For generations, much of the landscape surrounding Clark’s Falls has remained inaccessible to the public. That could soon change. Covia has donated more than 50 acres encompassing Clark’s Falls and the surrounding canyon to the Village of North Utica, giving the community ownership of a significant natural area and opening the door to the possibility of creating a new public park.

The property includes dramatic sandstone cliffs, a deep canyon, a prominent main waterfall and a second set of upper falls. Its rock formations and scenery share similarities with the landscapes found at nearby Starved Rock and Matthiessen state parks, although Clark’s Falls has its own distinctive character and natural features.

For Utica, the acquisition represents an opportunity to develop a major community resource that could become an important part of the village for generations.

Utica Mayor David Stewart, who grew up in the community, described the property as a special part of the area's history. He expressed appreciation to Covia for transferring the land to the Village and emphasized that its future development should be approached carefully. While the site has considerable potential, he noted that the Village also has a responsibility to protect its natural and historic qualities as it considers how the property might eventually serve the public.

A landmark connected to Utica's history
Clark’s Falls has been associated with Utica for more than 100 years. Historical photographs and postcards show that the waterfall was recognized as a local attraction as far back as the early 20th century. Among the surviving records is a photograph of Clark’s Falls from 1903 that is now held by the Library of Congress.

The Clark name is also linked to the early development of Utica. James Clark arrived in the community in 1833 and became involved in several aspects of its growth. His contributions included work connected with the Illinois and Michigan Canal, participation in Utica's early cement industry and service in various civic roles.

Mayor Stewart said the property's connection to the Clark family gives the donation an added historical significance. A location associated with one of Utica's early community builders could now become part of the village's future, nearly two centuries after James Clark first arrived.

Mark Oskam, Covia's Senior Vice President of Operations, said the donation is intended to provide a lasting benefit to the Utica community. He added that Covia is pleased to transfer the property and looks forward to seeing how the Village develops a long-term vision for Clark’s Falls.

Covia oversees more than 80,000 acres and incorporates sustainability considerations throughout activities ranging from land development to reclamation. The company has worked to restore and manage natural environments, including forests and wetlands, while adapting its environmental efforts to the needs of individual communities.

The company also supports communities through charitable giving, employee volunteer programs and other initiatives. Covia and its predecessors, including Unimin Corporation, have maintained a presence in Utica for more than a century and have a long history of involvement in the local community.

Planning the future of Clark’s Falls
The land transfer marks the start of a planning process rather than the immediate creation of a public park.

The Village intends to establish a strategic planning committee to study the property and consider how it might be preserved and eventually developed. The committee is expected to examine potential funding sources, environmental and infrastructure requirements, and the steps that would need to be completed before the public could safely access the site.

Among the issues likely to be considered are trail construction, parking, public access, visitor safety, environmental protection, infrastructure and ongoing maintenance.

At this stage, the Village has not approved a final park design or established an opening date.
Utica has traditionally served as an entry point for visitors heading toward Starved Rock State Park and other attractions in the surrounding area. Village officials believe Clark’s Falls could eventually add another destination within Utica itself, complementing the region's established natural attractions rather than attempting to replicate them.

Mayor Stewart described the donation as a potentially important opportunity for the community while emphasizing that the project is still in its early stages. The immediate priority is to bring together the appropriate experts, community representatives and stakeholders to determine how the property can be responsibly preserved and potentially transformed into a public park.

Clark’s Falls remains closed
Despite the land transfer, Clark’s Falls is not currently open to the public.
The property has not yet been prepared for recreational use and does not have the trails, visitor facilities, safety measures or other infrastructure required to accommodate the public.
Residents and visitors are being asked to observe all posted restrictions and remain off the property until the Village officially authorizes public access. Individuals who enter the site without permission may be subject to ticketing.

As the planning process moves forward, the Village of Utica is expected to provide additional information about the property's future, the strategic planning committee and opportunities for community participation.

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