Barber Park pathway construction underway; Waldinger and Pfeifer talk about pathway benefits
Within the next two weeks, Mahomet residents will be able to access another segment of multi-purpose pathway through Barber Park. Crews are currently pouring cement to construct the path.
The Village received a $53,200 Bicycle Path Grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in April to extend the existing 10-foot-wide pathway from the turnaround located underneath the IL-150 bridge to the Barber Park parking lot, turning the site into a trail head. The Village funded another $50,000 into the project.
Trustee Donald Lynn relayed constituent concern over “paths to nowhere” after Mahomet Parks and Recreation Director Dan Waldinger talked about funding shortfalls within his department at Tuesday night’s Village Study Session.
Waldinger and Community Development Director Kelly Pfeifer spoke to the benefits of the multipurpose pathways, along with findings through Mahomet Parks and Recreation surveys and the financial benefits of grant matching programs.
MPRD utilizes grant programs and partnerships, such as those with the Champaign County Forest Preserve to construct the pathways. Several grants have matched Village contributions 50/50 and even 80/20 at times.
While Waldinger knows additional funding for athletic facilities would help the district improve conditions in these areas, he also said multi-purpose pathways benefit a wide variety of Mahomet residents, including elderly and youth.
The multi-purpose pathway at Barber Park will provide a trail head, providing a safe crossing for IL-150, and access to downtown Mahomet, the Mahomet Public Library and when the Lake of the Woods overpass is complete, access to Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve. Waldinger has also witnessed youth use the pathway system on their way to and from school.
Pfeifer said the long loop of multi-purpose pathway increases residential and commercial marketability, also.
Waldinger said multi-purpose pathways are the most requested item on yearly MPRD surveys. Not only do the pathways give people safe accessibility throughout town, but studies also show that their use decreases obesity, diabetes and contribute to a healthier community.
The Village entered into an agreement with CCFPD and IDOT last summer to help fund additional pathway along IL RT 47 to connect Briarcliff with the path system. MPRD is also looking for ways to extend the Barber Park pathway down the Sangamon River. With the help of grants, the path will eventually cross over the river, allowing potential growth over to Riverbend Forest Preserve.
Pfeifer plans to market the multi-purpose pathway as she talks to developers and new residents.
