The United City of Yorkville issued the following information about the kayak and canoe course:

Welcome to the United City of Yorkville's Whitewater canoe/kayak course at Bicentennial Riverfront Park 2 blocks east of Rt. 47 on E. Hydraulic, Yorkville IL 60560

Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department
For information: 630.553.2582 or 630.553.4350

Kayak Attack and Glen D. Palmer Dam Canoe Chute Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Riverfront

Experience Yorkville's newest attraction. Festivities include vendor and exhibitor displays, paddling associations and demonstrations, free tours, on-shore kayak demos, raffles for free classes, tours, and an official ribbon cutting of the Glen Palmer Dam canoe/kayak chute from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. and much more. Free. For more information call 630.553.2582 or inquire via e-mail to tevans@yorkville.il.us.

The paddling community is all abuzz about the Glen D. Palmer Whitewater Canoe/Kayak Course. This new, state of Illinois recreational facility is centrally located in the heart of Yorkville's downtown just east of Route 47 on the south side of the Fox River. Mayor Valerie Burd and the United City of Yorkville City Council look forward to your visit and for taking the opportunity to try this state-of-the art facility. Whether you are a novice or an avid canoeist or kayaker, we're sure you will have a great experience! Once again, welcome, we're glad you're here!!

Facility facts

The chute is located at Bicentennial Riverfront Park. The 1,100 foot-long bypass chute allows canoes, kayaks, and tubers to travel downstream safely around the Glen D. Palmer Dam without having to portage. It also provides a recreational amenity for kayakers as they upstream. The Fox River drops almost 6' between the eastern and western edges of the chute with portage points provided at both ends of the facility. A 12' wide concrete path allows paddlers to walk their canoes, kayaks, or tubes back up the chute to travel down the chute again (motorized vehicles, bicycles, and skateboards are not allowed on the pathway). Please note that the chute will not be closed for special events, although events may occur at the chute on any given day. Users are cautioned  to be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Cost

The Glen D. Palmer canoe/kayak whitewater course is owned by the state of Illinois and is open to the public free of charge.

 Location

The United City of Yorkville is located 60 miles southwest of Chicago in Kendall County. I-88, I-55, and I-80 are all approximately 20-25 minutes from the facility.

Parking

Parking is available at all city municipal lots. Please note that a majority of public parking is located off-site and will require that you carry your canoe/kayak to the water. Overnight parking is allowed at designated lots in downtown Yorkville if you are planning an overnight trip. These are located at the intersection of Hydraulic Street and Route 47 (Northwest corner), south of the railed tracks in the east alley lot behind the Rt. 47 businesses, and on the west side of Rt. 47 in the west alley lot behind the Rt. 47 businesses.

Changing/restroom facilities

At least one restroom is located at the park year round. Additional facilities are seasonal. The city is currently researching changing facilities for paddlers. No showers are located at the park.

Shelters

One large, and two small shelters are available at the site for use. Both small shelters each have a picnic table, and the large shelter can be rented for special events. Currently, we are not taking park and shelter reservations for these facilities until construction is complete and the park can be open for larger events.

Dining

Yorkville has a variety of dining experiences available for whatever you are craving! From pizza and pasta to burgers and more, you'll never go away hungry. A list of local restaurants will be available shortly (check back for updates). Or, feel free to pack a picnic lunch. Grills and open fires are not allowed on park grounds. Please note that alcohol is not allowed on park premises unless you are holding a special event and have requested a Special Event Liquor License from the City's Clerk's office.

Hotels/camping

Planning to stay overnight? Several lodging establishments and campgrounds are located in the Yorkville area. A complete list of lodging facilities will be available shortly. Check back for updates.

Fishing

Fishing is not allowed in the whitewater chute bypass channel from the shoreline or either island.

General park rules

As a reminder to all patrons, the following park rules apply and are enforced:

• No alcohol
• No open fires/grills
• No fishing in the bypass channel, or within 50' of the channel

Safety

Park patrons using the facility are required to bring their own life jackets. If renting a canoe, kayak or tube from a local business , a life jacket should be provided. No lifeguard is on site. In the case of an emergency, a Code Blue Emergency Phone is located in the park. Buoys or flotation devices are not available on site.

In the News, Outdoor Illinois, December 2010

Click here to view an article published in Outdoor Illinois titled "Illinois Gains Whitewater Adventure."

View graphical updates of the Glen D. Palmer Dam here.

Yorkville's Whitewater Recreation Facility at Bicentennial Riverfront Park