ROGER MONROE

The decision by Peoria Park District Executive Director Emily Cahill and her staff to recommend the demolition of the historic Glen Oak Amphitheater in order to construct toilets, a basketball court, playground, and shelter is puzzling, if not ridiculous. The amphitheater, often called the Glen Oak Bandshell, has been a stage for such nationally known performers as Charlie Daniels, Roger Williams, Andy Williams, and countless others. For years it hosted the popular July 3 fireworks show for thousands. Woodruff High School held commencement exercises at the bandshell. The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation held its annual fund-raising walk at the Glen Oak entertainment center.

Many of us remember fondly the summer concerts by the Peoria Municipal Band and other musical groups. How ironic, as park officials push destroying a beloved city landmark, another group is striving to restore the Madison Theater at a cost of $35 million. Perhaps that’s the strategy of Cahill and Company; destroy the amphitheater today and 50 years later another group of park officials will suggest building a new amphitheater.

Since park board trustees seem to have plenty of money to spend, why not use it to refurbish the existing facility, improve stage lighting, install more comfortable seating and update the sound system? After all, it is still viable, in relative good shape, and available.

Apparently, the team that came up with the proposed plan for toilets, shelter, another playground and a basketball court, failed to do enough extensive research. As one example, drive around Peoria and see how many people are playing basketball on outside courts. Zip. None. How can they justify building basketball courts after both Glen Oak baseball diamonds were unceremoniously removed? It just makes no sense. At the same time, the park district is, if I may use the term, “entertaining” a proposal from a non-profit group to build an amphitheater in Donovan Park. The people around Glen Oak Park get screwed, because, well, they have no influence. So connect the dots; the district can better approve an amphitheater in a more affluent part of Peoria if they destroy the the existing facility in Glen Oak Park.

If the park district feels the need for more toilets, build them where the baseball diamonds were. There’s space there for another playground. By the way, why build a playground near the Lagoon, increasing the risk of children drowning? There’s room for multiple shelters. I think you can begin to have a better picture of what is really going on. So can members of the Glen Oak Homeowners Association and who are strongly opposed to the destruction of the amphitheater as are residents on Frye and Prospect Road. City council members Denise Jackson, Chuck Grayeb, and Tim Riggenbach need to lend their voices of support for retaining the Glen Oak Amphitheater. To be honest, all council members and Mayor Rita Ali should oppose the park district proposal because all of Peoria has enjoyed this magnificent and historic entertainment venue. Give credit to district trustees for scheduling public hearings. On the other hand, given the latest virus fears, how many people want to gather in high risk public areas? Bottom line, call your council member and your favorite park district trustee, and let them know your feelings, pro or con. Shall we destroy another entertainment venue? I hope not.

American Mausoleum in trouble

If you don’t know, the American Mausoleum is located on Allen Road near the intersection of Pioneer Parkway. It was founded by the late Dr. Robert Hart and is the resting place for hundreds of people. Its where my wife Nancy, and my parents, Zack and Frieda Monroe, are buried. It’s a beautiful facility, but has hit on hard times during periods of ownership changes. The mausoleum is in state court receivership with management under the authority of the Peoria County State’s Attorney. It’s only open Tuesday and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It needs a good cleaning. The roof apparently is leaking as ceiling tiles have fallen and more are eager to do so. A caretaker has been dismissed for lack of money, though reports indicate there’s over $582,000 in two trust funds (or were). Some families have removed loved ones to other burial facilities.

The financial problems are similar to those once experienced at Springdale Cemetery. The city and county worked together and helped save Springdale. It’s time to do the same for the American Mausoleum. In the meantime, I would ask State’s Attorney Jodie Hoos to seek a group of volunteers and community leaders to organize a one-day cleanup committee to dust, vacuum, and tidy up the facility. At the front of the volunteer line should be family members and friends of those who rest there. And yes, I’ll be there and so will my family.

Congratulations

Speaking of family, permit me to publicly congratulate my grandson, Chris Monroe, the son of Dan and Julie (Zinkhon) Monroe. The 6′ 5,” 235 pound graduate of the University of Illinois Springfield, played first base this summer for the Traverse City Pit Spitters in the Northwoods League. He ended the regular season hitting .303, won the league RBI title with 59, slammed 7 home runs, 16 doubles and totaled 72 hits. Officials claim Northwoods is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 teams featuring college players from all over the country. The league has helped develop such Major League players as Ben Zobrist, Max Scherzer, Chris Sales, Pete Alonzo and others. Attendance at the Pit Spitters last game in Traverse City drew over 3,400 fans. Nice going, Chris.

Quote of the month

“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.” – Mother Teresa