Clear blue skies certainly create an attractive venue for paddleboats in the Riverwalk Quarry. The historic quarry features the Jaycees Marina, Gregory Gazebo and two fishing piers, just steps along the winding brick path from Eagle Street or the top of Rotary Hill and the sounds of the 72-bell Millennium Carillon in the Moser Tower.
Paddle boat and kayak (new this year) rentals from the Jaycees Marina are available 11AM-8PM daily through Aug. 17 and 11AM-7PM (or one hour before dusk) through September 28. Note that rentals from the Jaycees Marina depend on weather conditions. In the case of kayaking, availability could depend on public interest in the sport.
Paddle Boat Rentals
$8 for 20-minute ride for up to four people
$10 for a 40-minute ride for up to four people
Children under 13 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Kayak Rentals
One-person kayak rental: $14 for 30 minutes
Two-person kayak rental: $20 for 30 minutes
The fee includes brief instruction, kayak, paddle, personal floatation device and American Canoe Association (ACA)-trained staff to answer questions and offer guidance on techniques.
Note some restrictions apply to youngsters under 18 who must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who can sign a waiver on their behalf.
F
ishing, too!
Individuals of all ages who bring their own fishing poles, bait and tackle boxes can enjoy the peaceful experience of fishing from the piers available in the Riverwalk Quarry. Young anglers never forget learning to fish with mom or dad.
One fishing pier is just off Eagle Street, down the steps from the Farmer’s Plaza. The other one, pictured here, is near the Gregory Gazebo, a few steps from the entrance to rent paddle boats and kayaks.
All you need is a little time and patience to enjoy the features at the Riverwalk Quarry.
Visitors to the Riverwalk will find the Jaycees Marina, a gift to the Riverwalk from the Naperville Jaycees more than 25 years ago, is conveniently located across from the Riverwalk Eatery, Centennial Beach and the Naperville Park District Administration Building at 305 W. Jackson.
Centennial Beach
Historic Centennial Beach with its new permanent bag toss and updated features is now open through Labor Day. Hours are 11AM-8PM Monday through Saturday and 11AM-6PM Sundays and Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. Beach hours change after Aug. 17.
Enjoy the great outdoors along the Riverwalk and at one of 140 Naperville parks located throughout the city.
Thanks for protecting wildlife
Thanks also for helping to protect wildlife and the environment by never feeding human snacks and breadcrumbs to waterfowl. Left on their own, waterfowl will find and feed on insects and plants found naturally. What’s more, feeding ducks and Canadian geese has led to overpopulation and plenty of messy sidewalks that require maintenance. Local ponds and parks cannot accommodate all of them. Note the stamped imprints along the Riverwalk low-flow walks that advise, “Do not feed wildlife.”
For more information, call (630) 848-5000.
All photos by Positively Naperville / May 23, 2014
