Back in 1946, a survey was done to determine the best plan of action to beautify the Fox River and give veterans of World War II a source of income. Sixty years ago, the Fox River was a dumping ground for many of the manufacturing plants that operated in Aurora. Veterans were employed to help clean up the river.But keeping the river clean so it could be a source of recreation for Fox Valley residents was a goal that could best be accomplished by the formation of a park district.In the mid-1940s, the city of Aurora owned seven parks, but no specific taxing entity existed for the improvement and expansion of recreational opportunities. Aurora was the only Illinois city with a population of more than 40,000 that had not established a park district.In 1947, political and civic leaders threw their support behind a proposed Fox River Valley Pleasure Driveway and Park District. Leaflets were distributed, local businesses and organizations gave their support, and ads were put into newspapers.