Purpose

The purpose of this plan is to update the 2002 River Corridor Master Plan with an increased focus on active river recreation, economic development opportunities and ecological improvement initiatives. The plan will provide policy and resource guidance to leaders over the next several years.

Study Area

The Study Area includes the extent of the Fox River within the City of St. Charles municipal boundaries from approximately Red Gate Road on the north to Division Street on the south, including the properties that border the river. Downtown St. Charles is located within the study area and is considered part of the River Corridor project area.

Process

In January of 2015 the Active River Task Force selected the Hitchcock Design Group (HDG) team to complete the master plan update. During the Opportunity Analysis the team examined the existing resources, local and regional marketplace, and stakeholder behaviors and interests. Next, the team explored alternative strategies and established a Preferred Strategy for an integrated, market-supported series of policy, operational, and capital improvements. This report summarizes the recommendations and concludes the Final Master Plan update.

Community Engagement

The team coordinated with the Active River Task Force throughout the duration of the study. The Active River Task Force consists of Park District, City, and Forest Preserve representatives, along with River Corridor Foundation members. The team also maintained a project website, conducted over 35 confidential stakeholder interviews, and facilitated a community workshop and a public open house. The team presented the preliminary recommendations to the River Corridor Foundation, and at a joint meeting of the Park District Board and the City Council during the Alternative Strategies phase. The Final Plan was presented to the Park District Board, City Council, Forest Preserve District Board and the River Corridor Foundation at the conclusion of the Final Master Plan.