Above / The red Landforms sculpture was a gift from the Naperville Art League in 1984. Look through it to see the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, named in honor of a former Naperville Park District Board Commissioner who served Naperville in many other ways, too.
During a brisk walk on the last of day autumn 2015, we paused a few times to observe landmarks and plaques along the Riverwalk, shining under glorious blue skies. Focused on the early development of the winding brick path from Main Street to Eagle Street, dedicated on Sept. 7, 1981, and just beyond to the Landforms sculpture by artist Jack Arnold, every stop provided a reminder of the generosity, volunteers and contributors that had embraced the idea to design and build a linear park to commemorate Naperville’s first 150 years.
Today the citizens’ gift in partnership with the City of Naperville and now the Naperville Park District continues to celebrate community spirit every day from the Jefferson Avenue Bridge to the Hillside Road Bridge. Some have noted that the Riverwalk is the gift that keeps on giving as it serves as the backdrop for hundreds of activities, including family reunions, concerts, art fairs and Frisbee dog competitions.
Throughout the year, the Riverwalk has become the centerpiece for a plethora of successful annual fundraisers such as the Naperville Jaycees’ four-day Last Fling. Dozens of charitable events and walks help heighten awareness of the unmet needs for many worthwhile causes and social services in this caring community.
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Also known as “the crown jewel of the city” and “the city’s pride and joy,” the beauty of the attractive Riverwalk with its ever-changing scene welcomes visitors to run, walk and stroll its winding brick path every day. Or they can sit on park benches, cross covered bridges and enjoy the Dandelion Fountain in the Civic Plaza where a large evergreen marks the spot during the holiday season near the Santa House, open 4-8PM daily until Dec. 23, 2015.
Even further, visitors can enjoy the peace and quiet as they venture into Sindt Woods toward Jefferson Avenue or beyond Fredenhagen Park toward Hillside Road among the native wildlife.
Looking up yesterday just beyond Centennial Beach, trees were aflutter with robins. A gaggle of Canada geese was grazing near the bath house. Further east, the low flow walks were filled with Mallard ducks basking in the sunshine while geese swam in the DuPage River.
Thanks to the City of Naperville and the Naperville Park District, working with the volunteers on the Riverwalk Commission and Riverwalk Foundation, special care has been given to the Riverwalk during its growth and development.
We are also grateful to thousands of individuals and businesses that have contributed time and talents, commemorative bricks and stones as well as other financial gifts to the Riverwalk, all of which have added to the rich history of the Riverwalk story. Indeed, our natural treasure in the heart of downtown Naperville creates an abundance of memories every day.
Though it’s raining in Naperville on this first day of winter, our experience has been that when temperatures drop, the maintenance crews of the Naperville Park District will have the Riverwalk cleared for early-morning walkers even when it snows.
Welcome, Old Man Winter and Mother Nature!
Above / Here’s one of our favorite photos of the Riverwalk Amphitheater after a wet snowfall back in December 2010. College students home for holiday break rolled out some whimsical creativity for passersby to enjoy. Imagine the joyful snowman choir singing out songs of the season! “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!”
Happy first day of winter! Enjoy the special wonder of the season.
Here’s to good health & prosperity in 2016! Celebrate safely.
—Stephanie Penick, PN Publisher, Riverwalk Devotee since 1993.
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