Mission
The Peoria Park District contributes to a healthy and vibrant Peoria community by responsibly using our District resources to offer the best possible parks and recreation experiences to those who live, work and play in our District.
Vision
We will be responsible stewards of all District resources, with a focus on services that make the greatest impact. We will create a culture that values and supports each other, those we serve and our community.
The oldest and largest park district in Illinois, the Peoria Park District encompasses nearly 60 square miles, including more than 50 miles of hiking and biking trails in and around Peoria. The value we provide to the community can be found in the ease of access to our parks and recreational programs.
Evidence has shown that when people have access to parks, recreational programs and nature, their overall physical and psychological health improves. The District’s own local community assessment survey found that 88 percent of residents believe the Peoria Park District is an important partner for community health. The Peoria Park District invites you to visit one of our many parks or nature preserves and enjoy the great outdoors!
Our variety of events and facilities throughout our community will keep you engaged and active. Glen Oak Park is home to Peoria Zoo, Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum and Luthy Botanical Garden.
In a typical year, we host a variety of youth and adult sport leagues, dance classes, adult education, cultural events and concerts. Just like every other organization—both here in Peoria and around the world—we had to shift our focus last year, and even into 2021. In 2020, despite the many challenges we all faced, the Peoria Park District was honored to be the backdrop for so many members of our community. Our parks became offices and dining rooms, places to read, relax, reconnect with family, and get back to what is important. Our trails became gyms or even therapy sessions for many in our community when traditional gyms weren’t accessible. Our parks, green spaces, nature preserves and trails helped everyone rediscover the magic of nature—and the beauty of time outside.
How to Help
The Peoria Park District Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization established in 1997 to support the mission of the Peoria Park District, providing resources to ensure that Peoria remains a healthy and vibrant community. As this past year showed us, our parks, trails and open spaces are immeasurably valuable. As such, the Peoria Park District and its Foundation are more dedicated than ever in focusing our efforts on the sustainability and stewardship of our parks, green spaces, trails and natural areas with the goal of continuing to improve physical and psychological health, strengthening neighborhoods, and enhance the lives of those who live, work and play in our community.
For more information on how to make a gift, please visit the Foundation website at peoriaparks.org/about/foundation or contact Jocelyn McDowell, Development Coordinator, at (309) 681-2861 or [email protected].
Peoria Park District
1125 West Lake Avenue
Peoria, IL 61614
(309) 682-1200
peoriaparks.org
[email protected]
[email protected]
Facebook:
@PeoriaParkDistrict
@PPDFoundation
Instagram: @peoriaparkdist
