FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sameera Luthman, Director of Marketing and Communications, 630-848-3570,
sluthman@napervilleparks.org
Sue Omanson, Community Development Manager, 630-848-3572,
somanson@napervilleparks.org
Date: July 12, 2010
New bicycle bridge at Knoch Knolls Park connects past to present
Bridge constructed by City of Naperville is part of DuPage River Trail Segment 4
The new bicycle and pedestrian bridge at Knoch Knolls Park gracefully spans the West Branch of the DuPage River, providing an accessible pathway for all to enjoy as part of the newest segment of the DuPage River Trail.
“We will join the City of Naperville later this summer in celebrating the opening of Segment 4 of the DuPage River Trail at the foot of this impressive bridge in Knoch Knolls Park,” said Naperville Park District Executive Director Ray McGury.
The new bridge represents progress, community spirit and vision—values reflecting the character of Win and Irene Knoch, who transferred 115 acres of their property in 1980 to the Naperville Park District for future use as Knoch Knolls Park.
The original bridge across the river was made of wood planks and oil drums and was later replaced by a second foot bridge. Cars and tractors were able to cross the river on a bed of gravel placed there for that purpose. Photos of the first and second bridges provide a striking contrast to the newest structure.
Members of the Knoch-Wehrli family gathered at the new bridge recently, excited to see the progress and eager to reminisce about the many happy moments they shared on the property they affectionately call “The Farm.”
Knoch Knolls Park was farmed for many years by Frank Molitor in partnership with the Knoch family. A pig shed and corn crib stood where the Wigwam building is now, and a 2-story dairy barn was located on the west side of the gravel entrance. Crops included corn, soybeans, vegetables, and at one time, a Victory Garden.
The Knoch family spent much of their time at The Farm, enjoying the outdoors and hosting friends and family in a unique setting.
Councilman Grant Wehrli, youngest of the Knoch-Wehrli grandchildren, recalls spending countless hours exploring the woods and building dams and forts in and along the river. He wants to pass this heritage along to his own children. “I created my own ‘No Child Left Inside’ program,” said Wehrli. “I take my children and the neighborhood kids out to Knoch Knolls Park and to other areas to explore the woods and spend time outdoors.”
Knoch Knolls Park now hosts Toadstools and Pollywogs preschool program and summer camps at the Wigwam building. These programs are designed to encourage children to spend time outdoors exploring the many acres of woods and fields at the park. The park also offers a disc golf course, soccer fields, a picnic grove, and a network of walking trails in the woods and fields.
“I have many warm memories of family times on this property,” said Annette Wehrli Kennedy, sister to Grant Wehrli and one of Judge Knoch’s grandchildren. “The new trail and bridge will help make the park accessible to the community, so that people can enjoy this rich, natural area.”
For more information about Knoch Park and other Park District facilities and programs, please contact the Naperville Park District at (630)848-5000 or visit www.napervilleparks.org.
For updates on the bridge and trail opening schedule, please check the City of Naperville’s website at www.naperville.il.us. Please note that the bridge is not yet open for bicycle and pedestrian use.