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Study looks to see if Kickapoo Rail Trail can extend to downtown Urbana

Urbana Park District and several public and private organizations will see if the Kickapoo Rail Trail (KRT) can extend from near Weaver Park in Urbana into downtown Urbana.

The Champaign County Regional Planning Commission won a $100,000 federal grant to see if it is feasible to extend the KRT. Carle is contributing $25,000 to the study.

"Extending the KRT offers connectivity between our parks and downtown Urbana, promotes wellness and promotes green space – all things important to Urbana Park District," said Timothy Bartlett, executive director, Urbana Park District (pictured, speaking below).

The study area reaches from the current terminus of the KRT, near Walmart in east Urbana, and extends west to Lincoln Avenue.

The study will last two years and include a final report including recommendations and design concepts.

The Urbana Park District played a key role in convening stakeholders and initiating early planning for the concept. "We are excited to partner with the City of Urbana, Regional Planning Commission, Champaign County Forest Preserve District and Carle to study our plan to extend the KRT into downtown Urbana. The Park District is always looking to expand access to our trails and parks and this grant will help us determine if extending the KRT is feasible," Bartlett concluded.

You can view the entire announcement here.

Tim_Speech

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