After capturing some of the changes happening along the Naperville Riverwalk to prepare for the Water Street District, we headed along the low-flow walk for a quick tour of Fredenhagen Park where many memories have been made. We found peace and quiet among many commemorative features that tell the story of a generous community, a setting where a family-owned ice cream enterprise had operated from 1931 to 1993.
Developed by the Riverwalk Commission a decade ago in a public/private partnership with the City of Naperville and its citizens after the property was gifted by Rita Harvard and Ted Fredenhagen, Fredenhagen Park occupies the former site of the Cock Robin Ice Cream restaurant and Naperville Creamery, adjacent to North Central College.
The park provides a place to pause and reflect about active community spirit that is represented in many specially-named features including gardens, plazas and sculpture. For instance, the Century Walk “Two In a Million” sculpture depicts Grace and Walter Fredenhagen, owners of their ice cream enterprises Prince Castle and Cock Robin that featured “One in a Million” milkshakes. Grace was recognized for her hands-on support of Martin-Mitchell Mansion and Edward Hospital. The life-size bronze sculpture designed in 2005 by artist Jeff Adams accents the landscaped space near Rotary Plaza and the Washington Street Bridge.
Designed to be the “Gateway to Downtown Naperville,” Fredenhagen Park is plentiful with commemorative bricks and stones in the plaza that surrounds the Exchange Club Memories Fountain. The service club funded the fountain via sales of commemoratives in collaboration with the Riverwalk Foundation, supporting the beautifully landscaped gathering place that also serves to connect North Central College and the east extension of the Riverwalk.
Going forward with artistic views
Fredenhagen Park again will provide a stage for the Class Act II Big Band Concert on Sat., Sept. 20. For the last five years, the Riverwalk Foundation has hosted the Class Act II Big Band Concert under the leadership of Ted Fredenhagen, son of Grace and Walter Fredenhagen, on the first day of the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair. The exact time for the afternoon of jazz favorites is still to be determined.
The 29th Annual Naperville Art League Riverwalk Fine Art Fair is slated for 10AM-5PM on Sept. 20-21. The attractive event meanders along the Riverwalk and Jackson Avenue from Main to Eagle streets, just steps from the heart of downtown Naperville with more than 130 shops and 40 eateries.
Meanwhile, be mindful of plans along the Water Street District as they begin to develop. The Main Street Bridge offers a clear view of the property along the DuPage River.
To find your way from Fredenhagen Park, simply cross over the Washington Street Bridge, then take the steps down to the low-flow walk and cross under the bridge. Then climb steps up to the Riverwalk and follow the serpentine brick path over to the Main Street Bridge where you can watch the changes as they happen along Water Street.
Between Jefferson Avenue and Hillside Road, the Naperville Riverwalk welcomes visitors to walk, stroll or run on nearly four miles of winding paths throughout the linear park every day.
To see other stories and photos about this city’s natural treasure saved in PN’s archive, click here.
For stories about the Water Street District, click here.
—PN with photos taken July 26, 2014
