Above / This covered bridge along the Riverwalk leads from Rotary Hill to Centennial Park where ice skating and hockey rinks are prepared for outdoor play until mid-February 2017. In the summer, folks find their way to recreational fun in the sun at Centennial Beach.
Considering that Naperville has nearly doubled in population since the first phase of the Riverwalk was dedicated on Sept. 7, 1981, relative newcomers have remarked repeatedly that they were first attracted to this thriving community by the ever-changing beauty of the natural treasure in the heart of town.
Beginning earlier in 2016 and until next summer, folks involved with the Riverwalk Foundation and Riverwalk Commission are celebrating the 35th birthday of the dedication of the Riverwalk as well as the can-do spirit of thousands of volunteers that have contributed to its success beginning with the city’s sesquicentennial celebration.
Since 1981, the Riverwalk has grown brick by brick, feature by feature, into a linear park from the Jefferson Avenue Bridge to Hillside Road Bridge with nearly four miles of winding paths and Fredenhagen Park along the DuPage River.
The date, Sept. 7, 1981, is etched in stone as well as the memories of thousands of longtime residents who share pride and joy in contributing to the development of the priceless amenity and how it revitalized the area, enhancing the popular shopping and dining destination in downtown Naperville.
‘Countdown at the Carillon’
What’s more, throughout the year, the Riverwalk creates the perfect setting on certain weekends for the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair, fundraising walks and special events. For instance, on New Year’s Eve, Countdown at the Carillon (Moser Tower with 72 bells) at Rotary Hill has become an annual tradition held twice in one evening with search lights, cameras and bell-ringing magic. Geared toward families, festivities first run from 5:30 to 6:30PM with the countdown at 6PM. Festivities begin at 11:30PM for the traditional countdown at midnight. Countdown at the Carillon is free of charge.
Bundle up and enjoy all the seasonal changes!
Then venture along Main Street to downtown Naperville for lunch, brunch or dinner and shopping where there’s always something new in the old town settled on the banks of the DuPage River in 1831.
PHOTO GALLERY / Even when the temperature was a mere 7 degrees, the brick paths along the DuPage River were cleared early Sunday morning after the overnight snowfall. Ready to welcome visitors of all ages, in addition to double-dipping ducks, mostly dog-walkers took advantage of the peaceful experience on Dec. 18. 2016.
[shareprints gallery_id=”68491″ gallery_type=”squares” gallery_position=”pos_center” gallery_width=”width_100″ image_size=”small” image_padding=”0″ theme=”dark” image_hover=”false” lightbox_type=”slide” titles=”true” captions=”true” descriptions=”true” comments=”true” sharing=”true”]Note: The Water Street Parking Facility at Webster Street just steps from the Riverwalk is now open, offering 400 new, free parking spaces in Naperville’s downtown for public use. (Note that some limitations will exist along the Riverwalk at the edge of the DuPage River until the entire Water Street development is completed by spring 2017.)
