Ever since the landscape features and serpentine brick paths for Naperville’s 1981 Sesquicentennial gift were first designed, the Riverwalk has been growing one section at a time. The city’s rich history abounds all along the winding path where commemorative benches, shepherd’s crook lamps, stone markers and bricks help tell the story of this community where pioneer spirit arrived with Captain Joe Naper and his family in 1831.
In the early days of the Riverwalk, fundraising for the natural treasure began for the first section from Main to Eagle streets. And soon after the prominent Farmers Plaza at Eagle Street became a tribute to the city’s rural beginnings and the path developed toward the Jefferson Street Bridge.
During the Riverwalk 2000 fundraiser launched in 1997, the Daily Herald sponsored a “Buy a Brick” ad campaign featuring different residents holding the “Your Name Here” brick. That fundraising campaign still attracts attention, giving folks who enjoy the Riverwalk a way to leave a commemorative message along the extension from the Washington Street Bridge to Hillside Road.
In 2003, another fundraiser for Exchange Club Memories Fountain and Plaza in Fredenhagen Park also offered commemorative bricks and granite stones.
Today, both initiatives that give individuals the opportunity to write a personal message for a brick or a granite stone continue to be popular gift items and a way to support the Riverwalk Foundation.
To order a 4 x 8 brick (@ $150) for the Riverwalk extension or an 8 x 8 brick (@ $250) for Fredenhagen Park, simply send a check made payable to the Riverwalk Foundation with your 12-characters per line, 3-line or 6-line message to Jan Erickson, Riverwalk Administrator, City of Naperville, TED Business Group, 400 S. Eagle Street, Naperville, IL 60540.Be sure to include your name, address, phone number, e-mail or other contact information so that Erickson can confirm.
For more information about granite stones (@ $2,500) or to purchase a commemorative brick by credit card, contact Erickson at (630) 305-5984 or ericksonj@naperville.il.us.
About the Naperville Riverwalk partnerships
The Riverwalk Commission aims to promote, encourage and guide the development and use of the Riverwalk, a beautiful, linear park located in downtown Naperville along the DuPage River. Every member of the 13- member commission serves three-year terms, including 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 appointed by the Mayor with City Council approval.
The Riverwalk Commission, City of Naperville, Naperville Park District and the Riverwalk Foundation form a collaborative partnership, serving to address the ongoing needs of this sesquicentennial gift that is a natural treasure along the DuPage River in the heart of Naperville.
The Commission meets the second Wednesday of every month at 7:30AM, in the Lunch Room, at the Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street. All meetings are open to the public.
The Naperville Riverwalk Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization that was established in 1997 to serve as a vehicle for obtaining financial support for Riverwalk enhancements and special projects, etc., over and beyond the funding for projects by the City of Naperville and maintenance provided by the Naperville Park District.
The foundation is managed by a volunteer board of directors whose responsibilities are to oversee the receipt and distribution of donated funds and other resources that shall be used for educational programs and projects that enhance the entire Naperville Riverwalk.
