The District is finalizing plans to submit an application for a $200,000 Illinois Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trail Program for the development of a recreational trail within Hawthorne Hill Woods in accordance with the proposed 2014 Woodridge Town Centre Master Plan. The grant, if approved, would offset the estimated $500,000 project cost. The proposed engineered recreational trail (see below) will consist of mostly crushed limestone with some asphalt connections transitioning to the existing bike paths and over culverts. The trail will meander through the woodlands connecting users of the existing Woodridge Comprehensive Multi-use Pathway System on the north and south ends of the woodlands as well as provide users enhanced opportunities to more closely experience nature.
Prior to submitting the grant application, the District has scheduled a Public Hearing on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fred C. Hohnke Community Center in the Willow Board Room, 2600 Center Drive, Woodridge, IL 60517. The purpose of the Public Hearing is to solicit public review and comments on the proposed trail. Comments may also be submitted in writing in advance of the Public Hearing addressed to Director of Parks, Planning and Development, Jennifer Knitter, by email or by mail or drop-off to the Fred C. Hohnke Community Center, 2600 Center Drive, Woodridge, IL 60517.
