Naperville Riverwalk rehab enters second phase
Sequels don't always live up to the original, but Naperville officials have big plans for Riverwalk Rehab 2.
Crews recently began working on the second segment of the city's prized pathway along the DuPage River between Eagle and Webster streets.
"In order to make this entity a valuable asset for the next several generations they need to do some work on the under-structure," Riverwalk Administrator Jan Erickson said.
In the project's first segment, completed in 2008, the commission rehabilitated the area between Webster and Main at a cost of $1.56 million.
Thought it's not very glamorous, the most important part of this phase of the project is replacing the bulkhead wall that supports the walkway. Studies have shown the wall that was built in the 1930s is deteriorating and experts have rated its condition fair to poor.
The wall, Erickson said, is "not eminently dangerous but not structurally sound."
The plans also call for widening the lower walkway to five feet - two feet wider than it was originally. Three areas will be 10 feet wide with built-in seating.
"You (currently) feel like you're going to fall into the water and if people who are down there have strollers it's really not safe," Riverwalk Commissioner Annmarie Siwik said. "We needed to widen it like we did the other section."
In addition, crews will refurbish a stairway leading to the walkway, make the path east of the Riverwalk Amphitheater handicapped accessible; redesign the Youth Plaza; and install new landscaping, sidewalks and lighting.
The Riverwalk Amphitheater, Labyrinth and Millennium Wall will not be changed.
Work is expected to be complete by August.
Some residents have expressed concerns about the project's cost at a time when the city is struggling to balance its budget. Others have complained about the removal of some large trees to make room for the improvements.
Erickson said some of the trees that were removed were unhealthy and others were eliminated to make room for the wider walkway.
As for the expense, engineers originally estimated the project would cost $1.3 million but the bids actually came in at $702,393.
Siwik said doing the work now will save money in the long run. The project is being funded by the city's capital improvement budget.
In coming months, officials also plan to announce donor recognition opportunities.
In late 2008, it appeared the Riverwalk project would be on hold. Lakeshore Development Group, Inc. had planned to demolish the vacant building on the east side of Washington Street between Chicago and Aurora avenues and construct a three-story building with offices and a restaurant.
The city was going to take that opportunity to fill in the missing portions of the Riverwalk near the proposed development and would have received a $310,000 contribution in land and cash from the developer to do so.
However, the developer's budget troubles caused the Riverfront Plaza project to stall and the city decided to go back to the rehabilitation work instead.
The Riverwalk Commission will hold an open house to discuss the rehabilitation project and donor opportunities at 7 p.m. May 26 at the municipal center, 400 S. Eagle St.