Commuter parking lot pay changes kick in Monday; sign-up underway for Naperville Citizen Fire Academy; Downtown Naperville hosting Oct. 29 Halloween Hop

Commuter parking lot changes will go into effect Monday, city officials announced.

Commuters who park at the Naperville or Route 59 train station lots will begin paying for daily parking using their license plate instead of a parking space number, and the Kroehler Lot at the Naperville Station will convert to a daily fee parking.

The Naperville City Council last month amended its commuter parking ordinance and eliminated quarterly parking permits to allow for the new payment method at the train station lots, city officials said.

Commuter parking permits remain valid through Dec. 31.

The Burlington Lot will be reserved for permit holders through the end of the year. Burlington and Kroehler permit holders should park in the Burlington Lot, city officials said.

Route 59 permit holders may park in any available space on the north side of Route 59.

Parking spaces at the DuPage Children’s Museum, the Parkview and 190 E. 5th Ave. lots are $5 through Dec. 31. All other spaces are $2.

The next changes to commuter parking will take place Jan. 1, when all lots transition to $3 daily fee parking per space. Discounts will be available when paying by the week or month, and reserved parking spaces for seniors and expectant mothers will be available Jan. 1.

The Naperville Fire Department will host the Citizen Fire Academy on Mondays and Wednesdays in October.

The program is designed to help people learn about the work done by the city’s firefighters. It will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. starting Monday, Oct. 9, through Monday, Oct. 30, with Wednesday, Nov. 1 reserved as a makeup session if needed.

Limited spaces are available. Interested residents should email [email protected] to reserve a spot.

Participants will engage in hands-on exercises, such as operating fire hoses, conducting simulated rescues and learning first aid, a news release said. They will witness the daily operations of a fire station and learn about advanced technology used in firefighting.

The academy will also include presentations about fire prevention, emergency medical services, hazardous materials and more.

More than 60 downtown Naperville businesses will be handing out treats from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Oct. 29 as part of Halloween Hop.

Children can dress in costumes and pick up both candy and non-candy treats in downtown Naperville.

Families should check in at Top Fashion at the corner of Main Street and Jackson Avenue to receive a treat and map of participating businesses.

Pinot’s Palette will be offering facepainting and Innovative Dental Specialists will host a character meet and greet.

For a list of participating businesses, go to www.downtownnaperville.com.