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📸 Credit: River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles
St. Charles officials discussed a fresh idea earlier this week that would combine nature and education with downtown development and public amenities.
At Monday’s Government Services Committee meeting, the River Corridor Foundation pitched the concept of a walkable, floating park on the Fox River in downtown St. Charles inspired by Chicago’s Wild Mile. City officials showed strong enthusiasm for exploring it further.
Key things to know
Concept: The project would create a series of connected floating garden walkways anchored along the river, offering a new space to explore native plantings and wildlife.
Location: Several possible locations are being considered near the railroad bridge, Alter Brewing, and Graceful Ordinary — with flexibility to move sections if future river changes require it.
Financing: Funding would rely on grants and donations; the City expressed interest in providing support but made no financial commitment at this stage.
Advantages: The idea provides recreational opportunities plus environmental benefits, as the garden would filter the water and create habitat for fish and other wildlife.
“This is the most practical and achievable project that I've seen so far for the river that everybody of all ages, shapes, and sizes can use,” one official said. “I'm all for it. This is awesome.”
If eventually developed, the aim is for this to become a community resource maintained by volunteers. It’s worth noting that this is the first step in a long process with many questions yet to be answered.
Watch the full committee meeting (presentation begins at 24-minute mark).
View a copy of the River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles’ presentation.
📖 Thanks for reading
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