Press Release - Friday, January 02, 2004
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Governor announces completion of bicycle trail near Moraine Hills State Park
SPRINGFIELD, ILL. - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced the completion of the new 1.8-mile Moraine Hills River Road Trail bicycle and hiking path, adjacent to Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry County.
"The new paved trail along River Road in McHenry provides a safe place to bicycle ride, walk or run at one of the state's most beautiful and popular parks," the Governor said. "It represents another enhancement of outdoor recreation opportunities in northeastern Illinois that is already proving popular with those interested in staying fit and families looking to enjoy time together outdoors."
Work was completed during the autumn on the new trail. The $1 million project was funded through the federal transportation enhancement program, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, along with 20 percent matching funds provided through the state bicycle path fund, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
The new trail is located along the western edge of the Moraine Hills State Park, adjacent to River Road. It helps connects the city of McHenry to the park entrance, providing bicycle riders and pedestrians easier access to the 1,690-acre park and the more than 10 miles of trails within the park. The new trail is also part of the 500-mile Grand Illinois Trail, a network of trails throughout northern Illinois connecting Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River.
Moraine Hills State Park is named after the geologic formation known as a moraine, an accumulation of boulders, stones and other debris deposited by a glacier as it melted, leaving gravel-rich deposits called kames that created the park's wooded hills and ridges. The park is an ideal venue for hiking, biking, wildlife watching, fishing and picnicking. For more information, contact the park office at 815/385-1624.
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