DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) recently announced a $152,700 grant to construct a .15-mile bridge and bike path that will provide accessibility for Des Plaines cyclists between two popular parks.

“This path will give cyclists a safe space to ride and provide families with new ways to enjoy our local parks,” said Murphy. “I’m happy to see the state making meaningful investments that will positively affect public health and make our community more appealing for prospective residents."

The .15-mile expansion will connect Cumberland Terrace Park and Des Plaines Manor Park.

“Bike path projects are excellent investments in safe transportation, creating jobs, boosting local economic development efforts, and improving local and regional recreation opportunities,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Trails are great places for bike riders, hikers, joggers and families to enjoy spending time outdoors in our beautiful state.”

Funds for this new trail, now named the Cumberland Terrace Park Bike Path, come from the Bicycle Path Grant Program administered by Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). These grants are intended for the acquisition of land or development of facilities for bicycle paths. The Bicycle Path Grant Program was approved by the Illinois General Assembly in 1989, and funding comes from a percentage of motor vehicle title fees.

Combined with previous years’ funding, IDNR has awarded grants that have helped develop nearly 1,000 miles of local government bicycle trails in Illinois since 1990.