MEPRDMetro East Park and Recreation District

Representing Madison CountyMr. Harold Byers

Mr. Jerry KaneMr. Gene Peters

Representing St. Clair CountyMr. Earl McDowellMr. Gregory Yank

Executive DirectorMichael Buehlhorn

PlannerBryan Werner

Grant CoordinatorJacob Volkmar

Administrative AssistantRene St. Peters

Board of Directors

104 United DriveCollinsville, IL 62234

Phone: (618) 346 4905Fax: (618) 346 6707

Online: www.meprd.org

Questions :

About Us

Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD) was formed in November 2000, and is responsible for the development of an interconnecting system of Parks and Trails throughout Madison and St. Clair County in Illinois.

The District often supplements the efforts of local governments, special districts, and other jurisdictions who are also engaged in the construction and management of these type of facilities. MEPRD is the first of its kind in Illinois, serving over a half a million residents.

Staff

06 MEPRD Trailhead

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10 Community

12 Finished Projects

18 Pending Projects

Index

Malcolm W. MartinMemorial Park

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A Decade of Recreational Development

The Metro East Park and Recreation District was created twelve years ago, along with the Great Rivers Greenway Distrtict in metropolitan St. Louis, by voters on both sides of the river. Through this brochure, MEPRD invites you to recap with us the progress made in developing trails and parks throughout Madison and St. Clair counties over the past decade. While focused on our mission statement of creating “an interconnecting system of parks and trails”, we celebrate that with each newly completed trail project in the Metro East. We are creating linear parks and facility improvements while offering ever-expanding routes for people to pursue outdoor activities separated from motorized traffic. As our bi-county region continues to urbanize, these enhanced parks and developing trails will be held in the public trust to serve our population for the long term.

MEPRD is served by a dedicated but small professional staff and a volunteer board of directors whose ongoing participation has been essential to our continued progress. We are proud to share this summary of how investments in over 50 projects to date have been leveraged over five-fold by intense pursuit of federal, state and private supplemental funding.

Visit www.MEPRD.org to view interactive maps on your system of parks and trails and go out and enjoy!

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Metro East Park and Recreation District is located at 104 United Drive in Collinsville, IL and serves both as district office and trailhead for the regional trail system. Meeting the needs of local residents and visitors from all over, MEPRD features:

Access to over 100 miles of trail Clean Restrooms Convenient Trail Parking Pet Fountain Bicycle Repair Station Water Fountains Picnic Table Bike Racks Tire Air Trail Maps

Whether MEPRD is just a stopping point or your starting point on your trail journey we are here for all trail users seven days a week.

Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park located on the East St. Louis Riverfront, compliments the renowned Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, home of the St. Louis Arch. Eero Saarinen, designer of the St. Louis Arch originally included a park on both sides of the Mississippi River, decades later his vision has become a reality.

Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park boasts two distinct features: the Mississippi River Overlook, and a fountain known as the Gateway Geyser. The Gateway Geyser erupts three times a day during the spring and summer months. The main fountain of the geyser was designed with the capability to reach 630 feet, the same height of the arch.

The Gateway Geyser is the tallest water feature in the United States and is surrounded by a small lake, and four fountains representing the four rivers that meet at St. Louis. The geyser is powered by three 800 horsepower pumps, and can shoot 7,500 gallons of water per minute at the rate of 250 feet per second. The four smaller fountains are powered by a 125 horsepower pump.

The Mississippi River Overlook stands 40 feet tall. Its tiered structure boasts stainless steel railings and architectural concrete. The MRO offers visitors marvelous views of the park, both sides of the Mississippi River, and the St. Louis City Skyline.

Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park also provides passive open green space for all visitors to enjoy. The park is the result of a partnership with Metro East Park and Recreation District and the Gateway Center of Metropolitan St. Louis, and is open seven days a week all year.

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Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park

539,338

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Invested in Community

Total Number of Projects Completed

with MEPRD Assistance

MEPRD’s Community Investment

$10,000,000+

$56,000,000+

Miles (and Growing) of Trails in Madison and

St. Clair County

56

Total Citizens Served

Total Cost of All Projects Built with

MEPRD Grant FundingAssistance

180+

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MEPRD Projects

1. Glen Carbon- Ronald J. Foster Heritage Trail Extension -This development project extended the Ronald J. Foster Heritage Bike Trail 1.25 miles from Kuhn Station to a just east of Silver Creek.2. St. Clair County- Eads Bridge Pedestrian Down Ramp -This project consisted of installing the ramp that connects the East Riverfront MetroLink Station to the reconstructed deck of the Eads Bridge.3. Sauget- GMC Lake Side Park -The GMC Lakeside Pavilion and Pedestrian Walkway Link were constructed.

2004

2005

1. Mascoutah-Silver Creek Nature Preserve -This project consisted of the installation of a concrete apron and asphalt trails at the Silver Creek Nature Preserve near Mascoutah, IL.2. Shiloh- Three Springs Park Phase I -This project involved the construction of a multipurpose trail, and amenities such as parking spaces, benches, and handicap access to these amenities within Three Springs Park.3. O’Fallon- Family Sports Plex Acquisition - Acquisition of land to develop the O’Fallon Family Sports Complex.4. Dupo- City Park Improvements -Installation of various park improvements: HDPE pipe, a security camera system, a bathroom ventilation system, trees, benches, and tables.5. Brooklyn- Outdoor Recreation Park -Landscaping of Brooklyn Community Park and the development of the park’s baseball field, including claying the infield and sodding and seeding the outfield.6. Alton- Piasa Park -Creation of the Piasa Park adjacent to the famous Piasa Bird along the Great River Road in Alton, IL.7. East St. Louis- Veterans Memorial -This project consisted of resetting the stonework on the Veterans Memorial along 25th St., across from Jones Park in East St. Louis, IL.

Metro East Park and Recreation District was created as a result of Illinois HB 702 in July 1999 and approved by Madison and St. Clair County voters in November 2000 through Proposition C: The Clean Water, Safe Parks and Community Trails Initiative. Eligible Counties include Clinton, Jersey, Madison, Macoupin, Monroe and St. Clair. A similar entity, The Great Rivers Greenway District, was simultaneously created in Missouri, although there is no formal link between the two districts.

To date MEPRD has finished over 56 capital projects totaling more than $56 million dollars of which MEPRD has committed $10 million dollars. Listed below, and in the following pages are projects that MEPRD has helped fund or is currently working on.

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1. Belleville- East Belleville Bikeway -This project consisted of creating a 1.5 mile long, 10’ wide asphalt multipurpose trail beginning at South Side Park and ending at the Metro Bike Link Trail. 2. Godfrey- Glazebrook Park Trail Extension -This project involved the construction of a hard surface trail in Glazebrook Park, located in Godfrey, Illinois. 3. Edwardsville- Bicycle Tunnel under Franklin Ave -A tunnel was constructed at the Franklin Ave. intersection for trail users. The tunnel connects into MCT’s Nickel Plate Trail.

2006

4. Sugar Loaf Township- Sugar Loaf Walking Trail - This project involved constructing 800 linear feet of 6’ wide asphalt paved walking trail connecting Sugar Loaf Township Park to the Village of Dupo Community Park.5. Maryville- Schoolhouse Trail Restrooms at Drost Park - Construction of a comfort station providing restroom facilities, attached pavilion, picnic tables, and drinking fountains in Drost Park6. Troy- MCT Schoolhouse Trail Connector - Development of a trail segment extending MCT Schoolhouse Trail in Troy by 6.9 miles to the Goshen Trail in Edwardsville and connecting this trail to several others in the region.7. Hartford- Hartford Trailhead and Bikeway - Construction of a trailhead and double bikeway loop connecting the MCT Confluence Bikeway with the Village of Hartford.8. Edwardsville- Township Park Connector -Development of the Township Park Connector extending the northeastern terminus of the MCT Nature Trail/ Schoolhouse Trail to the Township Park on Center Grove Road.

1. Edwardsville/Glen Carbon- MCT Nickel Plate Connector - The connector is 4 miles in length and 10’ wide. The asphalt bicycle path extends from the northeastern terminus of the MCT Nature Trail/Schoolhouse Trail to the western terminus of the Glen Carbon and Nickel Plate west connector. 2. Marine- Lake and Park Project -Constructed an overflow/spillway, a parking area, a multipurpose trail around the lake, restrooms, pavilions, a nature trail, and landscaping.3. Glen Carbon/Pontoon Beach- Nickel Plate West Connector -Construction of a 3.9 mile asphalt bicycle path connecting MCT Nature Trail to Glen Carbon Ronald J. Foster Heritage Trail and Nickel Plate Trail.

4. Glen Carbon- Easterly Connection of Heritage Trail -Joint project between the Villages of Glen Carbon and Marine, IL. The Ronald J. Foster Heritage Trail was extended eastward roughly 4 miles from its eastern terminus in Glen Carbon to the Village of Marine.5. Swansea- Richland Creek Bikeway -Richland Creek Trail Bikeway is 0.8 of a mile in length, 8’ wide and runs parallel to Richland Creek in Swansea. This trail runs from Centennial Park to Old Collinsville Road. 6. Alton- Helrung Park -The revitalization of Hellrung Park included the development of the skateboard park, pavilion, basketball court, picnic area, seating, walkways, playground, fountain and urban plaza. 7. Cahokia- Park Lighting Improvements -Addition of lighting around the asphalt walking path and installation of park benches within Cahokia Community Park.

2007

1. St. Clair County- Englemann Farms -Acquisition of Engelmann Farm for the purpose of providing additional outdoor recreation and natural resource conservation areas. 2. Glen Carbon- Green Space Trail -Development of a 1.65 mi, 10’ wide bike path connecting the MCT Nickel Plate Trail to a parking facility in Glen Carbon. 3. Godfrey- Montclair Bike Path -Clearing and disposal of brush and trees, grading, seeding, aggregate base, a bituminous surface trail and signage. The trail is 1800 feet in length and 10 feet wide.

2008

4. O’Fallon- Sports Park Trail -Development of a pedestrian/bicycle trail around the outer perimeter of the O’Fallon Family Sports Park.

1. Venice- McKinley Bridge Down Ramp -MEPRD constructed a ramp down from the McKinley Bridge to the new park along Rt. 3 in Venice, Illinois.2. Staunton- Worden to Staunton Trail - Development a 5.5 mile trail from Worden to Staunton.

2009

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1. East St. Louis- Upgrades to Lincoln Park -Renovations to the pool-house and the improvement/construction of various structures within the park.2. Madison- Chouteau Island Connector Improvements -Improvements to the bike lane connecting the MCT Confluence Trail with Chouteau Island.3. Madison- Chouteau Island Trail and Parking Lot -Development of a 1.5 mile nature trail north and south of the IL approach to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge on Chouteau Island.

2010

4. Scott Airforce Base- Scott Field Heritage Park -Develop the Scott Field Heritage Air Park just outside of the main gate of SAFB.5. Hamel/Worden- MCT Hamel to Worden Connector -Construction of a 3.5 mile long, 10’ wide asphalt bicycle path. The trail begins at IL 140 in Hamel and ends in Worden, IL. 6. East St. Louis- Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park Multi Purpose Building -MEPRD worked with the Gateway Center of Metropolitan St. Louis to develop a multipurpose building located at Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park. The building provides security, and restroom facilities for Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park.7. Granite City- Six Mile Prairie Trail Phase I -Development of a 1.5 mile long bicycle trail connector between Nameoki Road and Wilson Park in Granite City, IL.

1. Shiloh- Scott- Troy Trail Phase I -Construction of an asphalt widening on Oak and Church Streets (from Cross St. to Main St.), a 10’ asphalt trail along Seibert Rd. (to Sinn Rd.) – followed by “Share the Road” signage to Rt. 158, a 8’ asphalt trail connection to Shiloh Middle School, and finally a 5’ sidewalk from Church St. to Hill St., striping, and signage.2. Edwardsville- MCT Watershed Trail Extension - Development of an 10’ wide asphalt trail connector from the downtown Edwardsville Business District at the Madison County Administration Building connecting to the MCT Watershed Trail.

2011

3. Venice- McKinley Bridge Access Road -Development a 10’ wide asphalt trail connector from the McKinley Bridge Bikeway at Cedar Street to the MCT Confluence Trail.4. Glen Carbon- MCT Nickel Plate Trailhead and Crossing -Construction of a trailhead facility along the MCT Goshen Trail in Glen Carbon, IL along IL-157. The facility provides 163 automobile parking spots, bicycle lockers, drinking fountains, and trail maps.5. Granite City- Six Mile Prairie Trail Phase II -Development of a 10’ wide asphalt trail connector from Terminal Ave in Granite City to St. Clair Ave where a pedestrian crossing was installed and the trail continues to Wabash Ave.6. Granite City/Venice- Breman Street to 20th Street Trail -Construction of a 10’ wide asphalt trail connector from the McKinley Bridge Bikeway to Bremen Street connecting with the MCT Confluence Trail. 7. Alhambra- MCT Nickel Plate Trail -This project constructed a 5.4 mile trail starting at Main Street in Alhambra running southwest to Hoxey Drive connecting with MCT Nickel Plate Trail.8. Edwardsville- MCT Nickel Plate Trail -Constructed a 2.8-mile trail from Fruit Road heading north to Hoxey Drive.9. O’Fallon- O’Fallon Family Sports Plex Phase III -Construction of a 12’ wide 2 mile long multi-use trail around the perimeter of the 200 acre park providing rest areas, improvements, and landscaping.

1. Edwardsville- MCT Nickel Plate Trailhead and Crossing -Construction of the MCT Nickel Plate Trailhead and Crossing in Edwardsville, IL. This project provided a safe crossing under Buchanan Street, parking spaces, a and a restroom.

2012

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Pending Projects

FY111. SIUE- Delyte Morris Trail -Construct a 0.7 mile long trail on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Campus. The Deylte Morris Trail will start at the MCT Goshen Trail and travel along University Drive ending at Poag Road in Edwardsville.

FY12

1. Fairview Heights- Recreation Center -Construct a community recreation center near City Hall in Fairview Heights.2. Glen Carbon- Ray M. Schon Memorial Park Phase I -Construct phase one of Ray M. Schon Memorial Park in Glen Carbon which will construct a community green space with walking trails, ADA Fishing Piers, horseshoe pits, and shade pavilions. 3. St. Clair County Transit District- SWIC Green Campus Intiative -The development of a trail around the Southwestern Illinois College Campus that will connect MetroLink, and provide a safe pedestrian bridge crossing over Green Mount Road in Belleville. 4. Hamel- Bike Trail Connector -Construct a trail that connects the MCT Quercus Grove Trail through the City of Hamel. 5. Belleville- Bicentennial Park Phase II -Construct an ADA compliant fishing pier, restrooms, and a playground at Bicentennial Park. 6. O’Fallon- Skate Park -Construct a skate park facility at the O’Fallon Public Works Building. 7. Edwardsville Township- Junior Service Club Boundless Playground -Construction of a boundless playground at Township Park in Edwardsville Township.8. Maryville- Fred Winters Park Development -Develop a passive park in Maryville. The park will also serve as a trailhead for the MCT Schoolhouse Trail and feature: parking, restrooms, gazebos, and play equipment.9. Sauget- Visitors Center Play Ground -Construction of a playground at the Community Ballpark in Sauget.

1. St. Clair County Transit District- MetroBikeLink Connector IL-161 to SWIC - Construction of a safe pedestrian bridge crossing from Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville over IL-161 to the YMCA and retail center. 2. Collinsville Area Recreation District- Glidden Park Tennis Courts - Construct five new tennis courts at Glidden Park in Collinsville. 3. East St. Louis- Jones Park Walking Trail Phase I - Construct a new walking trail and rest station at Jones Park in East St. Louis.

FY13

4. Belleville- Hough Park Improvements -Construct new restroom facilities at Hough Park in Belleville. 5. Lebanon- College Road Extension Trail -Construction of 0.97 mile trail that will connect College Road near McKinley College to Reider Road in the O’Fallon Township. 6. Godfrey- Glazebrook Park Restrooms and Shelter - Construct restrooms, a shade structure, and a walking path at Glazebrook Park in Godfrey. 7. Shiloh- Three Springs Lake Trail -Construct a new walking trail at Three Springs Lake Park in Shiloh. 8. O’Fallon- Hesse Park Pickle Ball Courts -Construction of three pickle ball courts and a pavilion at Hesse Park in O’ Fallon. 9. Madison County Transit- MCT Ronald J. Foster Heritage Trail -Reconstruction of an eight mile stretch of the MCT Ronald J. Foster Heritage Trail.

Each Fiscal Year (July 1- June 30) the Metro East Park and Recretaion District Board of Directors allocates funding to be utlized for MEPRD Grant Programs. Grants are utlized to help construct park and trail projects in Madison and St. Clair County. Listed below are the current outstanding grant projects.

M e t r o E a s t P a r k a n d R e c r e a t i o n D i s t r i c t

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