WE THE UNDERSIGNED request the Peoria Park District stop all plans for a private pavilion development. Donovan Park should remain a neighborhood park with low impact, multiple uses that preserve the open green spaces in the park.
Reasons to Oppose the Pavilion
Loss of Green Space: 18 acres of actively used park trails and natural areas will be destroyed for a building and parking lots.
Poor Location: Negative impact on the beloved Northmoor Observatory with noise and lighting impacting the adjacent hospital and neighborhoods also.
Poor Economics: This expensive venue is unlikely to succeed given the rise of private sector competition. The resulting failure of the facility will require the Park District to pay for long-term maintenance on non-green infrastructure.
Master Plan: The Donovan Park Master Plan was approved for a neighborhood park with low-impact activity; not for commercial development. There have been no new public hearings to change the park's Master Plan.
Unfair Public-Sector Favoritism: Peoria has several private-sector projects which are 100% free of public land or marketing support. The Peoria Civic Center is publicly funded and will have to compete with this Park District project. The Park District should not be competing directly with the private sector.
This petition was developed by Friends of Open Space-Donovan Park. Please like us on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Please sign this petition, go our website and keep informed. Make Sure you call or text or email every one of the Park District Board Trustees and Director Cahill to say No Pavilion in Donovan Park!
