Trail will remain open during construction of park improvements
While development of the Knoch Knolls Nature Center continues, spring weather signals the start of construction on related outdoor improvements at Knoch Knolls Park. Site work will begin between April 28 and May 9 on the project, which includes a permeable paver parking lot, an expanded disc golf course, a nature-themed playground, an improved canoe launch and multi-use trails.
Throughout the project, Segment Four of the DuPage River Trail will remain open at Knoch Knolls Park; however, the trail will be re-routed to accommodate construction of the site amenities.
A map showing the new, temporary route of the trail is available on the Park District’s website at www.napervilleparks.org.
A little review of the development at Knoch Knolls Park
During spring and summer construction the Knoch Knolls parking lot will be closed. Patrons are encouraged to park at DuPage River Sports Complex, which is adjacent to Knoch Knolls Park and located at 2807 S. Washington Street. The DuPage River Trail can be accessed easily from this location.
Construction of the Knoch Knolls Nature Center began in summer 2013 and is on schedule to be complete by late summer 2014, opening in the fall of 2014. The building will house two classrooms for nature programs, a central exhibit area, staff offices, public restrooms, and a large deck overlooking the pond.
The Nature Center will focus on the theme of “Celebrating Water,” encouraging exploration of the DuPage River, which winds through Knoch Knolls Park. Unique features of the Center include a river aquarium, a cistern, interactive videos and wall exhibits, a sculpture reminiscent of the former 19th century sawmill on site, and decorative flooring portraying a river bed.
The new facility showcases environmental sustainability, with sustainable features such as photovoltaic panels to provide renewable energy, a green roof, a cistern that will reuse rainwater in the plumbing system, and a highly efficient HVAC system.
Site plans, photos and additional project details are posted on the Park District’s website at the following link: http://www.napervilleparks.org/parks/knoch-knolls-park.
