A more than 50-acre property containing a waterfall, canyon and sandstone walls in North Utica, Illinois, could eventually become a public park after its corporate owner donated the land to the village. Covia transferred ownership of the Clark’s Falls property to the Village of North Utica on Saturday, opening the way for officials to begin planning how the natural area could be preserved and made accessible.The property includes Clark’s Falls, a significant main waterfall, an upper falls and a deep canyon surrounded by towering sandstone walls, according to CSRwire. The landscape has similarities to the natural scenery found at nearby Starved Rock and Matthiessen state parks, although the property has its own geological features and landscape.For the village, the donation marks the beginning of a longer process rather than the immediate opening of a new recreational site. Officials will now have to examine how people could safely access the property while protecting the landscape. They will also need to consider trails, parking, infrastructure, environmental protection and the cost of maintaining the site over time.Clark’s Falls has a long connection with North Utica. Historic photographs and postcards show the waterfall as a local scenic attraction as early as the beginning of the 20th century. A photograph taken in 1903 is preserved by the Library of Congress, showing that the falls were being documented as a place of interest more than a century ago.The history of the property is also connected to the early development of Utica. James Clark arrived in the community in 1833 and later became involved in several parts of its development. His work included involvement with the Illinois and Michigan Canal and Utica’s early cement industry. He also held several civic positions in the community.That history is one reason village officials see the property as more than a piece of undeveloped land. With ownership now transferred to North Utica, the village has the opportunity to decide how the site could fit into the community while retaining its natural and historical character.“Having grown up here and spent my life in Utica, I know how special this property is and what it has meant to generations of people who have known about Clark’s Falls,” Utica Mayor David Stewart said.“This is an extraordinary donation and I cannot thank them enough. To now see this land come into the Village’s ownership and stewardship is something I don’t think any of us should take lightly. There is tremendous potential here, but we also have a responsibility to approach it thoughtfully and make sure we get it right,” he said.
Village to study how the property can be used
The village plans to create a strategic planning committee to examine the property and determine what would be needed before any part of it could open to visitors. The committee will look at possible development and preservation needs, funding opportunities and the steps required to move forward.Public access will be one of the issues under consideration. Officials will also examine possible trails, parking and safety measures. Environmental protection, infrastructure and long-term maintenance will form part of the planning process as well. No final plan for a park has been approved, and there is currently no opening date.
A photograph taken in 1903 is preserved by the Library of Congress
The village has described the donation as an opportunity that could shape North Utica for years to come. The community is already known as a gateway to Starved Rock State Park and the wider Starved Rock Country region. Village leaders said Clark’s Falls could eventually give residents and visitors another reason to spend time in North Utica.However, the proposed park is not intended to simply duplicate nearby attractions. The village said the property has its own natural features and could complement the outdoor destinations already present in the surrounding area.“This could be one of the most significant opportunities Utica has had in decades,” Stewart said. “But today is about the first step. Covia has provided the Village an extraordinary opportunity. Now our job is to bring the right people together to develop a plan to make the park become a reality,” he added.
Clark’s Falls remains closed to visitors
Despite the land transfer, people cannot visit Clark’s Falls as a public attraction yet. The property has not been developed for recreational use and does not have the trails, safety infrastructure or other improvements needed to accommodate visitors.The Village of North Utica has asked residents and visitors to follow all posted closures and stay away from the property until it is officially opened. People who enter the closed property could face ticketing.The village said it will provide more information about the strategic planning process and opportunities for public involvement as the plans develop.
