Peoria Park District Foundation

We are proud to support The Peoria Park District and help make an impact on those who live, work or play in our District. Our work in the Foundation helps the Peoria Park District in their efforts to help our citizens continue to prioritize their health and wellness while making connections within the community and helping them learn about the importance of environmental stewardship. The programs the Peoria Park District offers, the trails, golf courses, and the parks you enjoy would not be possible without the Foundation.

Barbecues, hikes, reunions, festivals, concerts, trips to the Zoo are just a few things that make summer one of our favorite seasons! We are grateful to be the backdrop for these activities and more for everyone in our community. It is an honor for us at the District and in the Foundation to help you create treasured memories and build new friendships! We hope that we can continue to make such wonderful programs and activities, and that you will support us to help ensure the these wonderful traditions can continue.

Three Reasons to Love Our Park District

1. Parks Connect The Community!

For over 127 years, the Peoria Park District has brought the members of the Peoria and surrounding communities together through our parks, playgrounds, trails, and facilities.

Home to over 4,300 acres of parkland, 42 Playgrounds, 32 picnic areas with shelters, and 108 dedicated sporting areas, we offer something for everyone, and boundless opportunities to connect with friends, neighbors, colleagues, and the wonderful chance to meet new people! We are proud to offer resources that help our communities thrive.

At Glen Oak Park, you can make a family day in one spot! You can enjoy a full day in our oldest park visiting the Peoria Zoo, the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum, and have a picnic lunch at one of the tables in the park.

“Whether on the basketball court, at the neighborhood playground, or out on trail, parks and public lands create opportunities for people to connect with each other and build the inclusive communities we all deserve.” — Trust for Public Land President and CEO Diane Regas.

2. Play is the basis for Learning

Play isn’t just fun, it’s educational! Children learn both social and cognitive skills through play, as well as they benefit from increase in both self esteem and the ability to learn and manage emotions. Play also helps children learn math, science, and engineering concepts, making it a great way to help kids throughout the school year.

While the Peoria Park District is home to many spaces and places that encourage play, a few specific facilities stand out. One, of course, is the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum!

At Proctor Recreation Center, students who participate in the After School Program Dream2 where students learn through Drama, Recreation, Education, Arts, Music, and Mindfulness.

And at Bicycle Safety Town, kids not only get to ride their bikes, but they learn the rules of the road, how to read road signs, and how to share and take turns in new ways.

3. Nature is Medicine

Did you know that nature is so powerful, it can help your mind, body, and spirit? Time spent in nature has been proven to help with improved attention, mood, lower stress levels, and help with depression and anxiety. Time spent in nature can even increase empathy and cooperation (another way play helps kids learn!). With over 50 miles of recreational trails, four dedicated Nature Preserves, it is easy to take a moment from the every day distraction and stressors and immerse yourself in the magic of nature.

At Forest Park Nature Center, you can hike over seven miles of trails, and we offer trails that accommodate all skill levels. At the FPNC Nature Center, you can sign up to become a part of the impressive 100 Mile Hiker Club!

At Donovan Park, you can spend time quietly fishing at one of the three ponds, you can walk through the Sculpture Garden, and take in the magnificent beauty of the monarch preserve, the savanna habitat, or learn about the newly accredited Level 1 Arboretum.

While Detweiller Park is known for its many soccer fields, this park is also home to over five miles of trails, including acting as a connector of Camp Wokanda and Grandview Drive through the Pimiteoui and Illinois River Bluff Trails!

THREE WAYS TO Support Our Park District

There is so much that the Peoria Park District offers our community, and in the Foundation, we are proud to help with financial support to make the above programs, spaces, and places possible for you and your loved ones. There are many ways to give back, and whether that’s through financial contributions, the gift of time through volunteering, or even simply shopping at amazon or Kroger, you can make a huge impact.

For more information on how you can support the Park District, please contact us at [email protected]

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