Parks provide hope. Hope can come in many shapes like the promise of a new job or ambitious efforts to retain health. To find both of these examples of hope, visit Swallow Cliff Forest Preserve in Cook County, Illinois. Swallow Cliff was once home to a 1930’s era toboggan run; hand built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. During this difficult time in our nation’s history, park spaces became work spaces for the unemployed. This was hope. This was a big deal. A New Deal, in fact. Consider this: unemployment was at 25% and half of the banks had failed. You literally could not take that to the bank. Today, 25% of all fitness enthusiasts visit Swallow Cliff Forest Preserve to walk and run the 100 stone stairs that climb to the top of the former toboggan run (okay, I made that statistic up, but it is a fairly popular place to exercise in the great outdoors). It is also one of the largest bluffs in Chicagoland and there are not many places in the area that are half as beautiful (That statement is verifiable).
Lace up those running shoes and hit the stairs with all of those who hope to find their shape from a bygone era. While you are there, don’t forget to pause at the top of the bluff. Take off your headphones and listen to the pounding of the feet of other runners and walkers. It just might sound like CCC hammers shaping stone and ringing out new hope from a bygone era.
Visit: 9801 W. Cal Sag Rd. Palos Park, Illinois
www.fpdcc.com
Consider: A short hop, skip and a jump to the West is a scenic hike to a waterfall in Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve of DuPage County. It’s worth a visit alone to see some of the most nicely maintained trails in Illinois.
Enjoy!
