Custom homes add variety to Saddle Creek

Like much of Naperville, Saddle Creek stands where there once was farmland. Now, Saddle Creek, situated in south-central Naperville, boasts 299 homes, many of which feature impressive details such as colonial brick fronts and coach lights, said homeowners association president Chris Slinkman.

Like much of Naperville, Saddle Creek stands where there once was farmland.

Now, Saddle Creek, situated in south-central Naperville, boasts 299 homes, many of which feature impressive details such as colonial brick fronts and coach lights, said homeowners association president Chris Slinkman.

"We have a lot of custom homes from various builders," Slinkman said. "Very rarely do two houses look alike."

The neighborhood was built in the mid- to late-1990s and now offers not only attractive homes in proximity to downtown Naperville, Bolingbrook, Plainfield and Aurora, but also friendly neighbors.

"(We're) one of the safest neighborhoods in our area," Slinkman said. "People are outdoors all the time, engaging with their neighbors."

Dozens of activities are sponsored through the homeowners association, including annual Easter egg hunts, summer block parties and more. Soon, residents will gather at Kendall Elementary in the neighborhood after trick-or-treating for the second annual Halloween Social.

"It's a place for parents and children to gather in a safe environment," Slinkman said.

• Saddle Creek has 299 homes.

• Saddle Creek has an area of 0.309 square miles and a population of 1,027, according to www. city-data.com.

• The zip code for Saddle Creek is 60564.

1. Holy Spirit Catholic Community Church, standing to the southeast of Saddle Creek, offers a special Awakening Faith program along with its regular worship and devotions. The program features six classes on basic elements of the Catholic faith, according to the Holy Spirit Web site.

In addition, conversations regarding spiritual exploration, the identity of Jesus and more are welcomed. Holy Spirit Catholic Community also provides a variety of ministries, including pastoral care, stewardship, evangelization and community services.

How to get there: At 2003 Hassert Blvd., Holy Spirit can be accessed by driving south on Book Road from 95th Street. The church is situated past Engle Road.

2. Prairie grasses, maintained in part by Saddle Creek and in part by a private landowner, adorn the southeast side of Saddle Creek. Bearing a sign that reads “Native Prairie: Restoration in Progress,” the grasses serve to protect the habitats of plants and animals.

According to the Naperville Park District Web site, such restorations are “important to the ecology of the DuPage River watershed.”

How to get there: The prairie grasses adjacent to Saddle Creek are along Book Road, between Engle Road and Hassert Boulevard.

3. Part of the Will County Forest Preserve, Riverview Farmstead is in Wheatland Township adjacent to Saddle Creek. According to the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Annual Report for 2000, Riverview Farmstead is among local historical and education facilities undergoing renovations. Associated with the Riverview Farmstead are the Thomas Clow Farmstead and its timber frame barn from 1890, an 1850s settlement house and a 1868 limestone house.

How to get there: Riverview Farmstead is southeast of the intersection of Book Road and 111th Street.