Ex-Mayor Weisner's name added to RiverEdge Park

Aurora's outdoor music venue on Route 25, RiverEdge Park, is now Thomas J. Weisner RiverEdge Park.

City council members voted unanimously Tuesday to rename the park after Weisner, who served as the city's mayor for more than 11 years. Weisner Weisner presided over his last city meeting on Nov. 1, after announcing in August plans to step down because an ongoing battle with cancer had taken its toll.

Mayor Pro Tem Robert O'Connor read the resolution to rename the park. It stated that Weisner's leadership and vision for the city of Aurora are "truly exemplified by the restoration of both the natural beauty of the Fox River and the adjoining land that became RiverEdge Park during his tenure," and notes that the park is a culmination of Weisner's "environmental, economic development and downtown revitalization efforts."

The resolution further credits Weisner's "ardent belief in the arts as an economic engine for the downtown" for the success of the park, noting that more than 100,000 concertgoers attend events at the park annually.

Weisner, who attended the meeting, said "I can't think of something I'd be more proud to have named after me than this," following the vote.

Further, he added, "It's a lot of fun to be down there, and I intend to spend a lot of time there."