River Corridor Foundation Announces Langum Corridor river front improvement initiative and new officers
The River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles is focusing on a series of potential improvements to the eastern bank of the Fox River roughly parallel to Langum Park in St. Charles. RCF Project Committee chair, Jim Enck, notes this stretch of the riverfront has not been the subject of significant improvements for many years and yet is one of the most visible stretches of the riverfront for residents and visitors alike.
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Initial concept plans suggest improvements such as:
- potentially moving the current riverfront Rt. 25 trail crossing north with a flashing crosswalk to improve safety and visibility for vehicles and trail users
- improve riverfront access and platforms for anglers
- construct a kayak/paddleboard launch area
- enhance seating areas with ADA compliant benches and platforms
- introduce additional native plant bioswale landscaping w/o obstructing views
- shoreline stabilization
- identify areas for future public art contributions
Initial concept plans have been developed and the final design plans are underway. The final designs will be subject to formal approval by the City of St. Charles and the St. Charles Park District, although both entities have provided approval of the concepts under consideration. Community residents are also encouraged to submit ideas and questions for these Langum Corridor improvements at www.stcrivercorridor.org. No completion date has been set for the project as it is dependent in funding, which may dictate dividing the work into smaller segments.
Initial funding for this project will be provided by the River Corridor Foundation and third party grants are being solicited for the balance. River Corridor has a proven history of leveraging funds raised by such events as the upcoming Heart of the Fox 5K Run, Colonial Cafe Color Run, The Ivy Academy Kids Zone and a tug of war competition (June 15th in Pottawatomie Park) to attract the grants necessary to complete previous projects such as improvements to the Bob Leonard Walk and the installation of the Wind Emotions sculpture.
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In addition, the River Corridor Foundation has announced a new team of officers for 2019:
- Rich Anderson (former owner of the St. Charles Riverboats) will serve as President
- Holly Cabel as Vice President
- Laurel Moad as Secretary
- Phil Held as Treasurer
The River Corridor board reminds St. Charles residents and all parties with interest in the Fox River as it flows through downtown St. Charles to actively participate in the City of St. Charles Open House on Wednesday, April 24th from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM in the council chambers at City Hall where a discussion of and amendment to the downtown comprehensive plan will be discussed. The proposed Active River Project will be part of these discussions.
Mission: The River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles supports and advocates for projects that will enhance the downtown riverfront environment as a destination for cultural, educational, recreational, and economic opportunities that are accessible to all.
