Construction work at Lake Chaminwood Preserve in Channahon has been completed and a new paved path connecting the preserve to the I&M Canal State Trail has opened for public use. 

The work was completed and barricades were removed on Tuesday, Aug. 20.

The 0.25-mile path extension has replaced a grass trail that was used for shoreline fishing on the western portion of the lake. This new trail section connects to the 61.5-mile I&M Canal State Trail via a 90-foot bridge over the canal.

"It also opens up that area along the canal so users who may have just been using the I&M Canal for recreation or exercise can now easily hop over to see what we offer at Lake Chaminwood," said John Stecyk, the Forest Preserve's project manager. "I've talked to cyclists and runners both on the I&M Canal side and at Lake Chaminwood and they're very excited about these new trail connections. Many of them on the I&M side ... had no idea this preserve was here."

Recreation hub

The project also included installation of two new accessible fishing piers, one on the eastern lake and another on the western lake.

"Everything is designed with users in mind and safety and accessibility," Stecyk said. "The Forest Preserve prides itself on universal design guidelines. So, the paved trail, the bridge and all the new fishing piers together with our new kayak launch are all universally accessible by anyone of any age or ability."

The new trail connection to the I&M Canal State Trail also links to two other Forest Preserve properties.

"You can go 2.5 miles (east) to our Lower Rock Run Preserve and another 4.5 miles (west) and you will hit our McKinley Woods area and our Four Rivers Environmental Education Center." 

And connecting to the state-owned I&M Canal Trail opens up the possibility to travel west to LaSalle County, he added. The trail connection and the additional fishing piers make the preserve a recreational hub, Stecyk said. 

"I would encourage anyone who hasn't visited Chaminwood for a while or has never visited Chaminwood to come on down and see all the variety of activities that you can do here," Stecyk said. "Come out here and take a leisurely stroll along the new path connections, bring your kayaks, bring your canoes, bring your (non-gasoline powered) fishing boat and you can easily make a day exploring all that Lake Chaminwood has to offer." 

RELATED: KAYAK RENTALS NOW AVAILABLE AT LAKE CHAMINWOOD

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Popular preserve

This is the second phase of Forest Preserve District improvements at Lake Chaminwood Preserve. Phase one, which was completed in June 2023, more than tripled the parking lot from 21 spaces to 74, created a new entrance, and included an accessible kayak launch and a welcome plaza. 

The site, which started out as a quarry and opened as a preserve in 2012, has attracted many visitors through the years.

"Lake Chaminwood became a very, very popular preserve after its opening 12 years ago in 2012, so parking was regularly overflowing onto Shepley (Road). So, we expanded that parking and installed the new kayak launch."

The preserve continues to be a big draw for fishing and kayaking, and the recent improvements will make those activities even more enjoyable, Stecyk added. 

"People love these lakes because they're gentle, they're tranquil, they're quiet," he said. "The lakes are out in the middle of seemingly nowhere and there is a really good variety of fishing and other opportunities here." 

Lake Chaminwood is the planned southern terminus of the DuPage River Trail, which is being built by multiple entities over many years. 

"So, that will be another 40-plus miles of offroad cycling opportunities," Stecyk said.

The work at Lake Chaminwood reinforces the Forest Preserve's mission to offer unique and fun ways of getting people out into nature, he added. And it shows what public input, planning and a little bit of foresight and partnerships with local communities can create.

"Overall, it's a very rewarding project to be a part of," he said. 

The improvements at Lake Chaminwood were made possible with support from The Nature Foundation of Will County.