Places

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!

*Please note, the Aqua-Plex, the indoor family aquatic center, will be closed May 30-September for improvements. Remember, all RP members get access to the Greater Peoria Family YMCA, which includes their outdoor pool area.

Narrow, informal paths lace the site, along with a substantial segment of the better-developed Illinois River Bluff Trail. For the ecologically-oriented visitor, the most intriguing component of Robinson Park is its 151-acre nature preserve, which consists of glacial drift hill prairies, and oak woodlands along the ridges and valleys.  If you have questions about rentals at this park, please call 309-682-1200.

Robinson Park Layout

Located off of Kickapoo Creek Rd., you won’t find a more rugged outdoor experience in Peoria than hiking Rocky Glen.  Know locally as a “Miniature Starved Rock,” Rocky Glen boasts a waterfall that freezes in the winter and offers spectacular views that are worth the hike.  Dirt trails wind through thick forests, taking you to stops that include expansive views of Peoria, and moderate rock climbing (particularly at Rocky Glen Park).  Any experience level could tackle these trails, but there are significant elevation changes.

Rocky Glen Trail Map

Located next to Dr. Maude A. Sanders Primary School, Schmoeger Park is a great place to kick a soccer ball or just enjoy the outdoors!

Schmoeger Park Layout

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

Not to be confused with its neighbor to the south, Sommer Park North is a neighborhood park filled with activity. Sommer Park North has 1.25 miles
of paved, but not so level hiking opportunities and sports amenities!

Sommer Park North Layout

Stadium Park is a cooperative partnership between Peoria School District #150 and the Peoria Park District. Located off Lake Avenue, Stadium Park makes use of School District land directly adjacent to the Peoria Stadium complex.  Stadium Park has a .45 mile loop for hiking that is paved and fairly level.

Stadium Park 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.

Named for longstanding Peoria Park District board member and President Tim Cassidy, there’s something for everyone at Timothy J. Cassidy Park… basketball, tennis, fishing, and more!  Timothy J. Cassidy Park has a 0.9 mile loop trail which is paved and fairly level.

Cassidy Park Layout

The Peoria Park District has many opportunities for walking, hiking, and biking. The paths and trails in the Park District range from paved, level walkways to rough, steep hiking trails. There’s something for everyone! Below is an overview of trails and paths in the Park District.

(picture courtesy of peoriaoutdooradventure via IG)