Lockport Receives Partner Award From Forest Preserve

LOCKPORT, IL — The City of Lockport has received the Forest Preserve District of Will County's 2021 Appreciation of Partners Award, according to a release from the preserve.

The city was one of two organizations selected from among dozens of groups the Forest Preserve partners with each year to further its mission, the preserve said. The second award went to the Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition. Representatives of the two organizations received their awards at the Feb. 10 Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners meeting.

The City of Lockport was recognized for its years of coordination and a $575,000 contribution to a new 3.5-mile segment of the Veterans Memorial Trail, the preserve said. Ground was broken on the project in late 2021 for the trail section, which will stretch from Hadley Valley preserve north to 159th Street in Lockport.

The trail will create transportation benefits by linking regional and local trails, commercial and residential areas, and local open spaces and recreational developments, said Ralph Schultz, the Forest Preserve District’s executive director.

“The Forest Preserve is appreciative of their ongoing efforts to contribute to the District and their commitment to making the Veterans Memorial Trail a reality,” he said of City officials.

Alderwoman Renee Saban and City Administrator Ben Benson accepted the award on behalf of the City. Benson said the new trail segment will be a bonus for the City’s growing east side.

“It’s an honor to be acknowledged,” Benson said of the award. “… Thank you for the opportunity and we look forward to, hopefully, joining you again with another project.”

The Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition was chosen to receive the award for its assistance in making the Hammel Woods dam removal project a reality, the preserve said.

The Forest Preserve District couldn't complete as many projects as it does without these “amazing” partnerships, said Forest Preserve Board President Joe VanDuyne.

“So, once again, thank you very much City of Lockport and Lower DuPage Coalition,” he said in a release.