It’s no secret to longtime Riverwalk regulars that exposure to soothing sounds of flowing water accompanied by nature all around can induce positive thoughts, pleasure, reflection and joy while helping to reduce stress in the great outdoors.
The forward thinking of local landscape designers to include gathering places such as the Dandelion Fountain along the Riverwalk and the Exchange Club Memories Fountain in Fredenhagen Park is indeed noteworthy as the community comes together to remember that on Labor Day 2021, the Naperville Riverwalk will be 40 years old.
Perhaps you’ve noticed all the wonderful rehabilitation taking place from Eagle Street toward Rotary Hill where reopened views of the DuPage River as well as the Paddleboat Quarry add to peaceful strolls along the winding brick path. Watch for updates and other stories coming soon as members of the Riverwalk Commission present “Creating a Path Forward,” a masterplan for the City’s pride and joy.
Meanwhile, we can list many reasons to be grateful for the Dandelion Fountain, the sparkling water feature imagined by landscape architect Charles Vincent George for the early phase of the Riverwalk when it was first planned in the heart of downtown Naperville.
For starters, at 9AM on Mon., May 31, the popular location at Jackson Avenue and Webster Street will be the site of Naperville’s Memorial Day Observance.
“The Memorial Day Parade Committee has announced that members of VFW Post 3873, American Legion Post 43, and the Naperville Municipal Band will conduct Memorial Day observance activities on Mon., May 31, 2021,” said Tom Parker, chairman of the committee on behalf of the VFW. “The day’s events will begin at 9AM with a short parade comprised of military Veterans that will start at the VFW Post and end at the Dandelion Fountain on Jackson Avenue.
After a brief memorial ceremony at the Dandelion Fountain, additional ceremonies will take place at military memorials around Naperville, Parker said.
The day’s activities will culminate at noon with a Memorial Day Observance Ceremony, featuring patriotic music performed by members of the Naperville Municipal Band, speeches and a wreath laying at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial in Central Park.
Members of the community who plan to participate in this day of remembrance, whether observing the Veteran parade or attending ceremonies, are asked to comply with social distancing and mask directives.
“We ask that residents help us observe Memorial Day this year by taking time to remember the significance of the day and to teach our youth that it is about more than BBQ’s, pool openings and parades,” added Parker.
Parker continued, “We also ask that you participate in the National Moment of Remembrance, by observing one minute of silence at 3PM for the many military Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in service to our country, including the 114 residents of Naperville that died while on Active Duty.”
For updates, visit www.napervillememorialdayparade.com closer to May 31, 2021.
