July 12, 2023 (Peoria, IL) The City Council will review a proposed plan for the Peoria Riverfront at the July 25 City Council meeting, scheduled to start at 6:00 pm. The plan includes a dog park, kayak launch, sports courts, recreational structures, expanded hardscape for the Riverfront Market, and more. The plan will then go to the Planning and Zoning Commission on August 3 and return to the Council for a vote on August 8.
The origin of this redevelopment began in 2017 with an evaluation of the Riverfront Village. In 2018, the Riverfront Village structure was demolished, and planning expanded to include riverfront land from the Bob Michel Bridge to the Murray Baker Bridge. During the planning process, staff from the Community Development Department and Terra Engineering, Ltd., the City’s consultant for the project, met with community members, stakeholders, civic groups, and local businesses and received input through meetings and surveys.
Mayor Rita Ali expressed excitement about the plan, stating, “We already have heard from the public that our Riverfront is one of our greatest resources. The proposed Riverfront Plan will be a major draw to visitors and community members alike. Through robust public input, the designers have created a plan that is for all interests and abilities. This will be a space for temporary and permanent programs with elements from our complete streets and bicycle plans. The design is also sensitive to the surrounding ecosystem while also considering the dynamic properties of the river.”
The city received a federal grant for flood protection in 2023 and is awaiting additional funding from the State of Illinois.