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PEORIA, IL (March 18, 2026) — The Peoria Park District will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, March 20, at 9:30 a.m. in Upper Laura Bradley Park to celebrate the installation of a new public artwork by renowned Peoria sculptor Preston Jackson. The official ribbon cutting will take place at 9:46 a.m., timed with the spring equinox, a moment symbolizing balance, renewal, and the beginning of a new season.
When: Friday, March 20, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. (Ribbon Cutting at 9:46 a.m.)
Where: Upper Laura Bradley Park, Peoria, Illinois
The sculpture, titled Never Extinct: A Pictorial History of the Indigenous People, is a bronze work honoring the Native American peoples who lived in this region for thousands of years before European settlement and recognizing the deep cultural history of the Illinois River Valley.
Upper Laura Bradley Park now serves as the home for this powerful work of public art, which reflects the traditions, resilience, and heritage of Indigenous communities tied to Central Illinois. Through thoughtful design and symbolic elements, the sculpture invites visitors to reflect on the region’s history while experiencing one of Peoria’s most beloved park landscapes.
“Public spaces tell stories,” said Emily Cahill, Executive Director of the Peoria Park District. “The landmarks we place in our parks reflect the values we choose to carry forward as a community. This sculpture invites us to recognize the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples and the many layers of history that shaped this place we call home.”
Holding the ceremony at the moment of the spring equinox adds another layer of meaning to the dedication. Across cultures and throughout history, the equinox represents balance between light and darkness and the beginning of a new season.
“As spring begins, the equinox reminds us that renewal is always possible,” Cahill said. “Just as the landscape around us begins a new season of growth, this sculpture represents a new chapter for how we use public spaces to celebrate our history and and the people who have shaped it.”
The Peoria Park District hopes the sculpture will serve as a place of learning, reflection, and appreciation for those who spend time in Bradley Park.
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