The Riverwalk Foundation hosted its first annual fall equinox breakfast last month at the Judd Kendall VFW.  245 patrons paid $40 each to listen as landscape designer Rick Hitchcock provided a glimpse of the path's 20-year history and a look toward the future.

Organizers also reintroduced the "commemorative brick" fund-raiser.  During Riverwalk 2000, more than 1600 pavers with special messages were sold.  Since demand for the commemorative bricks continues, the Foundation again will offer bricks for $150.  Order forms are available in the Mayor's office at the Municipal Center.  Forms will also be on www.napervilleriverwalk.com (click here for a form), a new Web site expected to be online by the end of October.

In addition, a print by celebrated world-renowned naturalist, Robert Batement, was donated by Art & Frame/Naperville.  By selling $2 raffle tickets, the framed limited-edition print raised $670.

During Hitchcock's presentation, he referenced the tireless energy of hundreds of local citizens and their generosity in thousands of gifts, large and small.  He was emotional at times about the Riverwalk he has watched develop for 20 years.

He recounted stories of Jim Moser, Dick Wehrli, Bill Brestal, Al Rubin, Chuck George, Harold and Ada White, Ken Koranda and others too many to include here.

Former Mayors Chet Rybicki and Peg Price as well as local leaders Larry Gregory, Pete Crawford, Cliff Preston and Hal Dickson provided an aura of "Who's Who" of the Riverwalk.

The breakfast also was an opportunity to look toward the future.  Hitchcock showcased the concept design for the new Fredenhagen Park, to be developed on the Cock Robin property that was donated to the city by Rita Harvard and Ted Fredenhagen to honor their parents.

When the breakfast ended, the Riverwalk Foundation coffers had another $8000.  MidAmerica sponsored the event.

City Council Embrases Fredenhagen Park Concept