Fox Valley Communities Coming Together on River Development Project

The leaders of Aurora, Montgomery Oswego and Yorkville will come together Saturday to promote the Fox River as a local economic and recreation development tool.

The effort will highlight the need to open the canoe bypass in Montgomery. Opening the channel will increase the “value of the waterway for recreational uses and spur further tourism recreation and economic development in the four communities,” said a joint press release from the four communities.

A concrete and earth dam at the south end of the bypass is the only thing standing in the way of an uninterrupted 13-mile stretch between Aurora and Yorkville. Grant funding is under consideration for the project, and Saturday’s event is meant as a show of municipal solidarity, the release said

“The Fox River is the greatest natural resource in our communities and is enjoyed by many for fishing and boating,” said Montgomery Village President Matt Brolley. “ Opening up the canoe chute in Montgomery where there is currently an earthen dam would provide a beautiful, continuous waterway stretching from Aurora to Yorkville and would be a great attraction for boaters.  We look forward to the day when the river can be more fully utilized by everyone in the region.”

Saturday’s schedule of events includes:

AURORA LEG:

• 7:30 am Kickoff/Press Conference
• 8 am Prepare for departure
• 8:15 am Depart Aurora
• 9 am Arrive at CIS (former Fox Valley Park District Administration Building); Drive to Grays Mill

MONTGOMERY LEG:

• 9:15 am Arrive at Grays Mill, 211 N. River St. for refreshments and Montgomery Presentation
• 9:45 am Prepare for departure
• 10 am Depart Montgomery

OSWEGO LEG:

• 11 am Paddle to arrive at Violet Patch Park, Oswego, IL
• 11:15 am Shuttle to Hudson Crossing Park for presentation
• 11:45 am  - 12:30 pm Lunch & Oswego’s Tap House Grille
• 12:45 pm Prepare for departure, Hudson Crossing Park to Saw Wee Kee Park

YORKVILLE LEG:

• 1:30 pm Shuttle from Saw Wee Kee Park to Yorkville, above the dam
• 2 pm Prepare for departure
• 2:45 pm Arrive in Yorkville at Bicentennial Riverfront Park, Marge Cline for presentation and reception