Above / The labyrinth that sets the stage for the Riverwalk Amphitheater near Eagle Street was inspired by a labyrinth that dates back to 1205 at Chartres Cathedral in Chartres, France. Built to commemorate Celebration 2000 as the community welcomed the new millennium nearly 25 years ago, the 120-yard path recently received a facelift to darken bricks that distinguish the pathway. Enter the labyrinth from between the planters and follow the path for a guided walk the length of a football field! (PN Photo)
More than a few times, PN has referenced a stone monument along the Riverwalk engraved with a poem titled “What We Need.” Many years following our first encounter with the monument, we learned the eight lines were from a 22-line poem by Dr. Stephen Abbott Northrup, a minister in Kansas City, Kansas, back a hundred years ago.
The monument is located along the brick path just steps beyond the old Netzley House, west of the footbridge that leads over the DuPage River toward Centennial Beach.
Encourage family, friends and youngsters to visit the stone monument, engraved with reminders that what we need are a little more kindness with more smiles, laughter and flowers along the pathway of life.
Every seasonal change brings new adventures outdoors. Longer days as summer approaches offer more time to appreciate all that’s created in nature and to discover attractions that welcome visitors just about every day.
Considering Moser Tower since 2000, Century Walk public art since 1996, the Riverwalk since 1981, Naper Settlement since 1969, and Centennial Beach since 1931, our city’s most prominent amenities were inspired by many innovative local residents.
All five attractions connect relevant history in the heart of the City
Longtime residents and history buffs also may recall that real places beyond Naperville borders have inspired some of our city’s best-known attractions.
Since 1831, many folks with can-do spirit have arrived on the banks of the west branch of the DuPage River. Risk takers with imaginations and fundraising prowess have found creative inspiration from other locales and have gone out of their way to replicate them here and there for families and visitors to enjoy.
From the Riverwalk, inspired by the path in San Antonio, Texas; to Century Walk, modeled after outdoor public art in Vancouver, BC, Canada; to the Millennium Labyrinth, a copy of the labyrinth that dates back to 1205 at Chartres Cathedral in Chartres, France, our local landscape has become more attractive.
In 2031, our city will celebrate its first 200 years. For more than a few years, folks have wondered what commemorative will our community present to mark the occasion? What type of “bicentennial gift” from the community will provide a lasting impression for everyone who takes part in its creation leading up to 2031?
Perhaps individuals with can-do spirit can create a cooperative plan for the City’s bicentennial in 2031. Already some folks have sent ideas our way. Do you have any ideas?
With all the wonders of spring just around the corner, be prepared to embrace longer days, the great outdoors and all the fun that comes with them. Explore all that’s new and exciting in downtown Naperville. And think about “What We Need.”
A couple more thoughts…
Whatever solid idea is planned to commemorate 2031 will be better served with a long-range care and maintenance plan in place from the beginning. Thanks for thinking!
Meanwhile, with good health and safety in the news, remember to sing the entire “Happy Birthday” song whenever you wash your hands. And whatever the occasion, wash your hands thoroughly. Take a deep breath. Count your blessings. Appreciate the great outdoors and all the things available to do in this community. Just don’t wash away your commonsense.
–PN
