Above / The Naperville Riverwalk Eagle Street Gateway project is set to begin construction the week of March 10. Accessibility to the Riverwalk and parking may be restricted during construction. Note the the pink line on the map below indicates fencing that may limit access. (PN Photo)
Updated Post, March 12, 2025 / During the regularly scheduled Riverwalk Commission meeting that began at 7:30AM Wed., March 12, members and visitors in attendance were informed by Johnna Shields for Pam Bartlett that a groundbreaking ceremony is planned for 10AM Thurs., March 27. The public is welcome.
Original Post, March 6, 2025 / During brisk walks along the Riverwalk, visitors are known to pause here and there to observe the wildlife, commemorative bricks and story-telling landmarks as the winding brick path follows the DuPage River in the heart of Naperville. This day’s glorious blue skies were reminders that the City’s natural treasure is about to receive a valuable upgrade. On Monday, March 10, construction is expected to begin on the Eagle Street Gateway, located just west of the Eagle Street Bridge at Jackson Avenue.
Longtime residents likely have memories when the iconic red Landforms sculpture by artist John Arnold was donated by the Naperville Art League in 1984. Two years earlier, the one-half acre area set the stage to become what’s now one of the most recognized locations along the Riverwalk.
Despite its attractive appearance, over time Riverwalk Commissioners recognized that the location created obstacles for folks with mobility challenges. For instance, when on the lower walkway, they must retrace this 1,000 footlong dead-end as the only way to return to street level. That’s when the concept of the Eagle Street Gateway began to develop. When complete, the new access will not only correct circulation shortcomings, it will present a beautiful new area to connect river and street-level paths with ornamental landscaping, stone accents and other signature Riverwalk amenities presented throughout the 2031 Master Plan.
“This project is a significant milestone in our commitment to making the Riverwalk even more accessible and enjoyable for future generations,” said Pam Bartlett, current Riverwalk Commission Chair. “The Eagle Street Gateway Project reflects the City’s dedication to thoughtful, community-focused improvements.”
How the Eagle Street Gateway is funded
In 2022, a $900,000 federal grant was requested in support of the Riverwalk Eagle Street Gateway and Accessibility Improvements as proposed in the Riverwalk 2031 Master Plan. As proposed by the Riverwalk Commission, the Eagle Street Gateway will enhance the north bank of the DuPage River between the Eagle Street Bridge and the overlook.
According to the funding request to the Appropriations Committee by Congressman Bill Foster of the 11th District, “The funding will be for new Eagle Street Gateway to correct major circulation deficiencies, and barriers for people with mobility challenges, while becoming a dramatic new Riverwalk attraction that retains its iconic sculpture, exemplifying the master planned connectivity, capacity, hospitality, economic development, and appearance objectives.”
The City of Naperville will pay for the difference between the federal grant and the $3,516,001.27 awarded recently to Baumgartner Construction of Naperville, according to Bill Novack, Director of Transportation, Engineering and Development (TED), who also serves on the Riverwalk Commission.
Be prepared to walk another way from the Eagle Street Bridge at Jackson Avenue
During the Riverwalk Planning and Development meeting Tues., March 4, 2025, Commissioners were informed fencing would be going up on March 6, to cordon off the area where construction will begin next week.
According to John Baumgartner, the project is expected to take 180 days.
The fencing also eliminates seven parking spaces that have been marked off for staging equipment.
Included in the contract is for Baumgartner to clean up, repair all surface deteriorations and repaint the iconic Landforms sculpture.
Just after noon on March 6, 2025, a crew arrived to put up fencing that will restrict pedestrians from entering the Riverwalk near the Eagle Street Gateway construction area that runs toward the overlook. By 3PM, all fencing was in place.
The gateway project is part of the City’s Riverwalk 2031 Master Plan. The plan includes various capital projects along the winding path such as the recently planted Prairie Nature Garden enhancement designed by the Naperville Park District and funded by the Riverwalk Foundation. Other projects include the extension of the Riverwalk from Hillside Road to Martin Avenue. Find renderings of the plan on the City’s website, Naperville.il.us under “Riverwalk Master Plan 2031.”
Always be mindful that as plans are designed and funding is approved for development of new Riverwalk projects, additional funding also must be considered and secured for annual care, long-term maintenance and public safety of Naperville’s natural treasure.
And from now until next fall, when entering the Riverwalk from Eagle Street, use the entrance south of the bridge at the Farmer’s Plaza.
—Stephanie Penick, PN
(Kindly note: PN Publisher Stephanie Penick is a founding member of the Riverwalk Foundation, established at the request of the City in 1997. She served on the Riverwalk Commission from 2014 to 2019 with a strong passion for care, maintenance and safety of the landmark park. Comments in this post belong to Penick. Today she’s also concerned about safe sidewalks throughout the City.)
