$1.5M In Grants Give Riverwalk Extension Project Boost

NAPERVILLE, IL — Two recent grants totaling $1.5 million will help expedite plans to extend the Naperville Riverwalk. The project, which will extend the South Gate is expected to being in 2024.

The grants include a $800,000 of state funds, along with $700,000 that was donated by Edward-Elmhurst Health.

The extension will link the hospital system's Naperville campus with the Riverwalk and Naperville's downtown area.

“Naperville’s Riverwalk is known as its crown jewel for good reason,” Mayor Scott Wehrli said in a statement. “It’s long been a community destination to spend time with family and friends, to take a walk outside, get some exercise or simply relax. We are grateful to Edward-Elmhurst Health for investing in this well-loved Naperville amenity, and to Rep. Yang Rohr for putting the Riverwalk expansion forward as a priority for state funding. This support will allow us to enhance the Riverwalk for future generations."

Once the project kicks off, crews will work to improve nearly two acres of the Riverwalk from Washington Street to the DuPage River's western branch and between Martin Avenue and Hillside Road.