Since 1981, the Naperville Riverwalk has been a natural treasure, often referred to as the city’s “crown jewel,” attracting visitors of all ages.
As the winding brick path has developed with many special features from Jefferson Ave. to Hillside Road, nearly every weekend welcomes seasonal activities, setting the stage for outdoor fundraising events that keep the community thriving.
In 1984, the Riverwalk Eatery was built. About that same time, the Jaycees began raising funds during the Last Fling designated for the Jaycees Marina, a place along the Riverwalk where folks could rent paddle boats. In recent years, one-person and two-person kayaks were added to the choices. And all summer long, the popular destination attracts all ages to enjoy the Riverwalk Paddleboat Quarry.
When the Naperville Jaycees were setting up for the 2015 Last Fling last week, PN’s cameras caught a raccoon doing what the bandit-masked animals like to do best. The night scavenger nicknamed “Rocky” was enjoying leftovers.
Most residents, especially dog owners who walk their dogs in the wee hours, are aware that raccoons are very abundant in Naperville as they prefer to hunt for food at night.
You could say raccoons hit it lucky in Naperville, thanks to early morning garbage pick-up, leftovers from special events, bird feeders, flowering fruit trees, garden plots as well as dishes of pet food and watering bowls left outside.
So how do you prevent raccoons from getting too close?
According to wildlife control experts…
• Never feed raccoons.
• Keep pet food and watering dishes indoors.
• Keep trash containers inside your garage until pick-up day with tightly fitted lids.
• Install commercial chimney caps. It’s no fun when raccoons and/or their babies fall from the chimney into the fireplace. (Learn from the voice of experience.)
• Repair broken, weak or rotted areas on your roof, soffit and fascia.
• Install hardware cloth inside attic vent and fan openings.
• Keep tree branches trimmed so they don’t create a bridge to your roof for raccoons to have easy access.
The Naperville Park District is considering improvements to the Riverwalk Eatery. Stay tuned.
