Considering all the bright blue skies this autumn, we asked around for one-word to describe the cornucopia of colors that have attracted an abundance of attention along the parkways.
“Bold, brilliant, bountiful” were three of the single-word descriptions that accompanied one man’s two-word contribution, “Burnt orange.”
October provided plenty of sunshine for the great outdoors. Walking, running, biking and driving have provided ways to watch the changing season as curbside leaf pick-up is in progress. With camera in hand, we ventured outside to appreciate artistic architectural accomplishments that dot the local landscape north, east, west and south.
1. Mayor Margaret “Peg” Price is often credited with naming the “N Building,” an iconic landmark along the Corporate Corridor, built in the 1980s. The impressive office building, which appears to have an “N” on all four sides, was designed by legendary architect Helmut Jahn.
2. Since 2013, a 9.5-foot sculpture has depicted the city’s namesake, Captain Joseph Naper, at the southeast corner of Jefferson Avenue at Mill Street, on a site known as Naper Homestead. To learn the significance of this sculpture and 50-plus other works of art, folks can take a self-guided tour of Century Walk, known as an “open-air” art museum throughout downtown Naperville.
3. Colorful Commissioners Park is located at 3704 111th Street, west of 95th Street. The spacious park features a loop trail that’s approximately one mile in length, complete with fitness stations for a full-body workout. The playground is surrounded by plenty of open space. In 2008, the Naperville Park District’s first cricket pitch opened at Commissioners Park, resulting in the formation of the only known park district cricket league.
4. The Farmer’s Plaza just south of the Eagle Street Bridge welcomes folks to the Riverwalk with a tribute to the City’s rural history and a look toward community can-do spirit featuring the Jaycees Marina and Gregory Gazebo along the quarry, and Moser Tower standing tall in the distance.
5. The Knoch Knolls Park Nature Center recently celebrated its first 10 years! Since the facility in Knoch Knolls Park opened on Oct. 2, 2014, visitors have enjoyed the environmental education center for both children and adults. Find the Nature Center at 320 Knoch Knolls Road to learn all about nature just steps from the DuPage River.
6. “Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.” —Elizabeth Lawrence (1904-1985) Note also, Lake Osborne is a place where everyone can walk, bicycle and reflect peacefully while the leaves turn. With a picnic pavilion and plenty of shoreline for fishing, Lake Osborne is located on Aurora Avenue, just west of the Naperville Public Safety Center.
7. The Naperville Art League Fine Art Center and Gallery is located at Center Street and Fifth Avenue. Open year-round, visitors are welcome from 10AM to 5PM Tuesday through Friday, and from 10AM to 4PM Saturday. For more information about Naperville Art League membership, classes, rotating exhibits, competitive showcases and more, call (630) 355-2530.
8. The Clow family played a significant role in the early history of Naperville, one of the first families to settle in the area and establish a farm. The Clow family’s original residence was built in the 1840s. The one-and-a-half story home was constructed of rough-cut limestone. The family used the top floor as a residence and kept cattle and livestock on the ground floor. Eventually the Clow family built a separate barn for livestock.
9. According to the Illinois Urban Architectural and Historical Survey, the Thomas Clow House is now located on Riverview Farm (part of Will County Forest Preserve), off of 111th Street “with a gravel driveway, grassy lawn.” The home is a “fine example of mid-19th-century Greek Revival farmhouse, with elegantly formal Classical window and door surrounds, and corner quoins.” Landmarked since 1991, The Clow House is the second of five places within the City of Naperville granted local landmark status, and the only one not in the vicinity of downtown.
10. May Watts Park with its popular pond for fishing has entrances to its .89-mile path from Sequoia, Whispering Hills and Oakton roads.
11. Since 1989, Veterans Park along Gartner Road, across from Grace United Methodist Church, has been a place to pause, reflect and pay tribute to all who have served honorably to protect the peace. Plan to observe Veterans Day at 11AM, Mon., Nov. 11. Simply remember “11-11-11.” The Naperville Municipal Band will begin performing patriotic music at 10:45AM. Everybody’s welcome.
Editor’s Note: All photos were taken the last week of October 2024. What a difference a week makes when autumn leaves fall!
