Park District also will utilize a $217,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) through the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant program – a statewide funding program that enables communities to improve outdoor recreation areas and increase open space.
