Riverfront Master Plan

 The Village of Plainfield adopted a new Riverfront Master Plan in 2021. Designed to be implemented over a 10- year period, the plan showcases the community’s vision for Plainfield’s Riverfront Park that includes trails, passive and active recreation space, scenic overlooks, additional parking, and a paddlecraft launch. The development plan is mindful of the existing conditions of the property and works within those parameters to provide a desirable amenity for the community to enjoy.

Included in the plan are the following components:
• Site Context which includes the results of the community outreach efforts, historical uses of the riverfront, existing conditions, and flooding information.
• Concept plans for each of the Riverfront’s designated corridors.
• An Implementation Plan that provides both momentum and baseline projects as well as a comprehensive list of funding opportunities.

Over time, the improvements to the shoreline will enhance the quality of the river and improve the view from dedicated overlook areas. As it continues to develop, the Riverfront will provide a public space for all to enjoy.

What’s next?

-The Village is exploring grant funding and partnership opportunities to complete riverfront projects. 
-Construction of the Springbank Trail south of the Riverfront Building has been completed. 
-The Village received a grant from ComEd and Openlands to assist in constructing a Council Ring and pollinator habitat north of Lockport Street. The council ring was completed in 2022 and the pollinator garden was completed in 2023. 
-The first segment of the trail system, north of Lockport Street, was also completed in 2023 with the assistance of a grant from DCEO.
-The Village was awarded an OSLAD grant for a pergola project at the riverfront. Design work began in 2023, the Village Board approved the construction contract in the fall of 2024, and work will begin soon. The project will be completed in 2025. For details on this project, click here.
-The Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition (LDRWC) selected the Plainfield riverfront as the site of their next river restoration project. These improvements include in-stream riffles, bank stabilization, native plantings, and the installation of material for aquatic habitat. The project is underway and the anticipated completion date is mid-2025. For more information on the project, ldpwatersheds.org.

History

The Village adopted the first Riverfront Master Plan in 2007. During this plan, a number of goals were achieved including the creation of the Riverfront Foundation and construction of the Lockport Street Pedestrian Bridge, a portion of the DuPage River Trail multi-use path, and the DuPage River Trail pedestrian bridge.

However, with all long-range plans, it makes sense to revisit the plan, reevaluate it, and make sure that the planning for the Riverfront is consistent with the Village’s current vision for the area. Since the first plan was originally adopted, the Village has also had time to better understand the constraints of the property.