A local congresswoman has secured funding that should be welcoming news for outdoor enthusiasts.

United States Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) joined officials from the Plainfield Park District and the Forest Preserve District of Will County to present the park district with a $250,000 federal funding award for park pathway improvements at the Bentley Property.

Located at the end of Bentley Drive, just east of Bronk Road along the DuPage River, the Bentley Property was purchased in 2023 in coordination with the Conservation Foundation and with assistance from the Forest Preserve District of Will County.

This acquisition will enable the development of a trail connection from Riverside Parkway south to Sunset Parkway on the west side of the DuPage River. The trail will link to the Forest Preserve District’s existing system and extend to Hammel Woods Forest Preserve.

This key connection will create nearly 20 miles of continuous trail along the DuPage River, linking parks and natural areas throughout the region

“This is another important piece in the greater DuPage River Regional Trail,” said Plainfield Park District Executive Director Carlo Capalbo. “We are grateful to Congresswoman Underwood for supporting pathway connectivity in our community through the Community Project Funding Program.

The Bentley Trail project is expected to undergo design, engineering, and permitting in 2026, with construction anticipated in 2027.

Underwood’s district serves Plainfield, Oswego, Naperville and Yorkville.

In other news, the park district is declaring part of this week as Dark Sky Week, which is from Mondays, April 13 to 20. Dark Sky Week draws attention to light pollution, promote simple solutions to mitigate the issue, and celebrate the irreplaceable beauty of natural night, according to officials.

The Park District Board of Commissioners officially passed a resolution declaring Dark Sky Week at its regular board meeting on April 8.

Officials said the Park District Board inspires and encourages its businesses and residents to become more aware of the adverse effects of light pollution and to implement dark sky-friendly lighting practices consistent with DarkSky International’s principles, such as turn off lights when not in use, install dimmers and timers when possible and work with local governments to ensure outdoor lighting is not harming the wildlife in the area. 

Artificial light at night has varying negative effects on not just humans, but birds, trees and plants, nocturnal pollinators and crime as well, park district officials said.

The Plainfield Park District encompasses all of Plainfield Township and portions of Wheatland Township in Will County and Na-Au-Say County in Kendall County. It serves the communities of Bolingbrook, Crest Hill, Joliet, Plainfield and Romeoville. The park district covers more than 40 square miles and serves more than 100,000 people.

The Plainfield Park District is the ninth largest park district in the State of Illinois, based on the population it services.