Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Marks Phase 1 of
Riverwalk Completion

 
Officials from the Village of Winfield, Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, the Winfield Riverwalk Committee, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, the Knights of Columbus and members of the public were on hand for the official ribbon cutting ceremony for Phase 1 of the brand new Riverwalk Park this past Tuesday in Winfield.

The project, located on High Lake Road in Winfield Town Center culminates the first phase of a multi-group collaboration which officially began in 2018.  In addition, to the generous donation of land by CDH, the project was made possible by grant funding through Illinois Department of Natural Resources for Open Lands Acquisition and Development Grant (OSLAD), which is a 50% matching grant for projects up to $800,000 (maximum of $400,000 available in grant funds).    

“Residents have already begun to enjoy the new features. This project will change the downtown vibe and overall feel tremendously,” said Gary Bernard, Riverwalk Committee Chairman. “I am relieved to have reached this milestone today.” 


Complemented by the existing regional trail running parallel to the DuPage River, amenities featured in this first phase include new trails, bike repair and fitness stations, open space with wetland restoration, a new pollinator garden, a canoe/kayak launch, and access points for fishing. The Village is also pleased to recognize the Knights of Columbus contribution of a new picnic shelter pavilion.

“We are so excited and glad that we are able to be involved and a partner for this wonderful project for the community. Today is indicative of the deepening and strengthening of a partnership that we have with the Village of Winfield. I appreciate the number of individuals and organizations that came together to make this vision a reality,” said Kevin Poorten, president of Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital.


Winfield Village President Carl Sorgatz also emphasized the importance of partnerships in the community. “You have the parking deck being built, the Riverwalk Park, the Town Center construction, and the three-story office building construction is underway. Public and private partnerships are how things get done. You can see it happening here in Winfield. I am very excited about where we are going,” Sorgatz said. Also in attendance and echoing support of the communal effort was President of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Daniel Hebreard. “We are happy to be a partner and add to the green space in DuPage County.”     

NM-CDH will be constructing the second phase of Riverwalk Park next year once the new parking deck is completed.  Phase 2 will include a performance band shell, public washrooms, more trails, and additional public amenities.