neighborhood parks

Part of the draw of Chicago suburbs is their significant use of natural landscape and recreation space. Without the population density and building congestion of the big city environment, Naperville, Illinois is able to spare some extra room for residents to enjoy ample outdoor area and precious flora and fauna in more than 130 different locations throughout the community.

The Naperville Park District manages upwards of 2,500 acres in public parkland that incorporates open space, playlots, sports complexes, walking trails, preservation areas and pedestrian-safe greenways between parks. For the most part, Naperville public grounds are divided into neighborhood and community parks, protected wetlands, and athletic/recreation centers.

The 70 neighborhood parks are scattered about Naperville's residential areas, offering local families a place to play with the kids within walking distance of home. Usually bustling with tiny tots and a squad of stroller-toting parents and caregivers, these decent-size playground retreats are all we need for a mini-daytime excursion. Little Napervillites can't get enough of the swings, slides and jungle-gyms, while the adolescent and young adult set dribble basketballs from their front doors to shoots hoops at the single backstops situated in selected neighborhood parks. Other locations house football and soccer fields, picturesque ponds, sledding hills, and full basketball courts. In between bank shots and swing pushes, we've spotted many a newspaper-reader and sack lunch-eater enjoying their downtime in the fresh air and tranquil surroundings of Naperville's myriad neighborhood parks.

A step up in size and amenities from the neighborhood commons, the community parks bring sprawling open grounds, additional facilities and fun leisure activities to the city of Naperville. With 17 community parks comprising 570 acres, these larger public areas account for nearly one third of this Chicago suburb's designated recreation expanses. Each location differs in amusement options, handy amenities, and scenic backdrops, so depending on what you're in the mood for, these Naperville parks are sure to have just what you're looking for, from baseball diamonds to horseshoe stakes.

When we want to hit the bike trails, we like to oil up the gears and race around the half-mile path at DuPage River Park (808 Royce Rd, 630-848-5000). A few laps make for a nice, invigorating ride. There are about 100 parking spaces available on the grounds, so it's easy to load the bikes on the car rack and drive over from home. And, for anyone who has been trying to plan that monstrous family reunion -- the kind that includes Uncle Ned's third cousin on his stepmother's side -- DuPage River is a good venue to think about, not only for the parking availability, but because the picnic shelter and onsite restrooms provide a comfortable and protected party space for big groups.

The various athletic courts and fields that dot Naperville's community parks host both pick-up games and league play. But for the best in recreational activities, Naperville locals make visits to the area sports complexes and golf courses. Of the four athletic centers, the 123-acre Frontier Park (3380 Cedar Glade Dr, 630-848-5000) is the largest. It houses a one-mile bicycle trail, twelve soccer fields, six softball fields, a skateboard course, and a 500-car parking lot. At 62.5-acres, DuPage River Sports Complex (2807 S Washington St) boasts 100 parking spots, four lighted tennis courts, three soccer fields, two softball fields, an inline skating rink, and a partridge in a pear tree -- just making sure you're paying attention. The Nike Park Sports Complex (288 W Diehl Rd) is roughly a third the size of its DuPage River counterpart, but still provides residents with well-maintained fields and prime location. Tighten up those tennies, grab your racket and challenge someone to a match at Knoch Park (724 S West St), its eight lighted courts make it a favorite among tennis players.

Much of Naperville's charm is magnified by the harmonizing existence of water throughout the cityscape. The DuPage River snakes between the built-up streets, creating a sense of serenity in the flurry of everyday life. As part of the identity of this southwest Chicago suburb, the river has become a symbol of Naperville's pride and distinctive character.

Considered by many to be the "crown jewel" of Naperville, the Riverwalk is a treasured community highlight that reestablished the DuPage riverfront as an attractive and enjoyable setting for Naperville locals and out-of-town visitors alike. The Riverwalk was first dedicated in 1981 and has since been expanded to envelop the entirety of downtown and beyond. Following the winding curves of the water, the path is surrounded by the picturesque landscape of Naperville's verdant wooded areas and lush vegetation. In the summer, the abundant green leaves shade walkers from the sun's rays, while the fall bursts with color as each tree pops with red, orange and yellow hues. Even in winter, we are inspired to get out of the house for a stroll under the ice-covered branches along the whitewashed river banks.

Natural beauty is the Riverwalk's main draw, but the man-made contributions certainly enhance the overall appeal of this Naperville, Illinois focal point. Lamplight glows from shepherd's crook poles positioned along the trail and soothing fountains amplify the area's water theme. Covered bridges, park benches and stops at Naperville's historic sites instill an old-fashioned sense of times past and a continued appreciation of Naperville's deep-seated community ties -- ties that prompt year-round celebrations with art fairs, festivals, walk-a-thons and holiday events -- all part of the Riverwalk's widespread allure.

The Riverwalk is nice for water spectators, but when we have the urge to get in and splash around there's Centennial Beach (500 W Jackson Ave, 630-848-5090). This extensive aquatic playground provides Naperville residents with the ideal spot to beat the heat in the scorching summer months. With a long stretch of sandy beach, open swim areas of varying depths, a diving complex, and floating rafts, Centennial Beach gets pretty popular once the mercury starts to rise. The free parking, certified lifeguards and convenient refreshment stand guarantees everyone will have a fun and safe visit. Open between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Centennial Beach has become a favorite place for parents to bring their children after school lets out for summer (it's a great alternative to eight hours a day of video games or television watching). Plus, this is one pastime adults will enjoy just as much as the kids.