The Peoria Park District is a public park district serving Peoria, Illinois, where it manages more than 9,000 acres of parkland across a service area of nearly 60 square miles and serves approximately 122,000 residents. Founded in 1894, it is Illinois' oldest and largest park district. Its stated mission is to contribute to a healthy and vibrant community through the responsible use of resources, with a focus on high quality parks, recreation and education experiences.
The district's operations span a broad set of public facilities and programmes. These include parks and nature centres, golf courses, aquatic centres and recreation centres offering fitness classes, sports and dance; the Peoria Zoo; Luthy Botanical Garden; and the Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum. Community programming covers youth and adult sports, swimming, camps and special events for all ages, alongside signature events and festivals.
Inclusive service is provided through a partnership with the Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association (HISRA), which supports individuals with disabilities. The organisation is community-oriented and long-established, with more than a century of institutional history in the Peoria area.
