River Corridor Foundation pitches floating "Ecopark" for downtown St. Charles; council seeks next steps on permitting and partnerships
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Summary
The River Corridor Foundation presented plans for a modular floating "Ecopark" on the Fox River in downtown St. Charles, proposing walkways and planted modules to create habitat, education and a riverside destination.
John, representing the River Corridor Foundation, presented a concept for a St. Charles Ecopark — a floating modular garden and walkway that would sit atop the Fox River. The concept borrows from Chicago’s Wild Mile and uses modular floating units with planting cells that let roots extend into river water. John said such installations can improve habitat and water quality, provide educational opportunities, and create a downtown destination; he cited grants and corporate donations used by similar projects and said the River Corridor Foundation has already received a six‑figure donation to cover initial engineering work.
John showed examples and potential locations in downtown St. Charles — near the railroad trestle, along the Alta Brewery frontage and below the Illinois Street bridge on the east side. He described the modular units as floating decks with planting ribs, trees accommodated in cutouts, kayak parking and small event uses. "This is a movable modular system," John said, noting the Wild Mile installation handles high volumes of visits, school groups and programmed events.
Staff and councilors asked questions about permitting, compatibility with the potential dam removal, maintenance, insurance and long‑term funding. Heather (staff) said the Park District will see the presentation and that staff can assist with a letter of support if council wants one; she cautioned that the city would need to resolve questions of long‑term maintenance and liability prior to construction. Multiple council members voiced strong support subject to those details. No formal vote was taken; staff said they would coordinate follow‑up with the Park District, Corps and DNR and that the River Corridor Foundation would return with concept plans and any permit applications.
If funded and permitted, a mid‑sized installation was conceptually estimated by the presenter at roughly $500,000 based on comparable Wild Mile segments; John and staff emphasized the figure is preliminary and depends on final design, size and donated material.
