City of Morris Trails & Parking

Help shape the future of trails, parking, and mobility in Morris.

About the Study

Improving Safety, Connectivity, and Access

The Morris Trails & Parking Study is a year-long effort to improve safety, connectivity, and access for all travel modes, focusing on trails, sidewalks, crossings, and parking. Guided by community input, it will build on recent plans to create recommendations that better connect key destinations, enhance public spaces, and balance parking needs with a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly downtown.

Trails & Connectivity

This study will evaluate and enhance Morris’ trail, sidewalk, and crossing network to improve safety, accessibility, and connections between neighborhoods, schools, parks, downtown, and regional destinations.

Parking & Mobility

This study will analyze downtown parking supply, demand, and management to create strategies that improve wayfinding, efficiency, and balance visitor convenience with a walkable, pedestrian-friendly environment.

Have Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to questions we often receive.

What is the Morris Trails & Parking Study?

It’s a community-driven plan to improve how people move through Morris—on foot, by bike, and by car—while supporting downtown businesses and events.

How is this study being funded?

This planning effort is funded entirely by federal and state sources, specifically the State Planning & Research (SPR) Program administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The program supports transportation planning activities that improve safety, access, and mobility across Illinois. No local funds are being expended on the project.

How can I participate?

You can take our online surveys, attend public meetings, visit us at pop-up events, or add your comments to our interactive project map.

What will the plan include?

It will have recommendations for improving trails and sidewalks, making crossings safer, managing parking better, and laying out a step-by-step plan for putting those ideas into action.

When will the plan be finished?

The study will wrap up in Summer 2026, after several phases of community engagement and review.

Why is this study important?

It will help Morris prepare for the future by making it easier and safer to get around, boosting downtown vitality, and connecting more people to parks, schools, and trails.

What kind of recommendations are we talking about?

As part of the planning process, recommendations related to trails and mobility may include new or expanded trail connections, improved sidewalk and crosswalk infrastructure, wayfinding signage, and safer crossings at busy roads or trail intersections. The plan may also suggest policy changes—such as implementing a Complete Streets policy or updating design guidelines—to ensure that future infrastructure projects accommodate people walking, biking, and using mobility devices. Programs could include community bike rides, safety education campaigns, or trail maintenance initiatives to encourage long-term use and stewardship. The goal is to create a safer, more connected network that serves residents of all ages and abilities.

For parking, recommendations may focus on improving the management of existing parking rather than adding more. This could include updated time limits, shared parking strategies, improved signage, or digital tools that facilitate easier parking availability. Infrastructure improvements may involve adding bike parking or ADA-compliant spaces, while policy updates could explore ways better to support local businesses during events or peak seasons. The plan may also recommend design upgrades that make parking areas more attractive and walkable, enhancing the overall downtown experience.

How will my feedback be used?

Every comment, survey response, and conversation will help shape the recommendations and decide which projects should happen first.

Do I need to live in Morris to participate?

No—anyone who lives, works, shops, or visits here can share their ideas and experiences.

Want to Reach out?

Send the Project Team a message

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