Special Events

Lions and tigers and giraffes, oh my!  The Peoria Park District is proud to have the Peoria Zoo as one of the great facilities available to people of all ages who live, work, and play in Peoria.  The Zoo is home to unique animals from all over the world and is open to the public 360 days a year.  Even during the winter, animal lovers can visit the Zoo to see Amur tigers and Sichuan takins frolicking in the snow!  The Zoo also offers many neat behind-the-scene tours and is a great place to host birthday parties, weddings, and corporate events.

The Proctor Recreation Center is a great place for the whole family to hang out all year round!  The Proctor Rec Center has something for everyone in your family featuring two gyms, an auditorium, lounge area, fitness room with weights, arts and crafts room, game room, outdoor water splash pad, and much more.  The Rec Center even offers after-school programs and fitness classes!  With all of its amenities, the Proctor Recreation Center also makes an excellent option for birthday parties.

Proctor Recreation Center Outdoor Layout

In partnership wth OSF, the Peoria Park District’s RiverPlex Recreation & Wellness Center is your one-stop shop for sports and fitness fun in Peoria!  Located right on the Peoria Riverfront, the RiverPlex boasts an indoor cycling studio, an indoor family aquatic center, rock climbing wall, 1/8 mile running track, a 15,900 square foot fitness floor, and more!  The RiverPlex also offers classes for all ages, preferences, and skill levels including water Zumba, Pilates, and personal training options.  With all its many amenities, the RiverPlex would be a great place your next class trip, youth group outing, or birthday party!

Sommer Farm is a use-by-reservation/rental/special events/wedding facility with a focus on Living History & Environmental Education.  The 320-acre site offers private picnics and outings for groups of up to 1000, primarily April through November.  The park also features a teams course.

Sommer Farm Layout

The Tawny Oaks Field Station is the newest environmental facility in the Peoria Park District!  Tawny Oaks is comprised of a prairie restoration, ½ mile of handicap accessible gravel trail, a picnic area, and visitor center with restrooms.  Tawny Oaks is open seasonally and offers various workshops, educational walks, and bird watching events.