DeKalb Times

City of Naperville Riverwalk Planning, Design and Construction Committee met May 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

A. CALL TO ORDER:

Chair Erickson called the May 6, 2025 Naperville Riverwalk Planning, Design and Construction (PDC) Committee meeting to order at 7:30 a.m.

The meeting was held in the Naperville Employee University (NEU) at the Municipal Center, located at 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL.

B. ROLL CALL:

Present: Pam Bartlett; Grant Cowen; John Cuff; Jan Erickson, Chair; Andy Hynes; Seth Michael; Tiffani Picco; Johnna Shields; Mike Sullivan and Carl Wohlt

Absent: Hannah Brauer; and Ian Holzhauer

Also Present: Tim Ball, Gary R. Weber and Associates, Inc. (GRWA); Rebecca DeLarme, City staff; Mike DiCristina, Naperville Park District; Brian Dusak, Engineering Resource Associates (ERA); Peggy Motta, Naperville Park District; Stephanie Penick, Naperville Riverwalk Foundation; and Carl Peterson, GRWA

C. PUBLIC FORUM:

Public comment was provided under item D. 3.

D. OLD BUSINESS:

1. Approval of Minutes - Jan Erickson

Approve minutes from the April 1, 2025 Planning, Design and Construction Committee meeting

Attachments: 25PDCMinutes0401

A motion to approve the April 1, 2025 Planning, Design and Construction Committee meeting minutes was made by Bartlett and seconded by Shields. MOTION CARRIED with Erickson abstaining

2. Park District Report - Tiffani Picco

Receive walkthrough discussion highlights for the upcoming Asset Management Plan (AMP) Walks

Picco shared the walkthrough agenda for the upcoming AMP Walks scheduled for May 7th at 3:00 p.m. and May 15th at 3:00 p.m. that was included in the agenda packet.

Approve the temporary placement of the Walk Your Wheels yard signs and receive the Share the Trails press release from the Naperville Park District

Picco reviewed the Park District’s request to place approximately twenty temporary “Walk Your Wheels on the Riverwalk” signs in entrance areas to the Riverwalk. She noted that although there are existing signs that state no bicycling, it seems people aren’t stopping to read them. She also reviewed the Park District’s “Share the Trails” press release.

The group agreed on the need for the signs and discussed potential dangers with people using electric scooters, and motorized bicycles and skateboards on the Riverwalk. Erickson inquired about the duration.

Picco advised that a total of thirty signs are being ordered and could be added to areas or replaced, as needed, and she would like to keep them up at least through the month of May.

A motion to approve the Walk Your Wheels on the Riverwalk temporary signs for placement on the Riverwalk was made by Picco and seconded by Cowen. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

3. South Extension Project Update - Andy Hynes

Review and discuss the 3D graphic design of the South Extension of the Riverwalk

Hynes discussed the 3D renderings of the South Extension of the Riverwalk provided by GRWA and included in the agenda packet. Ball and Peterson presented an animated version of the renderings which allowed viewers to experience the entire area from different vantage points. Ball noted there were still items within the design that need to be discussed and finalized (e.g., banner poles, framing for the community event sign, etc.) but that those items would not affect the final engineering documents.

The group expressed their appreciation for the 3D renderings and presentation. Sullivan inquired about the area on the south side of the Riverwalk entrance at Martin and Washington with Ball noting that only areas of improvement located on public land were portrayed in the design.

The group discussed the possibility of including signage to “walk your bike” in that area along Washington until the path splits. Discussion followed on the existing bike route with Hynes advising that bicycles were allowed on sidewalks outside of the downtown area.

Cuff noted that the homes on the east side of the river were not depicted in the rendering. Wohlt discussed burying the utility lines with it being noted that it was not an option at this time. Dusak advised that consideration was given regarding the layout of the concrete and pavers to minimize disturbance if the lines were able to be buried at some point. Wohlt inquired about painting the utility poles black with Hynes noting the mast arms would most likely need to be replaced and in addition to the expense, the paint tends to flake.

Discussion followed on the need for crosswalks on both sides at Martin Avenue and whether additional trees could be placed on the west side of the path near the parking lot at the northeast corner of Hillside Road. Ball discussed the issues with the existing utility poles and the access needed for maintenance vehicles. Additional discussion on the low flow walkway and the height under the bridge at Hillside followed with Shields suggesting bringing renderings to the AMP Walk on May 15th. The group also discussed potential safety issues with the fencing depicted at the beginning of the Riverwalk path and the possibility of using walls and signage in the area instead.

Erickson shared the following public comment provided by resident Marilyn Schweitzer:

My thanks to Gary R Weber and Associates for including the infrastructure of light poles, utility boxes, crossing buttons, etc. in the diagrams. It is much appreciated.

On slide 6, I like the solution for the split in shared bicycle/pedestrian to pedestrian only path. Two comments though: 1) I believe some signage will be necessary and it should be thought about now rather than later; and 2) the perpendicular fencing on the pedestrian only route looks a bit too much like a convenient place to park a bicycle. Perhaps 2 decorative screens could be installed instead. I’m not suggesting this design, but this is the type of screening I’m thinking of: https://lasercutarts.com/product/big-butterfly-privacy-panel/. Perhaps this could even be a SECA grant for a local artist.

On page 12, I see stairs on the north side of the “y”. Is the south side stairs or a ramp (I’m thinking about accessibility)?

As a frequent pedestrian of this area, I very much like the design on page 17 just north of Hillside.

Looking at page 19 and thinking about accessibility, is someone heading south under the bridge going to be stuck on the lower level until they get near the park district sign? Will there be signage to help explain what is accessible and what isn’t?

Erickson inquired about incorporating Riverwalk amenities on the northwest corner of Martin Avenue per previous discussions with the Naperville Cemetery Association Board, who were amenable to the idea.

Cowen advised that the Board is awaiting an update.

Picco requested that the shepherd’s crook lights near the substation be moved to the other side of the path.

A motion to recommend advancing the South Extension concept plan to the Riverwalk Commission for approval was made by Cuff and seconded by Sullivan. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

E. NEW BUSINESS:

1. Grand Pavilion Area Programming - Andy Hynes

Direct City and Park District staff to prepare a community survey to assist with scope development for improvement to the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion

Hynes discussed the improvements needed for the Grand Pavilion project of the Riverwalk 2031 Master Plan. The Naperville Park District is responsible for scheduling rental of the facility between March and November. In 2024, the Pavilion hosted 121 events by approximately 44 organizations for larger events (charity walks, etc.), 27 individuals for smaller family events (birthdays, weddings), as well as various community events such as the Last Fling. The scope is not well defined and there are issues with drainage in the area. Staff is recommending seeking community input from the public and past renters to determine enhancements that would provide a better experience. This item will be included on the agenda for approval at next week’s Riverwalk Commission meeting.

F. MEETING SCHEDULE:

Riverwalk Annual AMP Walk - West of Eagle Street, May 7, 2025, 3:00 p.m.

Meet in Municipal Center NEU, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL

Riverwalk Commission, May 14, 2025, 7:30 a.m.

Municipal Center NEU, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL

Riverwalk Annual AMP Walk - East of Eagle Street, May 15, 2025, 3:00 p.m.

Meet in Municipal Center NEU, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL

Riverwalk Planning, Design & Construction, June 3, 2025, 7:30 a.m.

Municipal Center NEU, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL

G. ADJOURNMENT:

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Cowan and seconded by Cuff. The meeting adjourned at 8:33 a.m. MOTION CARRIED

https://naperville.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7421465&GUID=200C894A-ACBF-4075-867F-CC035B488828