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The St. Charles Park District and the City of St. Charles have taken home an Intergovernmental Award recognizing their joint effort to make the city a bike-friendly community.
Presented at the Illinois Association of Park Districts' (IAPD) Best of the Best Awards Gala, the award recognizes a collaborative, multi-year initiative that combines planning, infrastructure, recreation, education, and community outreach.
Here’s what to know:
Decades in the making: The city and park district have been collaborating for more than 30 years to develop new bike and pedestrian facilities, create new trail connections, make safety improvements, and enhance accessibility efforts.
Recent efforts: The two agencies worked together on an updated Bicycle Master Plan and long-term roadmap that was formally adopted in 2024. The city spearheaded several roadway improvements in 2025 while the park district focused on trail maintenance and expanded bicycle safety programming.
Engaging the community: In 2026, the city, park district, library, and St. Charles Business Alliance hosted Bike to the Plaza, an event connecting residents with bike resources and safety education. The city and park district also coordinated social media campaign to educate residents about the updated e-bike laws.
“Everyone benefits from safe streets—drivers, cyclists and pedestrians,” said St. Charles Mayor Clint Hull. “This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when local agencies work together toward a common goal, and we’re proud to see that collaboration recognized at the state level.”
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