Summary: |
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This paved multi-use trail connects the East St. Louis MetroLink station at 5th and Missouri Avenues to the East St. Louis Higher Education Center campus and to the 8th Street neighorhood (via a “Y” trail formation).
View more information about the East St. Louis Heritage Trail  |
| History: |
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The first phase of this paved multi-use trail, totaling roughly 3/4-mile, takes the route of an old railroad spur extending from the MetroLink station at 5th and Missouri Avenues to the East St. Louis Higher Education Center; it also takes in the 8th Street neighborhood, now transitioning from industrial to residential use. This project is a milestone in that it was accomplished by community youth working alongside professional contractors. It is lighted and landscaped. |
Trailnet's
Role: |
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Trailnet assisted Southwestern Illinois Resource Conservation & Development with planning and fund development for this project. |
| Partners: |
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* City of E. St. Louis
* Metro-East Stormwater Team
* New Spirit
* St. Clair Co. Greenspace Foundation
* SIMAPC
* Southwestern Illinois Resource Conservation & Development
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Major
Funders: |
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* AmerenUE Smart Lights Program
* East St. Louis Community Fund
* The McKnight Foundation
* U.S. Department of Agriculture
* U.S. Department of Transportation
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Future
Plans: |
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The trail is planned for extension to Eads Bridge. The new route will take in the new Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville campus at College Center, the Gateway Fountain, the East St. Louis City Hall and other downtown structures. Interpretive signage will also be added to the entire trail at that time. |
| Contact: |
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Ed Weilbacher, Southwestern Illinois Resource Conservation & Development at 618/566-4451 |
