Naperville troll hanging up his pointy hat

For nine years Frank Sweeney has patrolled the banks and bridges of Naperville's Riverwalk in his role as the Riverwalk Troll.

Now he's decided it's time to hang up his pointy hat and curly-toed shoes.

Sweeney, 78, was the third of three Riverwalk mascots who began spending time under and around the Moser Bridge in the spring of 2002 when the Chicago Fire announced it would temporarily play its home games at North Central College.

Over the years the other two trolls retired, leaving Sweeney, who also serves as the Riverwalk Foundation treasurer, to patrol the scenic downtown path.

Riverwalk officials initially thought it would be fun to charge a “toll” at Moser Bridge — a place that would be heavily traveled by soccer fans walking to the stadium. That's where the idea of a troll, a la Three Billy Goats Gruff, came in.

“Everyone knows the story of the troll in the children's tale who insisted each of the Billy Goats Gruff pay him a toll,” Riverwalk Administrator Jan Erickson said. “But in Naperville, the good news is our trolls were always very friendly trolls.”

In fact, Sweeney says, it was his love for children and their curiosity that inspired him to continue as the lone troll, long after both others had retired and he and his wife moved to an adult community in Montgomery.

“I think the whole notion of the troll was to have a mascot and someone to welcome people to the Riverwalk during a time when the Riverwalk was being marketed heavily,” Sweeney said. “But it was the kids who really responded and wanted to learn about trolls so I fed their interest and told them stories.”

In recent years, however, as public activities hosted by the foundation and Riverwalk Commission lessened, Erickson said opportunities for the Troll to be “out and about” dwindled.

Sweeney was almost guaranteed to be spotted at September's Riverwalk Fine Art Fair and at both the summer and winter solstice celebrations because those were his favorites.

But, he said, the time has come to retire from both his role as foundation treasurer and as the last Riverwalk Troll.

“Those are my favorite events but I can't produce as I should. I'm just not available all the time to throw on the hat, ears and beard and run out to Naperville anymore,” he said. “And at 78, it's probably time to stop playing dress up and do adult things with my wife, five children and all the grandchildren.”

Erickson said she's been aware of Sweeney's intention to retire but the foundation hasn't decided whether to continue the troll tradition or let it fade with Sweeney.

Sweeney, though, said he's willing to offer tips to any trolls in training in order to keep the tradition going.

“I personally do hope the tradition continues because it signifies so much,” Sweeney said. “The town has grown and the complexion of people have changed, but they still love their troll.”