Expanding Access to the Illinois River: Seasonal, ADA-Compliant River Access Planning at Forks State Park

September 28, 2026

Forks State Park is a cherished recreation site in the Illinois Valley, known for scenic river views, picnicking, swimming, community gatherings, and nature walks. A new community-led project is now in the early planning stages to help ensure more people can safely experience the river itself.

The Illinois River Accessible Water Access Project (R.A.M.P.) is focused on planning a seasonal, fully ADA-compliant river access point at Forks State Park. The goal is to provide safe, inclusive access to the Illinois River for individuals with disabilities, older adults, families with young children, and others who may be excluded by steep or uneven riverbanks.

Just as important, the project is committed to responsible environmental stewardship. The proposed access point is intended to be seasonal and designed to protect the river’s ecological environment, with attention to user safety, erosion control, and habitat preservation.

Community-Led, Expert-Informed Planning

The project is guided by a local steering committee that brings together a mix of perspectives and expertise, including:

Seasoned project managers
Land managers
Recreation businesses
People with lived experience using mobility devices

This blend of leadership helps ensure the project is grounded in practical implementation, environmental responsibility, and real-world accessibility needs.

Where the Project Stands Today

The project has assistance from the National Park Service (NPS) – Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (NPS-RTCA) program, which will support the technical and logistical groundwork required during the planning phase. IVCanDO is serving as the project’s fiscal sponsor, providing the organizational structure needed to support a community-led effort.

IVCanDO has held the Adopt-a-Park agreement for Forks State Park since 2012 and has supported community efforts to restore and improve the park over time.