Members of the Riverwalk Commission held an open house Tuesday night at Highlands Elementary School regarding the proposed Riverwalk extension south of Hillside Rd. to Martin Ave., across from Edward Hospital.
In a packed room, interested residents and enthusiasts from the Riverwalk Commission and the Riverwalk Foundation had the opportunity to view renderings, offer feedback and listen to a brief presentation by Jeff Havel, Chairman of the Riverwalk Commission.
The development is in its infancy and residents are encouraged to offer feedback in regard to feasibility and features in the plans. Some brief discussion at the open house included whether to make the extension bike friendly, how close to make the path to Washington St. and landscaping.
Comments are encouraged and will be accepted via email through Thurs., Jan. 31. A copy of the comment card can be viewed at naperville.il.us/emplibrary/Riverwalk/Final%20Comment%20Card.pdf.
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Click any of the photos and renderings to enlarge. Renderings courtesy of the Riverwalk Commission.
While the City Council approved and set the existing Riverwalk boundaries from Hillside to Jefferson Ave. in 1993, recent developments on the south side of Hillside Road have sparked the consideration to possibly extend the Riverwalk south to Martin Ave.
Interest in developing the property along the DuPage River to extend the Riverwalk south of Hillside was questioned by City Council members during discussions of the redevelopment on the northeast corner at Hillside and Washington streets. During its Oct. 16, 2012, meeting, the City Council directed the Riverwalk Commission to conduct a feasibility study to consider a project overview, public support, operation and maintenance costs and funding sources.
The proposed extension would have benefits to the area, including an improved north/south pedestrian connection to access downtown amenities and businesses.
For more information, contact Jan Erickson, Riverwalk Administrator at ericksonj@naperville.il.us or (630) 305-5984 or visit www.napervilleriverwalk.com.
Editor’s Note: Many times plans and proposals begin moving forward via informational open houses such as the one held Jan. 22. Sometimes residents fail to pay attention early in the process when their feedback is most useful, valued and critical. Naperville is comprised of more than 20 boards and commissions that study and present ideas that could impact and improve the community. The volunteers who serve on city boards and commissions exemplify civic-duty and community involvement. They welcome feedback before they make recommendations to the City Council.
The 13-member Riverwalk Commission meets at 7:30AM on the second Wednesday of every month in the Lunch Room, at the Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St. All meetings are open to the public. Commissioners serve three-year terms and include the Mayor (or his designee), Park District Board President (or his designee), Riverwalk Foundation representative, Millennium Carillon Foundation representative, City and Park District employees and interested residents. The Commission is set to promote, encourage and guide the development and use of the Riverwalk.
