PEORIA, Ill. — The COVID-19 pandemic in summer 2020 forced the cancellation of Peoria Park District (PPD) camps and activities, but those activities will be returning in summer 2021.
The announcement was made by PPD Executive Director Emily Cahill Thursday in front of Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum, which will reopen May 28.
Those wishing to take their children to the museum must purchase tickets in advance for one of three, two-hour play sessions per day.
Overall, Cahill said it feels great to have regular summer activities back again.
“This is what the park district is made for,” said Cahill. “I just can’t even stop smiling thinking about being out in the parks again, engaging in activities, and getting people active.
“Throughout COVID, we played a really important role, but we’re sure glad to get back to the basics and start doing those things we love to do.”
When PPD completed their annual budget last year, they were aiming for June 1 as a possible return date to normal activities. That’s just 10 days before the tentative date of June 11 for Illinois to move into a full reopening in Phase 5.
“We’re just about right on track with where [Gov. JB Pritzker] is,” said Cahill. “We’ve used all this time to get us to here — so we’re ready to roll.”
Events that will be returning this summer include Yoga in the Park, Movies in the Park, Parks on Tap: Traveling Taphouse, summer camps and sports, and more.
The first of the return of events will be next Saturday.
“Streets Belong to Me will serve as an opening ceremony for a city-wide, 3-on-3 basketball tournament that will be held Saturday, May 22,” said Cahill. “The opening ceremony will feature performances by Proctor’s Dream Squared students, music, fun, food, and much more.
“The basketball tournament will take place the next day on Water St. next to Peoria’s Riverfront Park.”
In order to fully staff upcoming events, the park district has employment opportunities available.
A list of upcoming events can be found at PPD’s website.
