Riverfront Park Extension Public Input

Introduction

We are seeking your opinion and input in developing a concept recreational plan for a new park that will improve the quality of life in downtown Peoria. This survey should only take 5 minutes to complete.

As part of the River Trail project, the City needs to compensate for the loss of 5.8 acres of Riverfront Park by acquiring equivalent property that will be improved into public, recreational space. The City has identified about 8 acres of private and unimproved public property directly adjacent to Riverfront Park that can serve as the replacement. Due to restrictions governed by a Land and Water Conservation Grant, the City must receive the approval of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and National Park Service (NPS) before the River Trail project can proceed, a process called “conversion.” This is a multi-step process that includes appraisals, environmental studies, a public hearing and the submission of a concept plan for the new park space.

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Below is a map showing the property planned for development into residential (in red) and the property planned for conversion into a public park (in yellow).

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Below is a closer look at the proposed park extension.

The City is gathering input from the public on what elements should be included in the concept plan submitted to IDNR. Stakeholders are being be asked to brainstorm and prioritize issues like landscaping, recreational elements, and facilities. Public preferences will be tested against constraints like budget, topography and practicality and then incorporated into a final concept plan. On the next few pages, you will be asked to select your favorite ideas in specific categories and have a chance to add your own concepts. The ideas listed were generated by attendees at a public input session held on Wednesday, November. 4.