Village Starts Planning On Extensive 10-Year Riverfront Project

PLAINFIELD, IL — The village has started planning the development of a new master plan for the Plainfield Riverfront from Route 59 to Renwick Road. The plan focuses on the riverfront corridor to create a "unique, innovative, and environmentally-sensitive asset that will add to the quality of life for residents, will contribute to additional economic development in the downtown, and will be a focal point and source of pride for the entire Plainfield community," the village website states.

The village is working with Applied Ecological Services and Houseal Lavigne to develop this plan and in order to get the residents involved, a website has been launched. The Riverfront Master Plan is a blueprint that will direct the development, enhancement, and activation of Plainfield’s Riverfront over the next 10 years.

"Extensive public outreach will be conducted throughout the six-month planning process, and the community’s vision will drive the plan’s direction and recommendations. Ultimately, the plan will answer: 'What should our Riverfront look like in 10 years and how do we get there?'"

The Riverfront Master Plan will contain several important pieces, including:

• Ecological and recreational functions
• Pedestrian connectivity and parking strategies
• Cultural and historic components
• Public art, landscaping, and signage improvements
• Flood mitigation
• Implementation program

In 2005, the village established a Steering Committee to develop a master plan for the riverfront property. The Steering Committee includes elected officials and staff from Plainfield and the Plainfield Park District, which is a cooperative partner in the Village’s riverfront efforts.

In June 2007, both the village and the park district adopted The Plainfield Riverfront Master Plan. Implementation of the Master Plan will occur over several decades and will depend on grants and donations as well as participation from private developers.

In November 2009, a committed group of volunteers joined forces to form the Plainfield Riverfront Foundation as a charitable, nonprofit corporation. The foundation's mission is to raise public awareness and funds for the riverfront project. The Foundation hosts the annual Plainfield Fest which generate funds for development of the Riverfront.

The planning process is estimated to be completed by next January. The existing plans will be incorporated into this one if the goals and vision are still consistent with the community’s aspirations.

"It is critical that all of Plainfield’s community members are involved in the development of the Riverfront Master Plan," the plan website states. "The Village is committed to involving residents, businesses, and other key community stakeholders in the process in order to craft a common community vision for Plainfield’s Riverfront’s future."

To get involved, residents should use this page.

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