Arroyo Trails Gets $25K Donation

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Photo courtesy of the Channahon Park District

CHANNAHON, IL — Business leaders and community members came together Saturday, Feb. 27 for an inaugural fundraising event to support the Arroyo Trails development.

Flint Hills Resources was on hand with a $25,000 donation to the People for Channahon Parks Foundation for the effort. Flint Hills Resources employs more than 275 people at their Channahon facility.

The check was presented by Mike Brose, Flint Hills Plant Manager, to Mike Rittof, Jeff White and Dave Rumsey Channahon Park Foundation Trustees and Chuck Szoke, Park Director at the fundraising event, Putts and Suds Fore Parks.

“Our team has deep roots in the community and environmental protection and natural habitat restoration are a very important part of our community giving efforts. We are incredibly proud to be a part of this project. Not only will our employees be able to enjoy these trails with their families, but the community as a whole will, for generations to come,” said Brose.

The event and check presentation marked the public kick-off of the community giving campaign that aims to raise $1.7 million to be used for the development of the Arroyo Trails. The Foundation has raised nearly $800,000 to date and hopes to top $1M soon. The Arroyo Trails encompasses 78 acres of land and is named for the topography of the area that was formed by glaciers over 10,000 years ago.

The FHR donation will specifically go towards the sponsorship of native plantings in the park. Once developed, the park will be home to a one mile path that will take individuals through a ravine, meadow and forest. The park will also include an outdoor amphitheater classroom, an outdoor fitness circuit, a ravine overlook for birdwatching and a playground.

“We are so thrilled Flint Hills joined us today for the kick-off of our giving campaign. The community has really embraced this development effort and we’ve had a lot of support from area businesses including Flint Hills,” said Michael Rittof, People for Channahon Parks Foundation Board Chair.