Itasca riverwalk needs county OK

Now that Itasca leaders have agreed to pursue the first phase of a planned recreation path along Spring Creek, they must sell DuPage County officials on idea.

Village officials Wednesday said the county board must approve plans for the Itasca Riverwalk before the project can move forward.

County leaders are expected to review the proposal next month.

If approved, the first phase of the riverwalk could be completed by the end of the year.

For $1.8 million, Hitchcock Design Group would produce a 10-foot wide concrete path that would start at the intersection of Irving Park Road and Walnut Avenue and meander south and west alongside Spring Creek. It would run behind the fire station, library and park district water park.

Village officials have said the goal of the Itasca Riverwalk would be to increase pedestrian traffic near the intersection of Walnut and Irving Park.

They see it as "a spine or a catalyst" for future renovations to Spring Brook Nature Center and a natural connection to amenities it will run just behind.

Some introductory pieces, like a plaza at the west entrance and a small stage and amphitheater, are included in the early plans.

On Tuesday, Itasca trustees approved $88,900 in design and management fees to allow construction to begin as soon as all necessary approvals are granted.

As the process moves into future phases, the trustees will begin to make more specific decisions about the elements that would be installed along the path.

Some of those elements are expected to celebrate the village's heritage and others could make the riverwalk serve as an interactive art gallery.