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A Place
of Our Own

For an all-too-brief moment, Riverside had acreage in western Illinois. We were renting with the idea to own, so we began implementing our vision. Unfortunately, we were not able to acquire the property.

 

We invite you to take a look at what we were able to accomplish in such a short time. It was but an inkling of what we hope to do when we find our forever home.

Inspired Space

Learning institutions should be filled with rooms that encourage action and imagination, that call forth the passion, calling, or gift of the young. 

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-Peter Searby, Riverside Founder and Director

Each room in the Riverside house was styled and themed to inspire creative writing and artistic design.

Space inspires the musician to play, but it also says loud and clear to the audience what the event is meant to be.

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Pickin' on the front porch...

Among the Leaves

Imagine if boys could climb up a winding staircase or a ladder into a grand maple tree to learn, and then tap that same maple in the early spring to sweeten the pancakes they will eat before delving into imaginative story projects rooted in nature. 
In the process of building this treehouse with my peers, it allowed me to take a real sense of ownership in the land and by extension in Riverside itself.
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For the kids in the future to be able to do that on an even grander scale, building their own imaginative landscapes, would be a dream come true. -Conor Hernon, '20

Making Space

Makers spaces have a tinkering vibe and the spirit of curiosity. The idea that one place could have a multiplicity of projects happening simultaneously, with tools of all sorts available, and mentors guiding the young, or not so young, is brilliant. 

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-Peter Searby, founder and director

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Working the Land

A strong community is forged with hard work and stewarding the land to transform it into a landscape of adventure.

With a little bit of sweat, we provided many opportunities to enjoy a pond that ​before was just a ragged weed of a shoreline. After we created the beach, the place became a little oasis for boating and fishing. -Peter Searby, founder and director

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