Jessica Vealitzek

The Lake County Forest Preserves has initiated talks with the State of Illinois to transfer 1,005 acres of land tied to the former Route 53 Corridor into its care, Board President Jessica Vealitzek announced Thursday, April 24.

“Our vision is to preserve this land as open space and eventually develop multi-use trails,” Vealitzek said. “The trails are essential to improve connections in the southwest part of the county and link the Millennium Trail in the central region.”

Since elected president in December 2024, Vealitzek has prioritized securing long-term protection for the property. “The Forest Preserves is the ideal steward for this land,” she said. “Preserving it as public open space aligns perfectly with our mission and long-term strategic plan.”

The Route 53 project, initially planned for the development of a motorized transportation corridor, was cancelled in 2019. A State-led task force was created to make recommendations for the future use of the property.

In 2022, the task force recommended the land be protected as a new public greenway. Although the land remains under the ownership of the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has taken the lead in determining the future of the corridor properties.

Vealitzek emphasized that with the corridor no longer slated for motorized use, the Forest Preserves is uniquely suited to take charge of the project, though the process of planning and constructing the envisioned greenway will be complex and take many years to complete. “Given our deep connection to the land, our commitment to conservation, and our ability to work across municipal boundaries, the Forest Preserves is the ideal organization to manage this project and ensure its success moving forward.”

“There is a long road ahead, and we need to have many more conversations with our colleagues at the State,” Vealitzek said, “but we are excited to move forward.”

Media Contact: Kim Mikus, [email protected], 224-244-0583

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