Board: Itasca riverwalk design is right on track

Itasca's village board enthusiastically reviewed and selected details for the future Riverwalk design Monday night.

The $1.8 million project will be presented to DuPage County today for review and necessary permits.

Hitchcock Design Group showed drawings and sketches of a 10-foot wide concrete path, which would start at the Irving Park and Walnut intersection and meander south and west alongside Spring Creek and behind the fire station, library and park district water park.

The path would be a catalyst for future renovations to Spring Brook Nature Center and the natural connection to amenities.

Trustee Jeff Aiani said the village is right on target with its schedule.

"We had wanted to be going to the county in midwinter, we hope to bid it in late spring and hope to start construction in midsummer," he said.

After getting the green light from the county, Hitchcock officials will take the entire plan, including designs and drawings, to the next level, and will include additional details.

The project has been on the back burner for about a dozen years, but came to fruition now with the completion of the new village hall.

"It ties downtown with the municipal campus," he said.

Trustees Monday night expressed interest in concrete pavement and an overall traditional theme for the area and its amenities.

President Gigi Gruber expressed an interest in changing the village's stamp -- a gazebo. Previously it used to be an iris, and officials may bring the idea back to the drawing board. Whatever it may be is hoped to be included in the Riverwalk's final imprint.

If all goes as planned, village officials expect the entire project to be completed by fall.

"I'm happy for the village, I'm excited and I think it's going to be great," Aiani said. "I think the residents will enjoy it."