THE RIVEREDGE PARK STORY

Over a decade ago, Mayor Thomas J. Weisner had an idea to create a unique place in Downtown Aurora. The goal was to create a park along the Fox River where people could relax and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature, right in the heart of the second-largest city in the state. It would be a place for recreation, a place for nature and a place to provide entertainment. That place was called RiverEdge Park.

The Aurora Park Collaborative was developed to help bring this place to life. A design competition was held with several different organizations to find the perfect architectural firm. Muller & Muller Architects received the nod. Their team drew inspiration from many different established parks, including Millennium Park, Grant Park and Milwaukee’s Marcus Amphitheater.

Construction on RiverEdge Park began in 2012 with the Aurora skyline as a distinct backdrop. With help from Terry Guen Design Associates, RiverEdge Park became a more natural habit with thought-out landscaping that captures an organic vibe that gives a sense of belonging to all who enter the Park. It’s a place to play, a place to relax and a place to just be.

RiverEdge Park’s inaugural concert season began in Summer 2013 with musical stars like Idina Menzel, Loretta Lynn, Randy Travis, Trace Adkins and many more. The Park also became the new home for the City of Aurora’s Downtown Alive concert series and the annual Blues on the Fox festival. Since then, huge artists like Lady Antebellum, KISS, Steve Miller, Peter Frampton, Willie Nelson, OneRepublic and more have graced the RiverEdge stage.

In 2016, RiverEdge Park was renamed Thomas J. Weisner RiverEdge Park in honor of former Aurora Mayor Thomas Weisner, who was a driving force for the Park and for arts in Aurora. Weisner passed away in 2018 after a courageous and long-fought battle with cancer.

In an effort to keep up with patron demand, Thomas J. Weisner RiverEdge Park installed seats for select shows for the Summer 2018 season. Always a general admission venue, this change allows patrons to purchase seats in advance without having to wait in lines for gates to open and quickly claim their spot. For some events, this seating section is available for general admission giving patrons the option to pick their seat upon entering the Park. Behind the seating section remains an open general admission area where patrons still have the option set up a bag chair and enjoy the show from wherever is comfortable, including the large grassy hill.

Thomas J. Weisner RiverEdge Park is continually evolving and always looking for ways to improve and bring bigger and better acts to the area. And when there’s not a concert, the Park is open to anyone who wishes to enjoy the tranquil surroundings. RiverEdge is truly your backyard away from home.

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