2014-2018
Pictured here: Friends of the Cal-Sag Trail spent June 6, National Trails Day 2015 cutting the ribbon on a completed 13 miles of the Cal-Sag Trail
2014
Groundbreaking for the western segment of the trail (Rt. 83 in Lemont to Cicero Ave. in Alsip) takes place on June 7 at Alsip’s Freedom Park. The first signage and gateways are installed, and the western segment opens in the fall.
2015
The Grand Opening celebration of the western segment is held on National Trails Day.
2016
Construction continues on the eastern segment, as the Chatham Street bridge in Blue Island is repaired and repurposed for pedestrian use along the trail, signaling the completion of Blue Island’s section of trail. The first Cal-Sag Plunge takes place!
2017
Trail construction continues east from Blue Island to connect Chatham Street bridge with Fay’s Point marina, Joe Louis Golf Course, and Halsted Street. The second Cal-Sag Plunge is held at the Blue Island Dragon Boat Festival!
2018
From 2018 through 2021, FOCST and Palos Heights installed trail counters from Alsip to Lemont to measure trail use. Trail user counts provide important data about the trail’s impact on the Triple Bottom Line: local economies, environmental stewardship, and quality of life.