My photo assignment in Chicago's western suburbs first took me to the idyllic community of Naperville. When I lived in Chicago in the early 90's I had a friend whose home was near Naperville and I would often take the Metra commuter train out to see him. Sometimes when Rick would come to pick me up, we would stop in downtown Naperville and visit the local comic book store. Here, ten years later, I once again found myself standing a block from that site at Naperville's tree-lined riverwalk.

The riverwalk area is both refreshing and peaceful. Along its edge you will find many artistic creations to enjoy and consider. Before going off to my first location, I took about an hour to slowly walk up the trails on one side of the creek and down the paths of the other. There was the sound of the babbling brook, the quacking ducks and rustling leaves in the trees. Along the way I encountered a diverse collection of art; a spherical fountain, two red forms arching in towards each other, several themed statues of barnyard animals and a wall of faces devoted to the September 11th calamity.

The most impressive sight in the park was a tall, newly constructed bell tower, the Millennium Carillon. It had not been here during my last visit and was quite a shock to discover. It stood in the corner of an open grassy field and gave the impression that it was not quite complete. A short distance away was a small related building that contained the bell tower's controls. In the window was a sign that mentioned a simulator system that would allow musicians to practice playing the carillon.