Champaign County Forest Preserve District looks to the future with new shelters
The Swiss Valley Shelter at the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve is slated to be demolished beginning in early January due to its structural deterioration.
“Originally constructed in 1958, the Swiss Valley Shelter has been a fixture at Lake of the Woods. For the last several years we have made repairs to ensure the safety of the structure. Each year those repairs become a little larger. With guidance from local engineers, we have determined that it is no longer sensible to continue on this course,” states Champaign County Forest Preserve District’s Construction Manager Mike Fry.
The Champaign County Forest Preserve has decided not to replace the structure, which is located in the Sangamon River floodplain.
Instead, with the help of an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant from the State of Illinois and $5,500 from the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, the district has begun to build two new shelters on the peninsula at Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve. An 800-ft, ADA accessible path leading to the pier, picnic tables and grills will also be constructed.
In May of 2020, CCFPD also used the OSLAD grant to construct Champaign County’s first ADA accessible boat launch on the peninsula.
“We hate to lose an iconic piece of the preserve, but it is not all bad news. Through generous donations, the public’s support, and grant opportunities we are constructing new shelters on the peninsula area to more than offset the loss of picnic space. They will be fully accessible, parking/restrooms will be closer, and new native plantings will enhance the area. We hope these will become just as much a part of the preserve as Swiss Valley has been,” says Fry.
The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is a local, property tax-supported government agency charged with the stewardship of forest preserves covering more than 4,000 acres in Champaign County, Illinois. CCFPD protects and restores natural areas as well as provides cultural, historical, environmental, and recreational opportunities for current and future generations.
