River paddling events planned at the Riverview Preserve
Two upcoming events to paddle the DuPage River while exploring the Riverview Farmstead Preserve in Naperville are planned for Saturday, July 19.
Kayakers can take part in “Boats, Birds and Barns,” a morning adventure from 9 a.m. to noon, or “Boats, Bats and Barns,” which will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at the preserve, located on Book Road, south of Hassert Boulevard.
Participants must be at least 16 years old and have previous kayaking experience, a news release said.
In addition to the morning paddle, participants will explore the Riverview Farmstead’s limestone house and timber frame barn, learn about local birds, and enjoy hot dogs and s’mores around a campfire, the forest district said. As part of the twilight paddle, participants will also learn about bats, listen for nighttime wildlife and enjoy campfire treats.
All equipment is provided. The cost is $20 per person. Advanced registration by Thursday, July 17, at www.reconnectwithnature.org, is required.
Naperville residents holding ‘Good Trouble’ demonstration
Naperville residents will join hundreds of communities nationwide in participating in the “Good Trouble Lives On” day of peaceful action from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 17, on the sidewalks near the downtown Washington Street bridge.
The nonpartisan event honors the legacy of U.S. Rep. John Lewis, of Georgia, and is meant as an action to stand up against attacks on civil and human rights, a news release said. It’s cohosted by the AAUW Naperville Area, League of Women Voters Naperville, National Council of Jewish Women and Illinois National Organization of Women.
More than 140 people have registered for the Naperville event so far, the release said.
Lewis, who died in 2020, coined the phrase “good trouble” as describing people coming together through nonviolent activity to challenge injustice and create change.
Park district seeks feedback on capital improvement projects
Naperville Park District is asking for residents to comment or submit questions on capital improvement projects planned for 2026 through an online questionnaire available through noon Wednesday, July 30.
Detailed designs for the 2026 projects have not yet been developed, officials said. Community feedback will be taken into consideration when formulating project designs and cost estimates for the 2026 capital budget, according to a district news release.
Playground renovations are anticipated for several parks, including Apache Park, Burr Oak, Fox Hill Greens, Knoch Park, Queensbury Greens, Springhill Park and Wil-O-Way Park. The district is also proposing a pond dredging and shoreline restoration project at Summerfield Lake Park.
For more information, go to www.napervilleparks.org/parkandfacilityimprovements.
