Network of bicycle trails has Fox Valley livin' large
Sometimes, an outsider's view can serve as a great reality check that provides a fresh perspective and makes us realize how lucky we really are.
Such a scenario unfolded a few weeks ago when a pair of out-of-town bicyclists couldn't stop raving about the network of trails that weave in and out and around the Fox Valley -- trails that maybe, just maybe, we take for granted.
"These trails are awesome," they exclaimed repeatedly. "Man, I wish we had trails like these back home."
It was a point well taken. With the Fox River Trail, Virgil Gilman Trail and Illinois Prairie Path, cyclists, hikers and joggers in these parts are living large. In fact, two of those trails (Fox River and Prairie Path) were recently enshrined into the National Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame.
The Fox Valley Park District maintains 40 miles of regional trails, including the entire Gilman Trail and long stretches of the Fox River Trail and Prairie Path. They are among the most cherished and well-used park amenities in the district -- and they're getting better all the time.
By the end of this month, workers will put the wraps on asphalt repaving projects covering 2 ½ miles of regional trails, including the popular and picturesque one-mile stretch of the Fox River Trail East from the State Street bridge in North Aurora past Red Oak Nature Center to Lippold Park.
"We make it a priority to improve and upgrade our trails every year," said Bill Donnell, director of Park Operations and Natural Resources. "Keeping our trails in the best condition possible makes them more enjoyable for everybody."
Other sections resurfaced include a half-mile stretch of the Fox River Trail West in downtown Aurora between Piney Street and North River Street Park; a one-half mile section on the Fox River Trail East south of Illinois Ave. to Indian Creek; and one-half mile of the Gilman Trail between Copley I Park and the Fox River. And last year, the Park District paved a one-mile section of the Prairie Path between East Indian Trail and Illinois Avenue.
Refurbished trails are just one facet of ongoing progress. Construction recently began on a new section of the Fox River Trail that will ultimately connect the pathway through downtown Aurora and create a 75-mile north/south route from Oswego to the Wisconsin state line north of Richmond.
The "Trail Gap" as it's called -- a 1.3-mile missing link -- will be one step closer to being connected when the Park District adds a one-half mile paved extension on the west side of the Fox River between Rathbone Avenue that will cross the river to Hurd's Island, where it will continue along the island to North Avenue.
With recreational gems like our regional trails, the old saying "too much of a good thing" just doesn't apply.
Jeff Long is the public relations manager for the Fox Valley Park District. Contact him at jlong@fvpd.net
