River trail plan encourages people to think big

Active Trans has released the full version of our Chicago River Trail Action Plan, which lays out key opportunities to advance the goal of a continuous Chicago River Trail for each neighborhood along the river.

Download and view the full report here.

The report builds off of action items from the Great Rivers Chicago initiative, a partnership between Mayor Emanuel and his administration, the Metropolitan Planning Council, Friends of the Chicago River, and CMAP. That initiative — developed with input from local community organizations, public officials and other stakeholders — will serve as the foundation of our organizing and outreach efforts to make the dream of a continuous Chicago River trail a reality.

Key sections of the report include an overview of the history and opportunities presented by a Chicago River Trail, citywide advocacy priorities, seven neighborhood level maps highlighting existing trail segments and remaining gaps, and a roadmap for future advocacy.

The report also features a new custom image, developed by PORT Urbanism, that showcases a vision for a possible connection between the 606 Trail and the Chicago River Trail near West Cortland Avenue on the North Side. We hope the inspirational image will motivate Chicagoans to think big about the potential the river provides for new active transportation and recreational spaces. 

The release of the Chicago River Trail Action Plan is just the beginning. Active Trans will be working with our members, supporters, and community-based partners to carry this advocacy work forward. Stay tuned for more opportunities to get involved and support the goal of a continuous Chicago River Trail that all Chicagoans will be able to enjoy.