On September 22, 2011, the Winnetka Park District engaged the services of Hitchcock Design Group to identify both on and off road bikeway routes with the objective of providing links between other trail systems, the lakefront, key parks and recreation facilities, the downtown business district and other important community destinations. The final plan will also identify key areas for signage and a specific east-west links between the Green Bay Trail and the Cook County Forest Preserve District connection to the Skokie Trail.

A Task Force with key stakeholders was assembled to work with the Winnetka Park District and the Hitchcock Design Group to assist on this project. Task force members include: Police Chief Pat Kreis, Chamber Executive Director Terry Dason, Cook County Board Commissioner Larry Suffredin, Assistant Village Engineer Susan Chen, along with Winnetka Park District staff members, Executive Director Terry Schwartz, Superintendent of Parks Robert Smith and Superintendent of Facilities Tom Gullen. Local business representatives include Larry Faulkner and Bill McKinley and community members Barb Cornew, Eric Chan and Don Moloney round out the task force participants. The Task Force has met several times over the last couple of months to provide insightful information from their various professional perspectives.

At the January 12, 2012 the Park Board reviewed the preliminary work to date and is prepared to bring this information forward to the community through an open house forum for feedback.

Proposed District-Wide Bikeway System Open House
Thursday, February 2, 2012
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Winnetka Park District (540 Hibbard Rd.)

During the course of this open house representatives from Hitchcock Design Group and the Winnetka Park District will be available to share the preliminary plan to date and document comments/suggestions (either verbally or through comment cards).

At 7:00 pm a short 15 minute presentation will also be conducted.

Upon conclusion of the open house finalizing of the plan, identifying timelines, funding and partners will take place. The ultimate goal is to have plan approved by the Park District and Village, ready for implementation as financial and practical timelines allow. We anticipate the plan may be phased in over time as funding will allow.

Interested community members who are unable to attend the open house can view the material beginning Friday, February 3 on the Winnetka Park District website. This information will be located at www.winpark.org, and placed under capital projects.