Workshop scheduled for Feb. 19
BOURBONNAIS, IL – The Village of Bourbonnais continues to engage its residents in the final round of public input for the development of the Riverfront Park Master Plan. The community is invited to the interactive workshop on Thursday, February 19, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Bourbonnais Municipal Center Community Room at 700 Main St. NW. To date, two open houses and two online surveys have been conducted to determine what the future of the park could be for one of Bourbonnais’ largest premier parks, located along the Kankakee River at 1200 Canterbury Lane.
Informed by previous residential feedback, Bourbonnais’ consultants will present two design concepts and facilitate smaller discussions with participants to shape the final Riverfront Park Master Plan design.
“Our community’s open space and recreation needs are at the forefront of the village’s re-design goals,” explained Mayor Jeff Keast. “It is essential we hear from residents about which park elements are envisioned to be a part of the beloved Riverfront Park for years to come.”
Untouched for more than 20 years, Riverfront Park is the latest focus of the Imagine Bourbonnais initiative, which encourages community participation in shaping the village’s future.
In 2024, the village began collecting input for the 10.7-acre park, with assistance in the master planning process from Kimley-Horn and Associates, an engineering, planning and design consulting firm that also assisted with the village’s phased Wayfinding Signage Program.
Planning was briefly paused following a generous and unexpected donation from the Johnston family, who contributed 6.6 acres of adjacent riverfront property to the park. Once acquired, the village utilized a $110,000 grant secured by Senator Patrick Joyce for remediation of the donated property.
“With the acquisition of the additional acreage of woodland, Riverfront Park has the capacity to serve the community in new ways, while still maintaining its natural appeal that we all know and love,” said Village Administrator, Mike Van Mill. “The park’s rolling topography, unique ravines, mature trees and adjacency to the Kankakee River make it a distinct space in Bourbonnais.”
In 2025, planning resumed with a second round of input from residents, both in-person and via an online survey.
The public workshop on February 19 will be the third and final round of engagement in the master planning process. The event does not require registration to participate.
Riverfront Park is one of 24 parks maintained by the village and one of two located along the Kankakee River. Current amenities include benches, biking and walking trails, fitness equipment, fishing access, frisbee golf, a historic pavilion, a seasonal restroom and a Little Free Library.
To learn more about Village of Bourbonnais parks, visit: www.villageofbourbonnais.com/residents/local-parks.
