By Gianna Njau
PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – A major investment is set to reshape one of Peoria’s most used public spaces, as nearly $500,000 is earmarked to upgrade Martin Luther King Jr. Park on the city’s south side.
The Peoria City Council approved the spending on a 9-2 vote, preceded by the park board’s unanimous endorsement.
The money comes from Community Development Block Grant funds, and sets the stage for upgrades at other city parks including Trewyn, Morton Square and Logan.
Planned improvements
The planned upgrades at Martin Luther King Jr. Park include a new picnic shelter, resurfaced walking paths, updated playground swings, and improvements to the basketball courts.
Park Board Executive Director Emily Cahill told 25 News the project is designed to improve long-term safety, usability, and accessibility.
“We’re focused on underrepresented communities, and we try to allocate those dollars and spaces that helped to reach people who might not otherwise have access to recreation opportunities,” Cahill said.
Timing and additional development
The park district said the timing of the investment lines up with additional development in the surrounding area within the city.
“Improvements are happening in that space now, in conjunction with the improvements happening on MacArthur and the additional new housing coming in across the street, really does provide a nice grouping of positive developments that will hopefully draw even more positive things to the area as we continue through this process,” Cahill said.
Construction is set to begin this summer, with the project expected to be completed by next year.
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