Wolfe Wildlife Park in Oak Lawn is set for a major walking path improvement, with construction expected to begin this fall.
According to Katie Wagner, marketing manager for the Oak Lawn Park District, the district was awarded a $2 million Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program grant and a $306,201 Invest in Cook grant to replace the park’s existing walking path and lighting.
The project will begin at 109th Street and Lavergne Avenue and continue generally southwest to 107th Street and Long Avenue.
A new connector path also will be constructed along the east edge of the H.L. Richards High School tennis courts. The path will provide a pedestrian connection from the bridge at Wolfe Drive and Long Avenue to 107th Street and Long Avenue.
The Park District has worked with Engineering Resource Associates and the Illinois Department of Transportation to develop the construction plans. Wagner said the district also coordinated with several agencies, including the National Park Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, Will-South Cook Soil and Water Conservation District and the Village of Oak Lawn, to obtain the necessary permits.
The project was designed to meet the standards outlined in Bureau of Local Roads and Streets Chapter 42 for shared-use paths. IDOT put the project out for public bid in June, and Martam Construction was awarded the contract.
Construction is expected to begin this fall, bringing a number of changes to the area around the existing path.
As part of the design process, a tree survey was completed and trees in the project area were tagged. Some trees will need to be removed to meet required standards for clear shoulders, minimum curve radii and sight lines.
Tree removal is expected to begin in the coming weeks. Replacement tree plantings are included in the project.
Construction this fall also will include installation of a compensatory storage area, light pole foundations and conduit, along with demolition, excavation and subbase preparation.
People who regularly use the path should expect temporary closures and other disruptions during construction. The Park District plans to minimize those impacts as much as possible while maintaining a safe environment for residents, pedestrians and construction crews.
Once complete, the project will provide a new walking path and lighting at Wolfe Wildlife Park, creating an improved and more accessible route for people who walk and use the park.
The project has involved cooperation among several local organizations and agencies. The Oak Lawn Park District also expressed its appreciation for the continued support of the Village of Oak Lawn, Community High School District 218 and Upland Design.