Kankakee, IL – City leaders are calling for community input as the next major phase of the ambitious “Currents of Kankakee” Riverwalk project focuses on Legion Park.
The City of Kankakee, in partnership with the Kankakee Valley Park District, will host a community planning workshop on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. to gather feedback on the future of the riverfront space. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Bill Spriggs Civic Auditorium, located at 803 S. 8th Ave. According to city officials, the workshop is designed to help shape the next phases of the multi-year riverfront redevelopment effort.
A brief presentation is set to begin at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, which will be followed by a question-and-answer session and an opportunity for public feedback. According to the Kankakee Riverfront Society, the “Currents of Kankakee” is a multi-million dollar strategy aimed at repositioning the city as a premier Illinois riverfront destination. The project’s first major phase, the East Riverwalk, reached a 25% completion milestone earlier this year and is expected to be finished by mid-to-late summer 2026.
According to planning documents, the broader master plan includes lighting on key bridges, streetscape enhancements, and a world-class whitewater course. The upcoming workshop specifically addresses Legion Park, an area situated along the river that officials hope to transform into a high-amenity recreational space.
Those unable to attend the workshop in person can view riverfront progress live through a camera feed hosted on the city’s official website. Officials noted that community support and public advocacy are allegedly essential to securing the state grants and private donations needed to complete the project, which could see over $30 million in total investment by 2028.
