Future Wilmette-Evanston Path Feasibility Study Seeks Community Input

WILMETTE, IL — Local officials are considering a new multi-use path to improve the trail connection between existing bike lanes on Sheridan Road in Wilmette to the North Shore Channel Trail in Evanston.

As part of the feasibility study, Wilmette Park District officials invited the community to take part in a brief 10-minute survey to help shape the planning of this potential future path.

The park district is leading the planning effort in collaboration with staff from the village of Wilmette and the city of Evanston.

The survey includes multiple choice questions, an open-ended space for comments and an opportunity to rank certain features, such as high visibility crosswalks, benches, tree plans and other amenities.

In addition to the survey, which is open until Aug. 15, the design team is using an interactive mapping tool to collect feedback from the community.

The proposed trail would bridge a 1.5-mile gap between the Sheridan Road bike lanes near the Bahai Temple and the multi-use path along the North Shore Channel at Green Bay Road near the Evanston Skate Park.

No specific trail connections have yet been proposed, but the study area delineated on the map indicates the new pedestrian and bike path would generally follow along the North Shore Channel and the golf course formerly known as Canal Shores.

The survey notes an improved, interconnected trail system would enhance access to several key destinations, including Gillson Park, Northwestern University’s Ryan Field, the Central Street and Linden Street CTA Purple Line stations, Evanston Hospital, the Bahai House of Worship and business districts in both Evanston and Wilmette.