The Skokie River is a man-made drainage channel built in the 1920s to convert wetlands into usable land for suburban development. Today, it carries stormwater runoff from more than 13,000 properties in Lake County and is maintained by the Skokie Consolidated Drainage District (SCDD).

Starting in October 2025, SCDD will launch Phase 3 of the Skokie River Channel Improvements Project in Highland Park, focusing on 4,400 feet of eroding streambank at Danny Cunniff Park and Old Elm Golf Club. Supported by state grant funding through the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission, the project will:

• Stabilize steep streambanks to prevent property damage and reduce water pollution
• Replace invasive buckthorn with 230 native trees and shrubs
• Install riffles to improve aquatic habitat and water quality
• Enhance safety along the walking path at Danny Cunniff Park

Construction will run from October 2025 through October 2026. The path along the river at Danny Cunniff Park will be closed during construction.

By using a mix of bioengineering and structural stabilization techniques, the project will protect local infrastructure, improve water quality, restore habitat, and make the river corridor safer and healthier for the community.

Please note: This project is managed by the Skokie Consolidated Drainage District. For more information, please contact Patty Werner, Project Coordinator, at [email protected].