Celebrate the installation of two bridges — one replacement and one historically significant refurbishment — allowing full access to the preserve in time for National Trails Day
WHO: Forest Preserve District of DuPage County officials, including President Daniel Hebreard and commissioners; Friends of the Forest Preserve District; preserve neighbors; and other invited guests
WHY: To commemorate the completion of another successful 2019 certified master plan project
WHEN: Saturday, June 3, at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Hidden Lake Forest Preserve on the east side of Route 53 0.25 mile south of Butterfield Road in Downers Grove
BACKGROUND: Upon routine inspection, two aging bridges at Hidden Lake were found to have structural deficiencies that warranted replacement. The “lake bridge,” which sits on the east side of Round Meadow Lake and carries a recreational trail around the lake, was replaced with a 50-foot-long by 14-foot-wide prefabricated truss bridge in fall 2022. The “river bridge,” which carries a recreational trail over the East Branch DuPage River and connects to a loop trail around the preserve’s Eagle Lake, is a 50-foot long by 11-foot-wide cast- and wrought-iron bowstring pony truss bridge built in the 1870s. Because it is the only known example of this type of bridge in the Chicago region, it was restored and reinstalled rather than replaced with a prefabricated bridge. Construction was completed in May, and both bridges are now open for decades more of exploration.
CONTACT:
Before the event:
Beth Schirott, Community Relations
630-871-6401| bschirott@dupageforest.org
Before the event:
Beth Schirott, Community Relations
630-871-6401| bschirott@dupageforest.org
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people to nature for more than 100 years. More than 5.5 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, seven education centers, and scores of programs each year. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter, blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok pages.
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