Above / The Riverwalk Grand Pavilion is located just west of the Jaycees Playground and south of the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873. A questionnaire seeking public input is open for responses through Oct. 9, 2025. (PN File Photo)
Editor’s Note, Sept. 25, 2025 / Just as this news from the City of Naperville and the Naperville Park District was posted, another release arrived from the Naperville Park District regarding a possible referendum on the ballot for the Primary on March 17, 2026. That news is presented at the bottom of this post. Thanks for reading. —PN
City of Naperville Report
The City of Naperville, in partnership with the Naperville Park District, invites community members to share feedback about the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion. Participants can complete an online questionnaire about this important community asset, which is located between the Sindt Woods and Naperville Jaycee Playground. The questionnaire will be open until Oct. 9 and seeks to understand how people currently use the space to help identify challenges and gather the community’s vision for future improvements.
According to the Riverwalk 2031 Master Plan, the Grand Pavilion is 3,200 square feet and can comfortably seat 270 people at movable picnic tables. The amenities include electricity in the pavilion, grill and restrooms. The facility was built in 1987, and its frequent and heavy use often takes a toll on the surrounding lawn.
“Many people have fond memories at the Grand Pavilion, including weddings, reunions, corporate team building events, and much more,” said Jan Erickson, chair, Riverwalk Commission. “While construction wouldn’t begin for several years, knowing what areas to focus on will help guide this project. We understand that the space has limited parking and there are drainage issues. Our goal is to have a more useful and vibrant pavilion.”
Questionnaire available through October 9, 2025
The questionnaire uses Polco, a civic engagement platform, consists of fewer than 15 questions and takes about two minutes to complete. The questionnaire can be accessed at polco.us/scnn7p until it closes on Oct. 9. The results will be posted to the City’s website in late October. Naperville also utilized Polco for the 2023 Community Survey and Public Art Survey in 2024.
For questions about the questionnaire, email Andy Hynes at hynesa@naperville.il.us.
For more information on the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us.
News Release from Naperville Park District
Naperville Park District to Host Public Open Houses Regarding Possible Funding Proposal
Residents are invited to learn more, ask questions
The Naperville Park District will be conducting several open house events throughout the month of October about a possible funding proposal and a potential referendum that could appear on the March 17, 2026, ballot. The referendum would seek approval of funding for a variety of capital improvement projects throughout Naperville that the community has asked the Park District to consider. Residents are invited to attend to learn about the funding proposal’s purpose and possible recreation improvements; Park District staff also will be in attendance to answer questions.
Five community open house events are set
- Thursday, October 2 from 6:00-8:00 PM. – at Fort Hill Activity Center (20 Fort Hill Dr.); multipurpose rooms
- Saturday, October 11 from 9:00-11:00 AM. – at South Maintenance Facility (3415 Book Rd.); conference room
- Wednesday, October 15 from 9:30-11:30 AM. – at Fort Hill Activity Center (20 Fort Hill Dr.); multipurpose rooms
- Wednesday, October 15 from 6:00-8:00 PM. – at Fort Hill Activity Center (20 Fort Hill Dr.); multipurpose rooms
- Tuesday, October 21 from 6:00-8:00 PM. – at South Maintenance Facility (3415 Book Rd.); conference room
In recent years, the Park District has conducted community surveys and listened to residents to better understand unmet park and recreation needs. Residents have expressed strong interest in various recreation areas, including additional indoor recreation space with aquatics, expanding trails and open space, and other park improvements.
Additional details regarding the potential referendum and the proposed improvements will be provided in a letter mailed to residents on September 24 and at www.napervilleparks.org/referendumproposal.
Later this fall, a public opinion survey specifically about the proposed improvements and potential referendum will be mailed to all voter households in Naperville.
Thanks again for reading.—PN
