EAST PEORIA, Ill. – A park that’s being described as an “anchor” for East Peoria was unveiled to the public for the first time Wednesday afternoon.
City and community leaders cut the ribbon for a soft opening of Levee Park in the Levee District. Features of the park include a raised community stage, a splash pad, walking paths, and shaded areas. Work still to be done includes placing sod down, but is expected to be done by the end of the month.
“I see it as being the iconic heart of East Peoria, and it really centers on the new face of East Peoria; green, growing, and family centered,” said Sue Portscheller, East Peoria Community Foundation Board President.
The EPCFB was the driving force behind the project, proposing it to the city more than a decade ago. That’s how long it took for the foundation to raise the $3 million to construct the park altogether, with private donations and state grants.
Portscheller says it will be a place to host events in East Peoria, along with casual activities. She envisions people bringing take out lunches to enjoy in the park, or even high school prom pictures being taken at the park, instead of taking them across the river.
Portscheller says one of her favorite features is the splash pad, an activity that can be enjoyed in the summer. But when the weather is not favorable for outdoor fun, lights have been installed at the splash pad to illuminate in the winter months.
Mayor John Kahl praised the foundation for their efforts.
“Ten years ago, they didn’t have all these added features. But I think the work they’ve done, I think it’s really come together nicely,” Kahl said.
The city of East Peoria owns the property, and has been tasked with maintaining it. But Kahl says he does not have estimates yet on how much it would cost to maintain.
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