NEW - Ready, Set, Explore MEPRD's brand new "Trailhead Specific" Brochure (an MEPRD exclusive)!

In a never-ending attempt to provide trail users the necessary tools and resources to make their trail experience as enjoyable as possible, MEPRD will be printing and making available online a "MEPRD Trailhead Specific" brochure (an MEPRD exclusive) that contains pertinent information about the most frequently asked questions by users of MEPRD's Trailhead located at 104 United Drive in Collinsville, IL.

Frequently asked questions include: Is there a map of all the trails in Madison and St. Clair Counties? MEPRD's brochure contains a detailed, yet user-friendly trail map of both counties. How far is it from MEPRD's Trailhead to there, and back? MEPRD's brochure lists round-trip trail routes starting from MEPRD's Trailhead ranging from 2-miles to 31.1-miles ...and everywhere between. What amenities does MEPRD's Trailhead offer? From free tire air, to a pet drinking fountain, to clean restrooms, the brochure lists them all. What do I do if my bike breaks down while I am on the trail? Another exclusive to MEPRD's Brochure, Riverbend Taxi has confirmed they will pick you and your bicycle up if you break down. (Taxi rates apply and cyclists are responsible for getting themselves and their bicycle to a vehicle-accessible road for pick-up).

The MEPRD "Trailhead Specific" Brochure is a must-have item while exploring the trails of Madison and St. Clair Counties.

MEPRD's other popular online trail resources include: 1. Google Bicycling Directions from MEPRD's Trailhead in Collinsville,
2. MEPRD's online trail and park map with important trail notices, suggested routes, etc., and 3. MEPRD's Trailhead webpage.

The Metro East Park and Recreation District has spent a great deal of time refining, correcting and updating: Google's Bicycling Layer in and around Madison and St. Clair Counties in Illinois.

This free and public mapping layer is utilized by Google not only for online use, such as Google Maps, but also Google's ever-growing mobile map application. For example, Android smart-phone users already have access to Google's Mobile Map App where the Bicycling Layer can be viewed and utilized for real-time (GPS) bicycling directions from MEPRD's Trailhead. Be among some of the first in Madison County to replace your old bike computers with your phone in order to access information about distance, speed, timing, elevation, recorded routes, suggested routes, real-time GPS directions, etc. Click here to get started.

MEPRD is excited to host EarthCam sponsored by the Confluence Greenway. Web users now have the ability to view MWMMP and the St. Louis Skyline live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Confluence recently installed  two webcams on the St. Louis, MO and East St. Louis, IL riverfronts making them a member of the global video community. Click here to take a peek.

The development of a public system of interconnecting parks and trails is integral to the mission of the MEPRD. The development of the system requires funding, from a variety of sources, and MEPRD has helped fund various parks and trails in Madison and St. Clair Counties since 2003. MEPRD has committed funds, not to exceed a total program distribution of eight hundred thousand dollars ($800,000), to be awarded to successful applicants of the MEPRD FY12 Park and Trail Grant Matching Program. The intent of the funding program is to help fund park and trail projects in the district. MEPRD requires that the local project sponsor partially fund their respective project and abide by details contained in the grant application and corresponding project agreement. In addition, MEPRD's grant contribution will not exceed 25% of the approved project costs, an amount also not to exceed $300,000. The MEPRD Park and Trail Grant Matching Program Application is available here. The application lists additional information, eligibility and funding requirements.

Notice: The MEPRD FY12 Park and Trail Grant Matching Program has been very successful, and as of January 10, 2012 MEPRD has awarded $682,050.00 in Grants. We encourage all communities to still apply for the remaining funds and wish to congratulate those who have already been awarded a grant.

The Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park features the Mississippi River Overlook, which offers the region's most spectacular views of the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis skyline, as well as a terrific vantage point to view the Gateway Geyser eruptions during the months of April thru October.

The Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park has quickly become a regional hotspot since the opening of the park in June 2009. The Mississippi River Overlook is a handicap-accessible structure made up of five tiered observation areas, that it is highlighted by an illuminated stainless steel railing system so visitors can enjoy both daytime and nighttime views. ...click here for more information.