About Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail
Formed in 2003, The Friends of the Bloomingdale Trial advocates for the conversion of the Bloomingdale rail embankment into an elevated, multi-use, linear park and trail. As its community stewards we work to ensure the future greenway is safe, accessible and a vibrant part of every community it passes through and over. There are now over 1400 "friends" of the Trail.
Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Our 5 Goals
We have 5 goals as an organization that we use to inform our actions.
1. Preserve the elevated right of way
One of the most compelling characteristics of the Bloomingdale railroad is that it is above street level, and runs uninterrupted in that way for nearly 3 miles. It is one of the features that sets the project apart and makes it such a unique experience, affording you views of the city from a perspective that’s not easy to attain in a city built on the prarie. It also makes the future trail safer and faster, by avoiding street crossings.
2. Beautify the public space
The Bloomingdale Trail will be an arterial of native plant life, public murals from local schoolchildren and artists, and urban landscaping. Taking care and stewardship of that space is a goal Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail has committed to already in the form of periodic clean-up and invasive species-pull days.
3. Create a new, mixed-use trail/linear park
The Bloomingdale Trail will be a linear park for walking, jogging, biking, strolling, and a greenspace for contemplation, observation, relaxation and recreation. It will be a commuter connector and refuge from daily urban life.
4. Establish a broad coalition that supports the proposed park
Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail believes that a great park is measured by the people who’s lives it touches. Through community house parties, clean-up days, and community events like a coloring competition for local schoolchildren, FBT has strived to be the community’s introduction to and voice for the vision of the Trail.
FBT has also brought local politicians together with community activists, architects, city planners, and private foundations.
5. Connect with neighborhood schools and institutions
There are 12 schools near-by the Trail, and three are directly adjacent. The Trail will provide a safe route to school. Other community institutions along the Trail include the YMCA, churches, and community service organizations. The Trail will help link schools to after-school programs provided by these institutions. Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail has worked closely with these groups and continues to reach out and expand our connections with all the organizations in the community that could benefit from the Trail.