Danville has long struggled to utilize it’s natural resources, and Stoney Creek is no different. Cutting through Danville from the northeast and winding it’s way southward toward the Vermilion River, Stoney Creek bisects central Danville about one mile east of Vermilion Street. The creek is hemmed in by steep, wooded ravines rich in untapped picturesque beauty.
However, while the creek is a huge opportunity to add much needed green space to Danville, the primary objective for this project would be construction of a critical piece of pedestrian infrastructure serving a variety of neighborhoods, including some of Danville’s poorest. By utilizing old railroad rights of way and idle property owned by a variety of local governmental bodies, VCTA envisions a 12ft. wide, lighted, mixed use pedestrian path perfect for walking and biking that would connect many important local sites and attractions, including schools, parks, and more. Additionally and importantly, the creek would be cleaned and rehabilitated as part of any construction efforts, increasing the health and biodiversity present in the waterway.
Touring the Future Greenway
Beginning at the southern terminus, the Stoney Creek Greenway would begin at storied Douglas park, where both Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas visited during the Illinois Senatorial race of 1858, during which time they were engaged in the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates that outlined each man’s vision for the future of slavery in the state and country.
Proceeding northward, the Greenway would cross Stoney Creek for the first time and continue to where it would meet up with an abandoned railbed just south of Trinity Lutheran church. In the future, the South St. corridor could be utilized as a way of connecting the Greenway to the Vermilion River area and Westside Trails in Ellsworth Park.
From Trinity Lutheran, the Greenway would cross Main St. and proceed through wooded areas along the top of the hill bordering Stoney Creek. But first, not far from the Main St. crossing, is the historic Stoney Creek Bridge, which is on the National Register of Historic places for being an early example of it’s arched construction. Moving north once again and near where the Greenway crosses Collet St., a cluster of abandoned properties is perfect for development of a trail center with amenities like bathrooms and water; an oasis for users of the Greenway. Continuing on toward Seminary St., the Greenway would cross and enter Carver Park where it could run in closer proximity to the creek itself.
North of Carver Park is an abandoned area that used to be part of Carver Park and is itself ripe for future recreational development. The Greenway would enter this property and progress northward, and the entire property could easily feature additional hiking and discovery trails. At the north end of this property, the Greenway would cross Stoney Creek for a second time. Greenway alignment in this area would be subject to future planning.
Continuing north is one of the most exciting and impactful sections of the future Stoney Creek Greenway! The Greenway will connect to and utilize an abandoned rail corridor behind Danville High School all the way to Winter Ave., where it would connect to the existing pedestrian sidewalk located there. Along the way, the trail passes in close proximity to the YMCA (and the existing mixed use path connecting it to Lincoln Park), Springhill Cemetery (a popular walking location rich with history), the American Legion (and ballfields located there), and of course, North Ridge Middle School.
It’s important to call out the direct connection of DHS to North Ridge, as this would give kids of all ages a safe route to and between both schools without having to navigate dangerous traffic and inadequate sidewalks. This area of the Greenway is the top priority for future development, as construction will likely come in phases.
From North Ridge, which is also adjacent to Cannon Park, the Greenway would continue through beautiful and wild Espenscheid Park (home of Fetch Dog Park) where it would cross the creek two more times, and finally terminate at the pedestrian sidewalk along Winter Ave., providing important access to Winter Park and the AMBUCS playground located there, as well as the ball fields at Winterview.
In all, the Stoney Creek Greenway as described above would run ~3mi. and connect multiple important sites within the community. It would open up a critical and safe active transportation corridor for those with limited access to a car, and it would be a momentous quality-of-life upgrade for local residents, as well as being an important tourism draw that would make our community more competitive in the eyes of those contemplating a move to Danville. Future development may even allow extending the Greenway both to the north and south, but only time will tell how far we can progress this transformative project.