North Central College Riverwalk Park
In collaboration with North Central College and the Naperville Park District, 430 S. Washington St. is being transformed into a public park. The property, owned by North Central College – Naperville’s University, is located on the east side of Washington Street across the river from Fredehagen Park. When construction is finished, the park will complete a gap in the Naperville Riverwalk system by connecting the south extension of the Riverwalk, Washington Street and the North Central College campus via the Moser Covered Bridge.
The North Central College Riverwalk Park project is a result of a 2015 agreement between the City and North Central College and is part of the College’s 2024 Master Land Use Plan and the Naperville Riverwalk 2031 Master Plan to revitalize the Riverwalk. This project is an example of a public-private partnership between the City of Naperville and North Central College for the mutual benefit of the broader community.
The project is estimated to cost $2.1 million. Funding for this project is provided in part by $1.3 million from the State of Illinois. The remaining funding comes from the City's Capital Project Fund.
- Project Benefits
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- Repurposes a previously vacant property
- Increases accessibility to the Riverwalk, North Central College and downtown
- Connects important pedestrian routes and creates inviting community gathering spaces
- Commemorates North Central College achievements
- Enhances the Riverwalk with native landscaping and fresh design elements
- Connects the DuPage River, Washington Street and the North Central College campus
- Park Features
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- A North Central College illuminated archway sign
- A plaza with a monument that highlights North Central College's academic and athletic milestones
- Extended, accessible walkways that meet ADA standards
- Ornamental and native landscaping
- Benches and seat walls
- Open, interconnected gathering spaces
- Panoramic views of Fredenhagen Park and the College campus
- Background & Timeline
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2012: North Central College acquired the land at 430 S. Washington in 2012 and, in partnership with the City of Naperville, removed the empty commercial building on the property.
2020: The Naperville Riverwalk Commission adopted the Riverwalk 2031 Master Plan, and the plan was approved by Naperville’s City Council.
2022: The College received approval from the Naperville City Council to erect an archway sign on the property.
2023: The Washington Street Bridge Replacement Project began. Given the impact of the Washington Street Bridge Project, work on North Central College Riverwalk Park was deprioritized to ensure the Washington Street Bridge Project would be completed before the park opened.
2024: North Central College included the park in its updated Master Land Use Plan, which was approved by the Naperville City Council and incorporated into the City’s comprehensive land use plan.
2025:
- The Washington Street Bridge Project was completed, and plans for the North Central College Riverwalk Park commenced.
- The Riverwalk 2031 Master Plan was updated in December.
2026:
- May 19: The Naperville City Council approved Baumgartner Construction, Inc. as the general contractor for the project.
- May 25: Construction began on the park.
- October (specific date TBD): Pending weather and unforeseen circumstances, the park will open to the public (although some construction elements may still occur after opening).
- Project Impacts
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Crews will generally work from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. There may be occasional lane closures and traffic pattern changes on Washington Street during construction. Please heed any signage and use caution when traveling in the area.