THE RIVERWALK: IT’S PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE By Robert Reuland 2002 Graduate of Naperville North High School I feel that one of the most significant events to occur in Wheatland or ths urrounding township was the development of the Naperville Riverwalk along the banks of the Dupage River. This river played a significant role in Naperville’s past. It’s preservation and embellishment has been and continues to be key to the phenomenal growth that Naperville has experienced. Many people my age take the Riverwalk for granted—as though it has been there from the beginning and will always be ther for their enjoyment. Et’s turn back the clock for a moment. The Riverwalk as we know it today has developed from a plan first put forth in 1981 as part of Naperville’s sesquicentennial celebration. However, the foundation of the Riverwalk—the first germ of it’s concept—was put forth 50 years ago earlier to commemorate Naperville’s centennial in 1931. Then 32 Naperville citizens contributed $500 each to purchase land for a park. The group purchased land on the south side of Jackson Avenue, including an old quarry. The project became know as Centennial Beach, a unique recreational area in the downtown area.