Allerton Park and Retreat Center is in the midst of three projects that will increase accessibility at the Monticello-area park. They include the first phase of an off-road multi-use path, power chairs that will soon be available to check out, and continuation of the park’s first fully accessible woodland trail.
The trio of efforts have been at least partially funded by state and local grants, as well as private donations.
The multi-use path, which received a $130,110 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, will eventually run along Old Timber Road from the North Entrance to the Sun Singer statue. Work has begun on the first phase, which runs from Allerton’s West Entrance to the iconic statue, a one-mile portion of the eventual three-mile trail, which will consist of crushed rock.
“Construction on this phase has started and will be complete in 2025,” said Micah Putman, Allerton’s Associate Director of Park Operations.
“We hope that this connection will bring a new recreational opportunity to the park while increasing safety and connecting the park more intimately with our neighbors and wider community.”
Allerton was one of 19 Illinois communities to receive state grants for trail development.
“Trail development projects contribute to safer transportation and improved recreation opportunities across Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This grant program helps us maintain these indispensable spaces for bike riders, hikers, joggers and families to enjoy our state’s natural beauty.”
Another grant – this one for $7,349 from the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois – plus a donation from Brenda and Wayland Eheart, has allowed staff to purchase three power chairs, allowing those with limited mobility to better enjoy the park’s trails and Formal Gardens. Two chairs can be used on the paved and graveled paths of the Formal Gardens/Mansion area, while the other is able to handle more rugged terrain.
“(We) estimate that there are up to 10,000 limited mobility visitors to the park annually. There is a dire need to serve those visitors with mobility support to access the various physical attributes of the park,” Allerton officials stated in the grant application.
The electric powered wheelchairs are designed for outdoor use and include orthopedic rotatable seats. One is outfitted with two seats, while the others are solo seated. All will be available to check out for use later this spring.
Meanwhile, multiple donations from Friends of Allerton have allowed work to continue on the first phase of the Wandering Woods path, which will feature a fully accessible concrete surface through a wooded area near the Main Parking Lot. Fundraising is ongoing for additional phases, including components of a children and family natural play area. The first phase of the accessible path is expected to be completed later this year.
