The Illinois Route 53 Expansion Land Alternative Use Task Force was created in 2021 via House Joint Resolution 6 to study alternate uses for the properties that had been reserved for the proposed Illinois Route 53 extension in Lake County.  

Then in December 2022, the Task Force recommended that (IDOT) transfer all the state-owned land originally reserved for the Illinois Route 53 extension to the IDNR and that the Illinois General Assembly form a working group to determine the method of conserving the land as a state park or trail and to identify funding options for ongoing maintenance.  

“We are thrilled to begin researching the exciting possibilities for the land. Our vision is to provide Lake County residents and visitors an interconnected system of open spaces, creating a corridor of parks, trails, recreational opportunities and natural havens that support our mission of environmental stewardship for generations to come,” said County Board Chair Sandy Hart. 

According to Legislative Committee Chair John Wasik, “The Legislative Committee supported the formation of the Task Force 2021 and upon hearing the outcome, recommended that the full board support the results. The Lake County Board remains committed to combating climate change and loss of greenspace. We support ongoing efforts that conserve and protect the environment. This is just one more positive step in that direction and a triumph for all of Lake County.”