The first phase of the 312 RiverRun trail project has begun. The City of Chicago broke ground on the Riverview Bridge, which will connect Clark Park and California Park when completed, according to DNAinfo.

The 312 RiverRun trail will eventually run along the Chicago River between Belmont and Montrose, an approximately two-mile stretch. The pathway will connect Clark Park, California Park, and Horner Park, according to the report. The parks serve neighborhoods including Albany Park, Avondale, Irving Park, and Roscoe Village/North Center.

"These are neighborhood investments. This is for all the families who don't want to drive to the lake. Now you can run along the water in your neighborhood,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel, according to the report.

The second phase of the 312 RiverRun project will focus on repairing the Irving Park Road bridge and building an underbridge to connect California Park to Horner Park, DNAinfo reports. Work on the project is expected to last all of next year and possibly through 2019.

When completed, residents will be able to bike, walk, and run the trail, which will give improved access to all of the amenities the three parks offer.

Rendering courtesy of 312 RiverRun project