Paving the Way to a Better Community
The Effingham County Trail Project

Fitness, or our lack there of, is in the news almost daily. A plethora of diet crazes and infomercials seek to part us from our hard earned cash in the name of physical fitness and weight loss. Is there a better way? Biking and hiking trails offer the residents and visitors in a community the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll or enthusiastically embrace physical fitness and the outdoors on the same path.

Trails enhance the livability and quality of life in a community by creating inexpensive and safe opportunities for exercise and healthy lifestyles in a natural environment. In addition, trails may influence economic development by bringing more people and businesses into a community. Trails create opportunities for personal interaction, neighborhood socialization, community unity and by promoting the use of non-polluting transportation alternatives.

Trails are proving to be a wise economic investment for communities stimulating local economies by attracting and revitalizing business, creating new jobs, and increasing public revenue. Retail sales in recreation items such as bicycles, inline skates, walking shoes, and camping apparel are just a few attractions for incorporating a trail with in a community. A variety of entrepreneurs are attracted to locate their business near trails and attribute a part of the success to the trail. These businesses include restaurants, convenience stores, outdoor retail stores, campgrounds, hotel, motel, and bed-and-breakfast. Trails also have a positive effect on nearby properties, as homebuyers and business owners realize the value that trails bring to a community. Studies have shown that annually over 85 million people used community bike trails.

Trails offer adults and children the opportunity to integrate moderate, individualized exercise with their daily activity. Regular, moderate exercise has been proven to reduce the risk of disease – from heart disease to depression. Moderate exercise is also known to protect against injury and disability because it builds muscular strength and flexibility, which helps to maintain functional independence in later year’s of life.

Numerous communities, including Shelbyville, Pana, and Taylorville as well as in the Chicagoland area have proven the popularity and success of trails. The Heritage trail in Glen Carbon and the Constitution Trail in Bloomington-Normal have demonstrated the first phase of development is just the beginning with subsequent development of many more miles of trails.

After a meeting, which included representatives from John Shimkus’ office, IDNR, IDOT, the Chamber of Commerce, the Shelbyville Bike Trail, Effingham County Board, the Effingham Park District, Post Oak Flats, and interested members of the community, it is abundantly clear that a hiking/biking trail between Effingham and Lake Sara could be the beginning of another success story. This proposed trail would be the first phase of a trail system that could be developed to link parks and other recreational facilities, neighborhoods, schools and business districts.

The next steps, as outlined by IDNR, are to (1) form a coalition of municipalities and interested citizens, (2) procure letters of support from the county and municipalities in Effingham County, and (3) request funding for a comprehensive study of potential trail routes. Effingham County residents and officials will have the opportunity to give input to an experienced consultant who will prepare a map of potential trails throughout the county with links to surrounding counties as well.

After the trail location study is complete, the coalition will be in the position to write for grants from the Federal Highway Administration and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and solicit local cash or in-kind contributions to be used as the 10% match for the grants.

Hiking and biking trails have a positive physical, spiritual, and economic impact the community and its residents. Trails bring more visitors, encourage family activities, and encourage children and adults to enjoy the outdoor amenities of our community. You can be a part of this adventure. We invite you to join us as we pave the way to a better community.