Master Plan

Maintain, improve and embellish existing assets

• Modify the dam, manage sediment in upstream pool
• Modify Boy Scout Island
• Naturalize the shoreline
• Rehabilitate river tributaries
• Complete the Riverwalk amenities
• Incorporate stormwater best management practices

Modify the dam, manage sediment in the upstream pool

Dam modification will create a more natural environment with improved aeration, wildlife passage, and habitat restoration. Managing the sediment in the upstream pool will continue to be a challenge but will be improved from the existing condition. Further study will determine the specific impacts related to dam modification.

Modify Boy Scout Island

Boy Scout Island was once an actual island. Currently it is a peninsula creating a stagnant bay of water that is challenging to maintain. Modify Boy Scout Island to return it to an island, improving water flow and allowing for creation of new wildlife habitat and ecological restoration. Provide a bridge to access the island and improve the power boat launch and parking lot

Naturalize the shoreline

There are approx. 4 miles of shoreline within the St. Charles City limits. Much of the shoreline is natural, although erosion has degraded the shoreline in many locations. Stabilize and restore the shoreline to reduce sedimentation, improve water quality and provide wildlife habitat.

Rehabilitate river tributaries

As development occurred adjacent to the Fox River, many tributaries were disrupted, piped or filled. Restore the river tributaries to a more natural state to improve water quality, wildlife habitat and the environment.

Incorporate Stormwater Best Management Practices

Stormwater best management practices consist of requirements and actions to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff and ways to treat stormwater before it enters the river. Institute polices that require stormwater best management practices for both private and public developments to have a positive impact on the quality of the river.

Strategy

Cultural Assets Cultural assets are all of the various items that communicate the attitudes, customs and beliefs that make a community unique. Incorporate and support art, history, programs and events that represent the culture of St. Charles throughout the river corridor.

Maintain, improve and embellish existing cultural assets

• Incorporate Art along the riverfront and throughout downtown
• Represent the history of the community
• Support community festivals and programmed events (Riverfest, Scarecrow, Fine Arts, etc.)
• Complete the Riverwalk amenities

Incorporate Art along the riverfront and throughout downtown

Sculpture, public art, performances and temporary installations all create interest and are attractions along the riverfront. Utilize the riverfront and the river itself for art displays and installations to create a unique riverfront experience.

Represent the history of the community

The City of St. Charles has a rich and storied history. Communicate the history of the community through sculpture, displays, and events for future generations to come.

Support community festivals and programmed events

The community hosts a number of events including Riverfest, the Scarecrow Festival and the Fine Arts festival within the downtown and along the riverfront. Support these community events along with other programs to continue to make St. Charles an attractive place to live and a regional destination.

Complete the Riverwalk amenities

The existing riverwalk is a good start, but adding pedestrian amenities and other cultural assets will contribute to creating a riverwalk that is not just a walkway, but a regional attraction.