Back in 1998, folks broke ground for the Rotary Plaza at the entrance to the Riverwalk 2000 Extension from the Washington Street Bridge to Hillside Road. That was before Fredenhagen Park and other good things happening at the location of the former Cock Robin Ice Cream Restaurant and entrance to North Central College. Seems like just yesterday!
Editor’s Note: Since 1998, the Riverwalk brick path has been extended along the DuPage River from the Washington Street Bridge to Hillside Road. Above, Ted Fredenhagen, Mayor George Pradel, Rita Fredenhagen Harvard, then-Naperville Park District Executive Director Joe Schultz and then-Naperville Park District Commissioner Chuck Koch are pictured during ground-breaking ceremonies for Rotary Plaza at the entrance to the extension near what used to be the Cock Robin property.
In May 2004, Fredenhagen Park was dedicated as a tribute to Grace and Walter Fredenhagen, thanks to the generosity of their children, Rita Harvard and Ted Fredenhagen, who gifted the former Naperville Creamery and Cock Robin property to the City of Naperville.
The Riverwalk Gateway to North Central College was completed in the fall of 2012. On Jan. 19, 2013, the “eyesore” next to Burger King was demolished. Soon another gateway park to downtown and North Central College will beautify the location.
In addition, the City Council and the City of Naperville currently are seeking input regarding extending the Riverwalk a short distance from Hillside to Martin Ave.
During the last 17 years, more than $1 million has been raised in private funds to complete Riverwalk extension and Fredenhagen Park enhancements. North Central College benefactors have added more to the mix.
Going forward, a community fundraiser is planned from 5-9PM Mon., Feb. 11, at Pizzeria NEO, located in Washington Corners along Chicago Ave., just steps from North Central College and the planned Riverwalk Gateway.
To see photos from the past year of the Riverwalk and Fredenhagen Park, simply use the “search” tool in the black navigation bar at the top of this web page. The Riverwalk is our city’s pride and joy,providing enjoyable recreation every season of the year.
