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PEORIA, IL (July 20, 2025) — The Peoria Park District is thrilled to announce the grand opening of a new splash pad at Lakeview Park! Community members, local leaders, project partners, and media representatives are invited to join us for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, July 22 at 10:30 AM to officially open this exciting addition to one of Peoria’s most centrally located parks.
The splash pad was designed by Vortex Aquatic Structures, a global leader in aquatic play, and constructed by local contractor Aupperle Construction. It features 14 unique spray elements that encourage open-ended, imaginative fun. Prioritizing accessibility and inclusion, the space welcomes children of all ages and abilities to play and explore.
The splash pad experience is enhanced with shade umbrellas and a solar-powered CoolHub—a designated area with shaded seating and a soft rain feature created especially for caregivers and parents to relax and cool off. Nearby, guests will also find a Portland Loo—a state-of-the-art public restroom facility built with durability, accessibility, and safety in mind.
This community-focused project is the result of a public input process held in 2023, during which residents helped shape the design by selecting specific spray elements and the color palette. “We asked the community what they wanted to see at Lakeview Park, and they responded loud and clear,” said Emily Cahill, Executive Director of the Peoria Park District. “This splash pad joins a network of beloved District amenities right in the heart of the city, creating a family-friendly destination alongside multiple park amenities, including Lakeview Recreation Center, Owens Ice Center, and an inclusive playground and new swing set completed just last year.”
This project was funded in part by an Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grant.
The Lakeview splash pad will be open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, 11 AM to 7 PM, and complements the District’s two other splash pads at Proctor Recreation Center and Logan Park.
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