Above / This sign details “Riverwalk Regulations” with a map that shows the path of the Riverwalk from Jefferson Avenue to Hillside Road. The sign is located near the parking lot at Rotary Hill, across from Naperville Central High School.
Below / Close up the sign clearly states what’s allowed and what’s not. Thanks for keeping the Riverwalk safe for all who walk in the heart of downtown Naperville.
During this month’s meeting of the Riverwalk Planning, Development & Construction (PDC) Committee, attendees heard about complaints regarding too many bicyclists on the Riverwalk.
Regular Riverwalkers have suggested more signs to remind folks that bicycles, motor scooters, skateboards and rollerblades are not permitted.
Folks… Kindly spread the word about Naperville Riverwalk rules to “Dismount & Walk.” We appreciate that it’s not easy to correct folks you don’t know. Simply direct bicyclists and skateboarders to signs already strategically placed high and low along the brick path.
This afternoon while visiting the Riverwalk on the path that runs by City Hall at Eagle Street, four well-behaved teens on skateboards were not aware that they were supposed to dismount. They wanted proof.
“Where’s a sign?” one of the teens asked.
To our surprise and disappointment, no sign was there near City Hall available for quick reference. And further down the path toward the area with the Grand Pavilion, not all the information signs include Riverwalk regulations.
When asked if they’d visited the skatepark near Centennial Beach, they had. They also had ideas to make it better and were given the suggestion to let the Naperville Park District know. They said they especially enjoy downtown Naperville for skateboarding where obstacles make it fun and challenging.
As spring progresses and more folks are attracted to the Riverwalk, thanks for all efforts to keep the Riverwalk welcoming and safe for all without a whole bunch of new regulatory signs. Simply put, walk your wheels.
In a related note with a temporary sign: Shoreline Stabilization Project Resumes Along Naperville Riverwalk on April 14
Naperville Park District will resume the Riverwalk Shoreline Stabilization Project on Monday, April 14. The project, which began in late 2024, will stabilize the eroding shoreline along the west end of the Riverwalk between Jefferson Avenue and the Jaycees playground.
Invasive and declining trees and shrubs were removed in winter 2024 followed by the installation of stone breaks to deflect water from hitting the shoreline. During this phase, the rest of the shoreline will be stabilized with stone breaks and native plantings. Please note that sections of the Riverwalk may be temporarily closed due to project maintenance activities.
The Shoreline Stabilization Project is expected to conclude in summer 2025. Any comments or questions regarding the work can be directed to Project Manager Peggy Motta at pmotta@napervilleparks.org.
To learn more about the District’s other restoration projects, visit www.napervilleparks.org/restorationprojects.
Meanwhile, thanks for reading and for helping to keep everybody safe during strolls along the Riverwalk. In other words, as a PN reader, cyclist and contributor just suggested, “Walk your wheels.”
“Walk your wheels,” we learned, is a phrase used throughout the world to remind folks that sidewalks are for walking. —PN
LATEST UPDATE, April 15, 2025 / Yesterday we received input regarding “WALK YOUR WHEELS” campaigns in progress throughout the USA and Canada. We also heard stories about youngsters on e-bikes who could use lessons in the rules of the road and sidewalks.
It’s springtime. Let’s all work on public safety here, there and everywhere all the time. Be safe!
What’s more… Considering the simple three-word message, it’s our opinion there’s no need to spend local funding for creative time to reinvent the wheel.
