RIVERWALK PLANNING, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Discuss and provide direction regarding the statues of the Fredenhagens and the Prince Castle monument at Fredenhagen Park
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: William J Novack, P.E., Director of Transportation, Engineering and Development/City Engineer
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
NA
BACKGROUND:
Fredenhagen Park is located on the east side of Washington Street immediately north of the west branch of the DuPage River. Portions of the park are currently closed due to being within the work zone of the Washington Street bridge project.
The park was previously the location of the Cock Robin and earlier Prince Castle restaurants. After the businesses closed the Fredenhagen family donated the land to the City of Naperville so a park could be constructed on the property and be incorporated into the Naperville Riverwalk.
DISCUSSION:
In recognition of the prior business and the land donation there are statues and monuments on the site. Riverwalk Commissioner John Cuff has taken and provided the attached pictures and requests that we discuss possible improvements, especially since we will have an opportunity after this area gets cleaned up and restored at the end of the bridge project.
The Rotary Club of Naperville has a wall that will be very visible after the bridge is completed. The statues of the Fredenhagens are right behind this short wall. Passengers in cars may think that the statues are of Rotary members instead of the Fredenhagens. Is there a better location and orientation for these statues?
The Prince Castle monument is located in the planting bed that surrounds the Fredenhagen Park clock tower. Should we consider relocating this to a better place or if we leave it in its current location what can be done to enhance and draw more attention to the monument?