Naperville Ribfest sticking with Knoch for at least 5 years

The Naperville Exchange Club's Ribfest is likely going to stay in Knoch Park for at least the next five years.

Naperville Park District commissioners at a workshop Thursday indicated they support a five-year agreement with the club for use of the park, although the deal has not officially been signed.

"We felt five years was very fair and working with the Exchange Club and their attorney I believe we've come up with a good compromise," Executive Director Ray McGury said.

The Exchange Club's annual Fourth-of-July weekend festival raises money for groups that fight child abuse. It draws thousands of visitors.

The club and park district typically have a three-year deal for use of Knoch Park, 724 S. West St, but this time around the group asked for a 10-year contract.

Instead of using only the north side of the park, the club plans to revamp the layout of the festival and use both the north and south sides.

To make that work, it will add removable fencing and additional electric and water infrastructure.

Exchange Club members have said they wanted to make sure they had enough time to recover the money they are investing in the park.

McGury said he felt a 10-year deal would be excessive but that five would be fair. Park board President Mike Reilly agreed.

"They'll be able to have reasonable assurances they can use it for enough years they can amortize their investment," he said.

Park district commissioners will vote on the Ribfest agreement when they meet next month.