Village Approves River Tubing At Electric Park

PLAINFIELD, IL — To energize downtown Plainfield and attract more people, the Village Board approved a river tubing permit agreement at Electric Park West with Plainfield River Tubing, during its meeting Monday.

Kris Most, president of the company and Plainfield resident said the operation will be start up with goals to create a family-oriented recreation opportunity, according to the village documents.

Most said the nearest river tubing business is more than 30 miles away. The proposal will be to pick up the participants at Electric Park West by Lockport Street and shuttle them to the 135th Street/Eaton Preserve to launch the float.

The river tubing will float down DuPage River and is expected to take 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the water flow, according to planner Jake Melrose with the Village of Plainfield.

In support of this, village officials said that river tubing will add to the already growing outdoor recreation amenities offered by the village and this can be used in the future to market Plainfield to prospective residents. More people will also be attracted to the downtown area, creating a "sustainable economic model," Melrose said.

Summary of service operations:

• Typical hours of operation will be from 7 a.m. to dusk.
• May to October operation.
• Life vests will be required for all participants.
• Participants must remain in the tubes during the float.
• A temporary tent will need to be erected to provide cover for employees and customers.
• The company will provide pick-up and drop-off services if required by the tubing renters.
• Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian sign a waiver.

Terms approved by the board also states that the permit will expire on Dec. 31, 2022, and the village can terminate the agreement if the service does not perform to the standards set.

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