Aurora details $23.5 million River Edge Park expansion; interim completion targeted for October

Jason Bauer, interim director of public works for the City of Aurora, told the Committee of the Whole on June 17 that the city is moving forward with a major expansion and renovation of River Edge Park to address backstage deficiencies and improve the patron experience. The project budget is “a little over $23,500,000,” Bauer said, with an interim completion target of October and final completion by May 2026.

The project is intended to fix two broad problem areas Bauer called “back of house” and “front of house.” Back‑of‑house work includes a new two‑story, accessible backstage building with elevator, storage and staff amenities. Front‑of‑house improvements include a new permanent restroom building, two large jumbotron screens, and a beverage pavilion with multiple service windows. “The size of the venue is about 6 thousands, about 6,000 patrons,” Bauer said, describing the park’s current capacity and the limits that have affected artist bookings.