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PEORIA, IL (July 28, 2026) — The Peoria Park District invites the community to celebrate the completion of major improvements at Endres Park during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 30th, at 3:00 p.m. at Endres Park, 5100 N. Willard Road, Peoria Heights. Following the ceremony, guests are encouraged to stay for a special Parks on Tap celebration beginning at 5:00 p.m., featuring live entertainment, food trucks, the District's mobile TapHouse, and family activities with the District’s Rec 'n Roll.
The project transformed Endres Park into a more welcoming and accessible destination for families by installing a new inclusive playground and a range of site improvements designed to serve visitors of all abilities. The $315,000 project was made possible in part through an $83,541.14 grant awarded by PlayCore and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association.
As part of the design process, the District invited the community to help shape the project by voting on three playground concepts at an in-person event at Endres Park and online. Community feedback directly influenced the final design selected for installation.
The new playground was designed using the Seven Principles of Inclusive Playground Design, which go beyond minimum ADA requirements to create play spaces where children and families of all ages and abilities can play together, build friendships, and experience the lifelong benefits of inclusive play.
"This project reflects our commitment to creating parks where every child and family feels welcome," said Emily Cahill, Executive Director of Parks and Recreation. "Thanks to the support of our grant partners, community input, and the tremendous work of our staff and local contractors, Endres Park has become an even more inclusive and inviting neighborhood gathering place."
In addition to the new GameTime playground, the project included:
- Relocating the playground to a shaded area adjacent to the park shelter.
- Installing a new accessible pathway connecting the shelter and playground.
- Adding a new ADA accessible drinking fountain.
- Refinishing the existing swing set with vibrant new coatings.
- Installing new safety fencing around the playground.
- Completing extensive site work by the District's Forestry, Small Parks, Landscape, Heavy Equipment, and Maintenance & Repair crews.
A portion of the former playground was carefully removed and is planned to be repurposed as part of The Bleat Retreat, the Peoria Zoo's goat habitat, extending the life of the equipment in a creative and sustainable way.
The District also recognizes the many partners who helped bring the project to life, including Custom Playgrounds, C&G Concrete, Caliber Coatings, and JIMAX.
Following the ribbon cutting, attendees are invited to continue the celebration during Parks on Tap, featuring live music by Dennis Close, food from Courts Smoke & Grill, Hickory, and Tropical Sno, along with family activities and the District's Rec 'n Roll. Parks on Tap is free to attend. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
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