PEORIA, Ill. – A new roller skating loop is coming to Peoria’s Lakeview Park. It’ll be built just outside the Owens Center.
State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth has worked with the Peoria Park District to get the project funded.
“I don’t know anywhere in the state of Illinois, outside of the City of Chicago and Maggie Daley Park, where you will be able to have a similar experience to what we will be able to experience right here in our community,” Gordon-Booth says.
The project is expected to be completed in 2024, thanks to $4 million in state funds, secured in part by Gordon-Booth.
“I made a commitment, during the pandemic, that I wanted to work with folks who had a commitment to transformational concepts within this community that would make Peoria even more livable and more fun,” Gordon-Booth says.
Peoria Park District Executive Director Emily Cahill says they envision everyone being able to use the skating loop, free of charge.
“We anticipate that this is a space though where you’re going to bring your own skates, and do your thing. This is not an admission facility, this is the equivalent of a tennis court or a basketball court, for roller skaters,” Cahill says.
Cahill said they’re also using the state money to provide more pathway accessibility at Donovan Park.
“We will be able to add accessible pads at Donovan Park that will open up opportunities for those with physical challenges to access more parts of the park,” Cahill says.
