Costs force North Aurora to scale back gazebo plans

Plans for a riverfront overlook gazebo in North Aurora are being delayed and reworked, as proposals to build it cost more than village and Fox Valley Park District officials expected.

The North Aurora Village Board voted Monday night to reject the 15 bids received for the proposed gazebo, which would be built on the east side of the Fox River near the dam.

Officials expected to spend $190,000 on the project, but the lowest bid was $219,977. The highest came in at $473,500.

"I thought the spread was rather wide," said Trustee Mike Herlihy.

The board now is seeking a second round of bids, with some aspects of the project pared down. Eliminated was planned electrical lighting; stone veneer columns; landscaping; invasive species removal; a gazebo bench; an interpretive sign and post; a litter can; and plans to remove and replace the dam railing.

The railing will be rebid as an alternate part of the project. Village crews can add a little can, officials said, and the public works department has agreed to pull the invasive plants. Two service clubs have expressed interest in donating money or volunteer work toward the landscaping.

The overlook is part of a riverfront project intended to present more opportunities for recreation, socialization and commerce along the Fox River through North Aurora. Specialized gardens, play areas, boardwalks and more were envisioned in a study presented in 2008.

A grant from the Kane County Forest Preserve District is paying for part of the overlook project.