The local trails in your neighborhood could be getting a significant facelift, thanks to the recent announcement that $3.7 million will be awarded for various recreational trail development projects across the state.

Under the program, local grant recipients can receive a reimbursement of up to 80 percent for the cost of trail projects. Grants may be awarded for land acquisition, trail construction and rehabilitation, purchase of equipment for trail development and maintenance, restoration of areas damaged by unauthorized trail use, construction of trail-related support facilities such as parking and restrooms, and educational programs.

The Illinois Greenways and Trails Council, an advisory board under the purview of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, recommended the funding for 19 designated projects to be used to help satisfy the burgeoning demand for improved trails and outdoor recreation facilities within the Land of Lincoln.

Freeport Park District – Jane Addams Trail improvement project, $200,000
Illinois Association of Snowmobile Clubs – snowmobile trail maintenance and operations, $158,400
Jimmy Lowry – acquisition of The Cliffs in LaSalle County, $612,000
City of Carbondale – Cedar Lake multi-use trail, $200,000
Champaign County Forest Preserve – Lake of the Woods bike trail renovation, $200,000
Cook County Forest Preserve District – Tinley Creek paved trail improvements, Black Spur, $188,000
City of Crystal Lake – Three Oaks Recreation Area, $200,000
Decatur Park District – Scovill Park West trails improvement project, $200,000
City of East Peoria – Camp Street Trail, final phase, $200,000
Trail Recreation Effingham County – Phase VI-C, $200,000
Village of Germantown Hills – Village Park trail extension, $200,000
Kane County Forest Preserve District – Big Rock Forest Preserve trail improvements, $200,000
City of Lockport – Eighth Street pedestrian bridge replacement, $200,000
Manhattan Park District – Round Barn Farm trails, $200,000
The Land Conservancy, McHenry County – Thompson Road Trail System, $192,200
City of Rock Island – Hodge Park Community Recreation Trail, $44,800
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Allerton Park bike trail, $130,110
City of Waukegan – Michigan Trail trailhead amenities, $40,000
Woodridge Park District – New bike trail through Hawthorn Hill Woods, $200,000