Above / Folks can observe evidence of construction progress every day from across the DuPage River in Fredenhagen Park. (PN Photo, June 4, 2026)

Report from the City of Naperville, North Central College and the Naperville Park District

The City of Naperville, in collaboration with North Central College and the Naperville Park District, is transforming the property located at 430 S. Washington St. into North Central College Riverwalk Park. The property, owned by North Central College – Naperville’s University, is located on the east side of Washington Street across the river from Fredenhagen Park.

This project is the result of a 2015 agreement between the City of Naperville and North Central College and is part of the College’s 2024 Master Land Use Plan and Naperville’s Riverwalk 2031 Master Plan to revitalize the Riverwalk. The project aims to close a gap in the Riverwalk system, improve accessibility and create an inviting gathering space that commemorates the College’s academic and athletic achievements. Upon completion, the park will connect the south extension of the Riverwalk path, Washington Street, Fredenhagen Park and the North Central College campus via the Moser Covered Bridge.

The Moser Covered Bridge over the DuPage River connects the Riverwalk extension from Fredenhagen Park toward Hillside Road. In time for late fall sports, the bridge also will lead from the new North Central College Riverwalk Park to the Riverwalk Gateway and toward Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium.

At the park’s entrance, a North Central College illuminated archway sign will expand the College’s visibility along Washington Street, and a plaza will highlight important milestones in North Central College’s history. Other park features include barrier-free pathways that meet ADA standards, benches and seat walls for seating, native landscaping, lighting and panoramic views of Fredenhagen Park and the College campus.

“We are very excited to move forward with the construction of North Central College Riverwalk Park. This park will provide a new gateway for the College as well as extend the low-flow walkway from the recently completed Washington Street Bridge to the Moser Covered Bridge,” said TED Deputy Director Andy Hynes. “It will also feature an accessible ramp between the river and street level. Combined with the South Extension Project that we hope to begin this fall, residents and visitors will soon be able to walk along this scenic section of the river with a new connection between the Edward Hospital campus and downtown Naperville.”

“The start of this project marks the realization of a vision the College had when it first purchased the property more than a decade ago,” said Dr. Abiódún Gòkè-Pariolá, president of North Central College. “We are grateful to the City of Naperville and the Naperville Park District for sharing our vision to enhance the Riverwalk and strengthen the College’s connection to and visibility within Downtown Naperville. This is a wonderful example of public-private collaboration that will benefit the entire community.”

The park is estimated to cost $2.1 million. Funding for this project is provided in part by $1.3 million from the State of Illinois. The remaining funding will come from the City’s Capital Project Fund.

Construction began the week of May 25, 2026, and, pending weather and unforeseen circumstances, the park will open to the public by the end of October. More information about the park’s opening will be communicated closer to its completion.

For more information about North Central College Riverwalk Park, visit www.naperville.il.us/ncc-riverwalk-park.

Editor’s Note / Many residents remember when the day the old plaza, aka “eyesore,” next to Burger King came down to make way for the new park. Click here for some memories from local residents.

The shopping plaza at 420 S. Washington Street is pictured here just before it was demolished. (January 2013)

Gone but not forgotten!

Many residents stood across the street to watch the demolition of what had called an “eyesore” at the entrance to downtown Naperville. Thanks, Dr. Hal Wilde and North Central College for vision and patience. (PN File Photo, January 2013)

Positively Naperville

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