The Peoria Park District’s Sommer Park is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with an Open House and Picnic on Saturday, August 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Prairie Shelter.

Normally a use-by-reservation facility, Sommer Park will be free to the public on August 9. Help celebrate this milestone by bringing a picnic lunch for the family while enjoying free hayrack rides, Fun on the Run inflatables, cupcakes and a slideshow featuring highlights of Sommer Park’s 50 years.

History of Sommer Park – The Koerner Family purchased the farm in 1848, and the family resided onsite for 98 years. After this time, several people owned the property including the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis and William Rutherford. In 1964, Rutherford sold the property to the Peoria Park District, and the park was named in honor of his father-in-law, William H. Sommer, the President and CEO of Keystone Steel and Wire at that time.

Sommer Park consists of 320 acres and is a use-by-reservation rental facility. Over the years, the park has been used for special events such as the Return to Pimiteoui Pow Wow, Balloon Festivals, Hayrides and Hotdogs, Chickin-N-Pickin, environmental education school programs, Living History 1855 Illinois Pioneer programs, Civil War and World War I and II re-enactment programs, weddings, private rentals and 44 years of Ancient Oaks Day Camp for children.

For more information on the 50th Anniversary Open House and Picnic, contact Sommer Park at 309-691-8423.