The Illinois Prairie Path Trailhead project is officially open following a ribbon cutting ceremony July 27. Mayor Brummel cut the ribbon, after thanking everyone who played a role:
- Ald. Bill Weidner, who initiated the idea
- Warrenville City Council
- Former City of Warrenville Community and Economic Development Director Ron Mentzer
- City of Warrenville Senior Engineer Kristine Hocking, who led the project to completion
- The Trailhead Work Group, consisting of representatives from the Illinois Prairie Path Association, Warrenville taxing districts, and community partners
- DuPage County Department of Transportation, which allowed the City to put the project on their property
The project improves a section of the Illinois Prairie Path at Illinois Route 56 and Batavia Road.
Key elements of the project include:
- A permanent bathroom facility
- A covered picnic shelter area
- A drinking fountain
- A bike repair station and bike racks
- A seating area and informational kiosk
- Space for community events
Other work included:
- Relocating walkway lighting
- Updating site furnishings
- Landscaping
- Relocating the existing butterfly garden
The project was the result of intergovernmental cooperation and partnership with outside organizations. Grants and outside funding helped pay for the project:
- Surface Transportation Program funding (federal grant)
- Illinois Prairie Path Association ($23,000 specific to the IPP Founders Memorial honoring the historical founders of the Prairie Path)
- ComEd, which provided a $10,000 grant for the pollinator garden
- Use of developer park donations to cover the City's portion of the project