The Bronzeville Trail Task Force (BTTF) has received a grant from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) to enhance the organization’s fundraising efforts and improve its website.
BTTF is developing the abandoned Kenwood el line embankment, located in the Bronzeville community, into a walking, running, and biking trail that would emulate the Bloomingdale Trail on the North Side.
The grant is part of RTC’s Trail Grants program, which awarded $348,000 to organizations across the country to support efforts to develop and activate local and regional trail networks. The projects and programs funded help create equitable access to safe spaces where people can walk, bike, and be active outside in the communities where they live.
“This is exciting news,” said John Adams, BTTF founder. “Our vision of having a safe space where Bronzeville and neighboring communities’ residents can walk, bike, jog, and exercise outside is coming to fruition. At its core, the redevelopment of the abandoned Kenwood el embankment is a health initiative.”
Last May, the BTTF leadership team took RTC’s president, Ryan Chao, on a tour that began at the historic Chicago Union Stockyard Gates at 40th and Halsted Streets and proceeded east to the eastern end of the embankment at 40th and Lake Park Avenue.
RTC subsequently awarded BTTF funding.
“With this grant, we can now expand our fundraising efforts and update our website,” said Adams.
Other BTTF initiatives include a national campaign asking Congress to pass the Marshall “Major” Taylor Congressional Gold Medal Act to honor the African American champion cyclist and a monument cast in Taylor’s likeness to stand along the community trail.
The BTTF sponsors and promotes open communication on matters relating to the Bronzeville Trail; advocates for, facilitates, and supports opportunities for direct community engagement; ensures a healthy balance between the Bronzeville Trail as a neighborhood amenity and a regional and international attraction; investigates and preserves community history; and assists in raising funds and securing resources. The group has applies to the Chicago Park District to serve as the official park advisory council for the Bronzeville Trail.
For more information about BTTF or to get involved, contact Adams at [email protected]. Learn more at www.bronzevilletrail.org/.