Outdoor enthusiasts, get excited.
Hikers and bikers as far away as Morton will soon have access all the way through East Peoria and even into Peoria.
Last week, city council members approved a first reading of a $165,000 bid from P.A. Atherton for the completion of phase two of the River Trail of Illinois project — which will connect the trail from the pedestrian bridge near the Camp Street Crossing shopping center to the Bob Michel Bridge.
A $150,000 grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will fund the project. (See page A1)
Currently, there is a blocked off area on the west side of the pedestrian bridge followed by a 15-foot drop.
Not only will the trail completion benefit East Peorians, it will allow neighboring residents to stride or pedal into town.
And once the Downtown 2010 project begins to take shape, just think about the tourism possibilities.
“It’s a milestone to have a trail that goes all the way through the city and connects to other communities,” said Ty Livingston, the city’s director of planning and community development.
More importantly, in a world where someone must hop in their vehicle to get from place to place, it is refreshing to see a city investing in a project that will potentially benefit the environment and people’s health and well being.
It’s money well spent.
So, what’s next?
The next step in the process is to continue connections with other communities, specifically Washington and Pekin, said Livingston.
In addition, the city will work on its “internal network,” meaning it will build off-street trails that connect to the main trail in East Peoria.
So, dust off those running shoes and put air in those bike tires because soon there will be a new place to travel in town.
