When was the last time you stopped for ice cream or other refreshments at the Riverwalk Eatery? When do you think the Eatery needs to be open for business? Is there a better use for the facility built back in 1984 to serve a limited menu in the height of the summer season?
How often do you walk this way?
Currently, the Naperville Park District seeks public input on potential improvements to the Riverwalk Eatery, also used as a warming hut during the winter when snow-covered Rotary Hill attracts sledders.
From now through August 2015, an online survey will be posted on the Naperville Park District website. A paper copy of the survey can be completed by individuals who stop by the Eatery.
At the base of Rotary Hill along the Riverwalk and just steps from the Jaycees Marina with rentals for paddle boats and kayaks, the Eatery provides a respite stop with restrooms, vending machines for beverages and family-size picnic tables.
Earlier this year, the Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners tabled plans for capital improvements to the Eatery in 2015.  However, for this season, small adjustments to the Eatery’s menu to include breakfast items, coffee and tea, which will be available during new, earlier morning hours.
Beginning Memorial Day weekend, hours of operation for the Eatery will be from 8AM to 8PM daily through August 16. Â Weekend hours will resume August 22 and continue through October, weather permitting.
New offerings include coffee and tea provided by Aspire Coffeeworks in partnership with Metropolis Coffee Company. According to the Naperville Park District website, Aspire Coffeeworks is a nonprofit organization that funds programs and provides job opportunities for people with disabilities.
The Park District seeks feedback about the coffee initiative as well as other ways the Eatery can better serve individuals as they enjoy the many natural features along the Riverwalk.
Editor’s Note:Â Earlier this spring, PN attended discussions about the proposals for capital improvements to the Eatery, inside and out. Our suggestion would be to keep any new plans simple, especially considering the weather dependency of operation at that location. Â Since any improvements at that location will be at taxpayers’ expense, we also would emphasize investment and changes only that fulfill unmet needs. Coffee and tea are good ideas. Or perhaps purchase gelato from one of the gelato shops in downtown Naperville. Â Or permit a qualified food truck to park next to the Eatery at no risk to the taxpayers at all.
Large pots with flowering plants such as the ones at the base of Moser Tower could be placed around the Eatery to provide more beauty and definition. In addition to the large picnic tables, perhaps add some smaller tables with umbrellas to attract smaller groups or individuals who might want to sit outside to enjoy the sights and sounds of activity along Rotary Hill, including Carillon Recitals that begin at 7PM every Tuesday during the summer.
The Jaycees Marina at the Riverwalk Quarry in the distance is just steps from the Riverwalk Eatery and the Moser Tower with the 72-bell carillon. On Memorial Day weekend, enjoy the sweet smell of lilacs.
Note also that weekly recitals by local carillonneurs will ring at noon on Saturdays from now until December as well as 7PM on Saturday evenings June-August and 4PM on Sunday afternoons now through September.
Stay tuned. Â We aim to take the paper option of the survey.
