Riverside trustees back moving Des Plaines River Trail south-extension engineering forward amid funding talks

The Village of Riverside Board of Trustees on Oct. 16 directed staff to move ahead with completing phase 1 engineering for the Des Plaines River Trail South Extension while continuing negotiations with Cook County, Brookfield and other partners over alignment and materials.

Manager Francis told trustees Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways has offered $300,000 to supplement phase 1 engineering and indicated the county can provide motor fuel tax funds to cover part of Riverside’s 20 percent share of final construction costs, potentially reducing the village’s contribution by roughly half. Francis said the county typically covers about half of the community’s 20 percent obligation, leaving roughly 10 percent to be borne by the village unless additional grants are obtained.

The board discussed alignment options for the segment along 30 First Street and material choices where the proposed path crosses IDOT right-of-way and Brookfield Zoo property. Planner Siren presented three material options: (1) a 10-foot asphalt path as proposed in the design package, (2) a 10-foot exposed-aggregate concrete path consistent with interior village pathways, and (3) routing cyclists onto the street with pavement markings (which would require removal of adjacent on-street parking). Trustees expressed concern about cost differences (staff estimated exposed-aggregate concrete could cost two to three times more than asphalt), maintenance where utilities lie under the path, and impacts to adjacent property and restoration work by the Forest Preserve District.

Public commenters, including Valerie Kramer, Riverside resident and founder of Bridal Riverside, and Lisa Peters, leader of Ride Riverside, urged trustees to approve moving the trail forward, emphasizing regional connectivity, safety, and potential economic benefits. Kramer noted survey results showing strong community support: “92% of respondents in the recent parks and rec survey named biking and walking trails as their top priority for outdoor amenities,” she said.

Several trustees said the project’s regional benefits and the county’s funding offer made it feasible to proceed with completing phase 1 engineering. After discussion, trustees expressed a majority preference for the 10-foot asphalt path in the IDOT/right-of-way section (the material preferred by Cook County), while asking staff to continue exploring whether portions could be sited on Forest Preserve District property or reconsidered as exposed-aggregate concrete if partners require it. Manager Francis and Planner Siren were directed to continue coordination with Brookfield, Cook County, the Forest Preserve District and other stakeholders, finalize alignment details needed to finish phase 1, and pursue grant opportunities that could further reduce Riverside’s share.

The board and staff repeatedly emphasized that finishing phase 1 engineering does not obligate Riverside to construct the full project if subsequent cost estimates or funding prospects make it infeasible. Trustees also asked staff to return with cost comparisons and with any options for bidding both materials or otherwise narrowing costs before final design and bidding.

Next steps announced on Oct. 16 included pursuing 2026 phase 1 completion to strengthen the village’s competitiveness for ITEP and Invest in Cook grant programs and continuing intergovernmental check-ins with Brookfield and Cook County to advance readiness for larger funding opportunities.