After viewing the condition of the bulkhead wall supporting the low walkway along the river, the Riverwalk Commission contracted Larson Engineering for an evaluation of the wall and it was deemed in need of replacement.
Access to construction is from Jackson Avenue. Current amenities will be damaged during the construction of the wall which opens an opportunity to adjust the current design to better accommodate the increased usage over the 25 years since the Riverwalk was built.
AMENITIES/DONOR RECOGNITION:
Our aim is to maintain and/or upgrade the existing amenities and to preserve original/previous donor recognition. More opportunities for donor recognition will also be available.
REVISIONS:
The lower walkway will be widened to 5 feet. An ADA accessible ramp and an "overlook" will be added to the East end of this segment of the Riverwalk.
With input from two local veteran’s groups, the current elements representing our armed forces will be moved and enhanced. The redesigned Veteran’s Plaza will provide a more peaceful place of honor.
The sidewalk north of the Dandelion Fountain will be “bumped out” to facilitate safer pedestrian usage.
The stairway East of the Webster Street Bridge will be enhanced, and enlarged inviting visitors down to the lower walkway.
The previous two narrow walkways, at street level, will be combined into one Grand Promenade anchored by the Dandelion Fountain on the West and the Veteran's Plaza on the East.
The current concrete sidewalk along Jackson Avenue will be replaced with Riverwalk brick pavers and widened to 7 feet.
CURRENT TIMELINE:
Present - July 2007: Final design and permitting for the project
April 2007: New donor opportunities available to Community
Autumn 2007: Groundbreaking
Spring 2008: Completion of the project
Ongoing: Reaching out to the Naperville Community to increase awareness of the project.
