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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: John Russell, grant writer
DATE: Oct. 1, 2018
SUBJECT:
The Mayor's Office of Economic Development is seeking approval of a resolution of authorization to apply for a $400,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for development of Wilder Promenade.
PURPOSE:
The present Wilder Park is two open spaces along the west shoreline of the Fox River just north of downtown, divided by River Street. The Wilder Promenade project will link those two sites by replacing the pavement with a permeable paver pathway that will be more inviting to residents. Such community events as art shows, festivals and farmers market will be held at the improved park, drawing thousands of residents to the riverside and downtown.
BACKGROUND:
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant program offers up to $400,000 in funding for park development projects. The grants require a 1-to-1 match. With the City's match of $471,000, total project cost is $871,000. This will cover replacement of the street with environmentally friendly pavers; plantings of trees, shrubs, new grass and a bioswale at the site; and construction of a restroom building with a small adjacent concessions stand. The plans for creation of Wilder Promenade were part of the original RiverEdge Park Master Plan. If the grant is awarded, work on the project would begin in summer 2019 and be completed by summer 2021
DISCUSSION:
The Wilder Promenade also will serve as a trailhead for the Fox River Trail biking and hiking path. The new bridge over the Fox River from RiverEdge Park to the western shoreline of the river will connect with Wilder Promenade, providing a link to the east and west branches of the trail. The addition of the restrooms and concession stand also will make Wilder Promenade a more enjoyable place for visitors to view Aurora's annual Fourth of July Fireworks display.
The project is listed as CIP #...
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