In 1979, a committee was formed to decide on an appropriate community gift as a lasting memorial for Naperville's sesquicentennial celebration in 1981. Local businessman Jim Moser, with the help of architect Chuck George, prepared a far-reaching plan to develop the banks of the West Branch of the DuPage River into an urban linear park. Known as the riverwalk, it was built brick by brick and tree by tree by volunteers to beautify the riverbanks and create a gathering place for the community. Mayor Chet Rybicki gave the project his full approval and support and helped guide the city into a partnership of private and public cooperation that continues to this day.