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Old Plank Trail






Many years ago we developed a plan to create a bikepath across the southern portion of the Chicago metropolitan region.  The path was on the abandoned Penn Central Railroad Right of Way.


We knew we needed a better more marketable name if we were to build public support for the trail.  The right of way had originally been acquired to construct a plank road toll road. Railroad technology was rapidly developing the the right of way was developed as a railroad. So we named the path the "Old Plank Road Trail."


A small group of activists led by Carl Glassford made it their mission to build support for the trail. Their efforts were instrumental in building support for the trail.


There were numerous opponents to the trail. They were convinced that it would be a conduit for bad people to invade their developments. It took 17 long years from the time the plan was first written until you could ride a bike on the trail.


Of course the trail became a great amenity for the region. Developers incorporated the lineal park into their plans.  The first and nicest new homes were built adjacent to the trail.


It is interesting to see how many businesses have incorporated the name into their business name.



  1. Old Plank Road Trail - Illinois Rail Trail

    oprt.org/
    Below The Old Plank Road Trail in downtown Frankfort, Illinois. Frankfort, Illinois • fall 2011 • Briedert Green. Beavers chew a tree, Frankfort Breidert Green Park ...
    You visited this page.
  2. Homepage: Home | Old Plank Trail Community Bank

    www.oldplanktrailbank.com/
    Old Plank Trail Community Bank contributed a substantial monetary donation to theFrankfort Township Food Pantry to support their mission of providing ...

    1. Old Plank Road Trail - Illinois Rail Trail

      oprt.org/
      Below The Old Plank Road Trail in downtown Frankfort, Illinois. Frankfort, Illinois • fall 2011 • Briedert Green. Beavers chew a tree, Frankfort Breidert Green Park ...
      You visited this page.
    2. Old Plank Road Trail Bike Path - Village of Frankfort

      www.villageoffrankfort.com › Home › Play
      432 W. Nebraska, Frankfort, IL 815-469-2177 The official site for the village ofFrankfort, Illinois.
    3. Old Plank Trail Tavern - Frankfort, IL, 60423 - Citysearch

      chicago.citysearch.com › Frankfort › Bars & Clubs
      Oct 15, 2011 – Old Plank Trail Tavern in Frankfort. Come to Citysearch® to get information, directions, and reviews on Old Plank Trail Tavern and other Bars ...
    4. Old Plank Tr Elsner Road, Frankfort IL - Trulia

      www.trulia.com/.../3023328824--Old-Plank-Tr-Elsner-Rd-Frankfort-...
      Photos, maps, description for Old Plank Tr Elsner Road, Frankfort IL. Search homes for sale, get school district and neighborhood info for Frankfort...
    5. Preserves & Trails | Old Plank Road Trail

      www.reconnectwithnature.org/preserves-trails/Old-Plank-Road-Trail
      Old Plank Road Trail extends 21.5 miles from Western Avenue in Park Forest west through Frankfort, Mokena, and New Lenox to Washington Street in Joliet. ...
    6. Plank Road Cyclery, Frankfort, Ill - Giant - Cannondale

      plankroadcyclery.com/
      We're a full service bike shop located on the Old Plank Road Trail in Frankfort, Ill. Call us at 815-469-3594 for info on bicycles, accessories, or repairs.
       
  3. www.villageoffrankfort.com › Home › Play
    432 W. Nebraska, Frankfort, IL 815-469-2177 The official site for the village ofFrankfort, Illinois.
  4. Old Plank Tr Elsner Road, Frankfort IL - Trulia

    www.trulia.com/.../3023328824--Old-Plank-Tr-Elsner-Rd-Frankfort-...
    Photos, maps, description for Old Plank Tr Elsner Road, Frankfort IL. Search homes for sale, get school district and neighborhood info for Frankfort...
  5. Preserves & Trails | Old Plank Road Trail

    www.reconnectwithnature.org/preserves-trails/Old-Plank-Road-Trail
    Old Plank Road Trail extends 21.5 miles from Western Avenue in Park Forest west through Frankfort, Mokena, and New Lenox to Washington Street in Joliet. ...
  6. Plank Road Cyclery, Frankfort, Ill - Giant - Cannondale

    plankroadcyclery.com/
    We're a full service bike shop located on the Old Plank Road Trail in Frankfort, Ill. Call us at 815-469-3594 for info on bicycles, accessories, or repairs.

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