Naperville Running Co. Helps Park District Keep Trail Open

Over the past few years Naperville’s trail system has grown and so has the community’s love for outdoor running. Cold temperatures do not seem to diminish runners’ enthusiasm for events like the Noon Lions’ 5K Turkey Trot, even when temperatures dip below 20 degrees. However, snow can be a hindrance to runners, and keeping trails clear of snow can be costly.

To help with the costs of snow removal, the Naperville Running Company has joined with the Naperville Park District to continue a creative partnership that began in 2015 to keep a two-mile stretch of trail open for runners in south Naperville this winter.

"Partnering with the Naperville Park District to help clear a high use path that wasn't being plowed just made sense,” said Kris Hartner, owner and founder of Naperville Running Company. “After a couple of phone calls and emails we had an agreement. It's one of the things I love about Naperville, we're a large city, but also have the 'get it done' enthusiasm you find in small towns."

Under the partnership agreement, the Park District will supply labor and materials to remove snow on the trail that extends from the Route 59 pedestrian bridge at Frontier Sports Complex through Ashbury Greenway to Naperville-Plainfield Road. Naperville Running Company will reimburse the District for the cost of keeping the path clear.

“This is the kind of public-private partnership that makes Naperville a great community,” said Park District Executive Director Ray McGury. “We appreciate Naperville Running Company’s willingness to contribute toward expanding our winter trail system so that more people can continue to run and enjoy the outdoors.”

Other trails that are maintained year round with snow removal as needed include the Riverwalk, the DuPage River Trail between Veterans Park and DuPage River Park, and the loop trails at Meadow Glens, Nike Sports Complex and Commissioners Park.

Unpaved trails at parks such as Knoch Knolls Park can be used for cross country skiing or snowshoeing whenever conditions allow.