Illinois waterfall photographed in 1903 could become a public park after 50-acre donation

Historic photographs and postcards show the waterfall as a local scenic attraction as early as the beginning of the 20th century 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, environme...