Almost $2.5 million has been approved to upgrade a preserve in northeastern Will County into a recreational destination.
The 1,765-acre Messenger Marsh Preserve in Homer Township will cater to hikers, horseback riders, cross-country skiers, tent campers and dogs.
The funding approved by Forest Preserve District commissioners will cover such improvements to the preserve near South Bell Road as a parking area for 50 cars and 20 horse trailers, a group picnic shelter, wildlife observation overlooks and tent-camping sites.
A 2.8-mile hiking trail will be expanded by 1.5 miles and resurfaced with limestone screening to accommodate horseback riders.
The planned improvements also include a fenced-in area where owners can let their dogs run free.
The Forest Preserve District already operates dog parks at Hammel Woods near Shorewood and Whalon Lake in Naperville.
A $400,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will help cover the $2.46 million bid from D Construction.
The Coal City firm offered the lowest of four bids.
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