Plans first set in motion in the mid-1980s to preserve land along the Cal-Sag Channel for public use came full circle on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at 11 a.m.
That’s when Palos Hills officials cut the ribbon on a new mile-and-a-half bike and walking path extension at 86th Avenue and Moraine Drive.
Mayor Gerald Bennett reminded the crowd that nearly 40 years ago, the city reached an agreement with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to lease 183 acres of property.
The goal at the time was to keep the land open for residents and eventually turn it into recreational space.
“In the mid-’80s, one of the things we wanted to assure the residents along the Cal-Sag was that the MWRD property would be protected going forward,” Bennett said. “Today is a semi culmination of that commitment.”
Since then, parts of the leased land have been subleased for community sports: first to the Palos Stars football program and later to Stagg High School for practice fields.
The trail opening, Bennett said, adds another chapter to that history of recreation.
“This trail actually will lead out to 111th Street, and with another generous grant from Cook County, a major improvement will take place at the light for a proper pedestrian crossing,” he said. “That connects to Moraine Valley Community College – almost three miles of trail right here in Palos Hills.”
Cook County Partnership
The extension project was funded through a $650,000 grant from the Cook County Department of Transportation’s Invest in Cook program, and was awarded in 2022.
“Partnership is how we move these projects forward,” said Jennifer Killen, superintendent of the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways.
“This new mile-and-a-half path connects the existing Cal-Sag trail system to Moraine Valley Community College, it expands the local and regional trail network and provides alternative transportation access for major biking and walking destinations.”
Killen also noted a recent $270,000 county award for pedestrian improvements at 111th Street and 86th Avenue, which will allow better trail access.
Role of MWRD
MWRD Vice President Patricia Teresa Flynn, who grew up just blocks away, said the project delivered on a vision the city outlined when the district first leased the property in 2002.
“At the time, the city told us there would be a possibility the land would be used for a bicycle path,” Flynn said. “It is great to stand here over 20 years later to see that possibility turn into reality.”
The MWRD owns about 24,000 acres, much of it leased to municipalities and park districts at no cost for recreation. “It gives our agency great pride to see the property utilized for the enjoyment of all,” Flynn said.
Community Impact
The trail extension now links directly to Moraine Valley Community College’s trail system. Bennett appreciated the college’s growth and cooperation, saying that residents from Palos Hills and neighboring towns use its campus trail regularly.
“What they have done with their long-term master plan to include a trail around the facility has been remarkable,” Bennett said. “Now they have that connectivity to this, and it’s going to be a great success.”
He added that the project shows what’s possible when long-term planning meets cooperation.
“This trail is absolutely beautiful,” Bennett said. “We are so proud of what happened as a result.”
