EAST PEORIA (25News Now) – One and a half acres of greenery in East Peoria is officially open for the public’s entertainment.
The East Peoria Community Foundation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday afternoon to celebrate the completion of the Levee Park. The final touch was the splash pad.
According to Sue Portscheller, president of the community foundation, this project has been in the works for approximately 10 years. The organization is comprised of all volunteers who share an interest in ensuring East Peoria has something to offer everyone.
The Levee Park, next to City Hall and the Fondulac District Library, features a reading garden, tables with shade, and a butterfly waystation. Portscheller said a community survey showed that most people were interested in the performance stage and the splash pad.
“Our town is very family-oriented. We wanted a water feature, but as we thought about it, [we said], ‘Let’s not just have a fountain, let’s have a fountain that kids can play in’,” said Portscheller.
The project cost $3 million. However, fundraisers, donations, and state grants helped East Peoria Community Foundation volunteers fund the park. For example, State Senator Dave Koehler and former State Rep. Mike Unes helped secure grants dedicated to growing Illinois communities.
Local donors also contributed more than $500,000, according to Portscheller. The Bahnfleth family set aside a large portion, and the Uftring family donated a limited edition Corvette, which raised $250,000 through a raffle.
East Peoria Mayor John Kahl said completing this project without having to raise taxes was crucial.
“That’s where private, public partnerships really come into play, and I think East Peoria’s really done a good job with that,” said Kahl.
The 1.5 acres of land belong to the city, so city funds will be used for regular maintenance and upkeep.
Mayor Kahl said as the Levee District continues to develop, he remained adamant about keeping this downtown space green.
“Whether people want to come down here to shop, dine, or just hang out, that’s the whole idea; kind of have a focal point where everyone can come together,” said Kahl.
While the project is technically complete, Portscheller said there are still some last-minute tweaks that need to be made. She also hopes to add more trees to the park in the future.
Visit the East Peoria Community Foundation’s website to learn more or donate.
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