The Peoria Park District would like to invite the public to the anniversary celebration for Proctor Center’s Centennial. We have several events scheduled for all ages, including:
* Tuesday, September 24: Open House and Tours throughout the day. Tours will be 10:00 am – 12:00 pm; 2:00 – 4: pm; and 5:00 – 7:00 pm.
* Wednesday, September 25: Senior Day and Public Health Fair. 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.
* Thursday, September 26: Kids Day Spectacular fun day and carnival. 4:00 – 7:00 pm
* Friday, September 27: Proctor Center Time Capsule Burial. Join us as we bury our 100th Anniversary Time Capsule at Proctor Center at 10:00 am!
Admission is free for all events.
Proctor Recreation Center was originally endowed as an independent recreation center. John C. Proctor, who died June 22, 1907, bequeathed his estate to a group of trustees to establish the John C. Proctor Recreation Center and Public Baths, to provide “if practicable, free baths for the worthy poor of the city.”
The architectural firm of Hewitt and Emerson of Peoria designed Proctor Recreation Center in the Classical Revival style. Proctor Recreation Center opened in 1913. On October 23, 1934, Proctor Recreation Center reopened under the ownership of the Park District. The Proctor Center building was deemed a building of historical significance, thanks to architect Frank Emerson. It was considered a “fine example of quality architecture in the Classical Revival style of 1913.”
In 2009, the facility received a grant from OSLAD/LWCF to enhance recreation opportunities at one of the PPD’s oldest sites. This grant application was in direct response to community input. Planning for this project began in 2007 and continued into 2008, culminating with a June 17, 2008 meeting at the park where residents urged Park District staff to upgrade the playground and basketball courts and add extra lighting for safety.
Improvements enabled by the $212,500 OSLAD grant and $250,000 in HUD/EDI funds include:
• Totally redesigned fully accessible, multi-age playground with equipment for both 5-12 year olds and 2-5 year olds
• Redeveloped basketball courts and bleachers
• Sand play areas to enhance creative play for those attending programs and day camps
• Walkways and benches to provide rest areas for visiting adults with children
• Total renovation of exterior restroom building
Proctor Center will celebrate more centennial events in October, November and December of this year. Please call Proctor Recreation Center at 673-9183 for more information or check out the Proctor Center page on the Peoria Park District website http://www.peoriaparks.org/proctor-rec-center. Proctor Recreation Center is an official Safe Haven Site for Peoria’s community.