Naperville Riverwalk

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About the Riverwalk
2010 Riverwalk Spring Spruce Up
Past Public Meetings
Riverwalk Proposed Projects / Development Guidelines
Comment on the Riverwalk Proposed Projects / Development Guidelines 
Download the 2004 Original Development Guidelines
Riverwalk Documentary 
Riverwalk e-News 

About the Riverwalk  

Enjoy brick paths that wind along the DuPage River through downtown Naperville. Built by residents in 1981 to commemorate the city’s 150th birthday, the Riverwalk features fountains, covered bridges, the Riverwalk amphitheater, consisting of the Celebration 2000 Millennium Wall and Labyrinth, gazebos and shaded sitting areas, a cultural center, a large sled hill, the Riverwalk Eatery, a picnic pavilion and paddleboat rides. A memorial to the victims of the September 11 attack is located on the Riverwalk’s south bank, adjacent to City Hall.

The Riverwalk is operated by the Naperville Park District and is open year-round from dawn until midnight (some areas close at 10 p.m.). It is one of the Midwest’s most beautifully maintained park grounds and has won state and national awards.

While the Riverwalk spans a large stretch of downtown Naperville, those visitors using GPS devices or online mapping services may use the address "188 W. Jackson Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540" to help them locate the Riverwalk.

For additional information on events and/or a Riverwalk map, call (630) 848-5000.

2010 Riverwalk Spring Spruce Up 

All community members are invited to join scout troops, service organizations and garden clubs for the annual Riverwalk Spring Spruce Up, Saturday, April 17 from 9 a.m. to noon. The Naperville Park District organizes this event in cooperation with the Riverwalk Foundation and the Riverwalk Commission. Volunteers are asked to bring work gloves, rakes and their community spirit. Forms will be available for those seeking to document Community Service hours.

For more information, please contact Jan Erickson at (630) 305-5984.

Riverwalk Annual Spring Spruce Up
Saturday, April 17, 2010
9 a.m.-Noon
Meet at the Dandelion Fountain
Webster Street at Jackson Avenue

Attention: This year’s Annual Spring Spruce Up will be canceled if there is inclement weather and/or the temperature is below 40 degrees at 8 a.m. on the day of the event.

Past Public Meetings 

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE TO DISCUSS UPDATES TO THE RIVERWALK DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES
Naperville’s Riverwalk Commission discussed suggested updates to the original Riverwalk development guidelines, including proposed projects taking place throughout the next five years, during two public open houses on Wednesday, April 22, 2009.

A formal presentation was given at the beginning of the meetings, followed by a public comment period. The presentation materials are available in the next section.

Riverwalk Proposed Projects / Development Guidelines

The Naperville Riverwalk Commission, in cooperation with the City of Naperville, Naperville Park District and the Riverwalk Foundation, is conducting a review of the development guidelines for the Naperville Riverwalk.

Adopted in January 2004, the development guidelines contain the mission and vision statement as well as the goals and objectives for the “Crown Jewel of Naperville,” the downtown Riverwalk.  The development guidelines are reviewed approximately every five years to ensure that it stays a viable, useful document. 

• 2009 Riverwalk Development Goals and Vision Statement (PDF 0.03 MB)
• 2009 Proposed Riverwalk Development Guidelines (PDF 0.03 MB)
• Riverwalk Development Guidelines - By Map Location (PDF 7.43 MB)
• Riverwalk Commission Letter to Patrons (PDF 0.07 MB)

Comment on the Riverwalk Proposed Projects / Development Guidelines  

The Naperville Riverwalk Commission would like to hear your thoughts on the 29 proposed projects for the Naperville Riverwalk. Submit your comments online through the following link:

• Comment on the Riverwalk Proposed Projects / Development Guidelines 

Download the 2004 Original Development Guidelines 

Following are the original Riverwalk Development Guidelines:

• Cover/Table of Contents (PDF 79 KB)
• Introduction (PDF 449 KB)
• Analysis/Considerations (PDF 4.8 MB)
• Project Evaluation/Ranking (PDF 1.15 MB)
• 20 Year Guidelines (PDF 2.2 MB)
• Project Narratives Part 1 (PDF 4.83 MB)
• Project Narratives Part 2 (PDF 3.31 MB)

Riverwalk Documentary

The Riverwalk Foundation premiered a documentary titled "Naperville Riverwalk: The First 25 Years" to a packed audience, on Thursday, March 1, 2007. The film was produced by NCTV17, and funded, in part, with a grant from the City of Naperville.  The one-hour documentary highlighted the spirit that was the force behind the community’s sesquicentennial gift to the city in 1981.

DVDs are available for sale. Please call (630) 305-5984 to receive an order form.

Riverwalk e-News 

If you would like to receive the latest news regarding the Naperville Riverwalk delivered straight to your e-mail inbox, sign up here!