A potential new timeline has been announced for the upcoming Englewood Nature Trail cutting through Englewood. Originally announced over four years ago, the rails-to-trails project would replace the former elevated tracks of the Norfolk Southern Railway that cut through the neighborhood. Efforts are being led by local nonprofit Grow Greater Englewood and the city.
Site plan of Englewood Nature Trail by Gensler
Back in 2022, Grow Greater Englewood received $6 million to begin feasibility studies, along with basic master planning and design. Since then, the team has hosted various community meetings to help guide what will be the centerpiece of a new Englewood Agro-Eco district, serving as a connector between the area’s growing network of urban farms.
Site plan of Englewood Nature Trail by Gensler
The park will span 1.8 miles from South Damen Avenue to the west and South Halsted Street to the east. The trail would cross over 26 bridges and vary from 11 to 29 feet in width; this will allow for various types of activations, from sculptures to seating. The trail will have 11 access points, all of which will be ADA-accessible.
Cut section of Englewood Nature Trail by Gensler
Initial prep work for the project will include soil remediation, grading, and structural repairs to many of the existing viaducts. This will affect some of the over 1,400 trees that have grown on the trail, as well as the removal of many murals below the bridges, with the team working to restore as many as possible.
Rendering of Englewood Nature Trail by Gensler
The $80 million project has received $20 million in funding in the form of grants, with speculation of breaking ground later this year. However, the plans now call for extensive construction to kick off in 2027, with a 2029 completion. The project would join others like the 606 and the nation’s first rails-to-trails project, the Illinois Prairie Path in the suburbs.
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80 Million Dollars for a Walk In The Park!!!?
That is really not very expensive for a infrastructure project of this scope
The 606 Bloomingdale Trail cost $95 million for a 2.7 mile trail. You have no idea of construction costs.
Do ya need a reminder on the Red Line extension price tag?
Literally a drop in the bucket for comparison. I’d also rather them have more than $10 million to repair 26 bridges. The singular CTA station is getting $400 million in upgrades. For a mile shorter, the High Line in NYC was $230 million. The 606 Trail at 2.7 miles was $95 million. All relatively reasonable.
Lake Shore Dr. is looking at $3.4-4 billion to rebuild that S-curve and an additional 7 miles of road infrastructure.