The Kane County Forest Preserve District will spend $540,000 to take a step closer to completing acquisition of the Fox River Trail in South Elgin.
At the Tuesday, July 14, Forest Preserve Commission, commission members approved an intergovernmental agreement with the village of South Elgin and Wolf South Elgin Ventures, LLC, for the acquisition of about 1.83 acres of riverfront property.
The Forest Preserve District had leased the strip of property along the river for many years, but the lease for the land has since expired, and the owner is currently marketing the property for sale.
In recent months, the Forest Preserve District and the village of South Elgin have been working with the Wolf South Elgin Ventures to negotiate the sale of the 60-foot-wide strip.
Under the terms of the agreement, the land that the Forest Preserve purchases will fulfill any land cash requirements for the remaining land when sold and developed. The village has agreed to this and will also absorb the cost of a Phase I environmental study on the land as part of their contribution.
Funds totaling $540,000 were reserved from the land acquisition account.
“The Fox River Trail is the most recognized trail system in Kane County,” the Forest Preserve District summary reads. “The process to construct the trail took many years to complete; finishing sections of the trail as land was acquired and funds were available. Still, to this day, the district continues to make improvements and increase the connections to this trail.”
About the Fox River Trail
The Fox River Trail features 43 miles of spectacular biking, hiking and cross-country skiing along the scenic Fox River. The paved path can be challenging at times, but the extra pedal pushing is rewarded with some impressive scenery along the trail and in the small towns. In addition, you can link with other trails in the region directly from the Fox River Trail for a multi-day journey (the Prairie Trail in Algonquin and the Virgil Gilman Trail and Illinois Prairie Path in Aurora).
As the trail meanders south from Algonquin, it closely follows the Fox River. It is possible to switch back and forth over the river since the trail does extend on both sides of the river at times. While this is a nice amenity, it also increases the potential to be confusing. The signage along the trail is good in most parts, but be sure to consult a map before heading out for a longer trip.
The upside to bouncing back and forth across the river — aside from the scenery — is the bridges you cross on. The Fox River Trail offers no less than six of them, some specifically for bicycles and pedestrians, across the river. The bridges are perfect spots for some of the best photo opportunities to be had along the trail. The bridges vary in form and function, from trestle to pedestrian, and allow you to experience the Fox River from many different viewpoints.
The trail was built on stretches of three former railroads: Chicago, Aurora & Elgin; Aurora, Elgin, & Fox River Electric; and Chicago & North Western. Today, it hosts a multitude of different birds, trees and wildlife, including bald eagles, herons and woodpeckers.
The Fox River Trail draws a lot of visitors, and many of the towns (and business owners) along the trail have embraced the tourism. You will find restaurants, cafes, bike shops and souvenir shops.
Small parks that dot the landscape throughout the trail are perfect for picnics or a well-earned break. They are local fishing haunts, too. So whether it is for a leisurely stroll, a hard cycling workout, a picnic in the park or just a relaxing day of fishing, the trail offers plenty to make your day.
SOURCE: TrailLink.com
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