By TIM HEROLD & JOYCE BLUMENSHINE

The question has to be asked:  Why won’t the Detweiller Playground Trust Chairman Andrew Schneider and Board members respond to requests to talk?

The Trust was established to preserve public land along the Peoria riverfront. Trust board members John Blahnik, David Welch, Jim Grimm, JR O’Brien, and Judy Crandell live from Germantown Hills to Tremont, Morton, Dunlap and Peoria Heights. Why are five of the six members from outside of Peoria? The will of Thomas H. Detweiller clearly states that, “It shall be provided in the charter and bylaws of said corporation that the management and operation of same shall be vested in a Board of Trustees consisting of five (5) individuals, who shall be citizens of the City of Peoria, men of integrity, honesty and vision.”

Those concerned about this park worry the Trust has lost its vision for keeping the property. Thomas Detweiller specified in his will that, “… there is very little access to the riverfront for the community, and very little ground or land along the river available for recreation and playground purposes.” The Trust was established to keep open space for the public along the Peoria riverfront to protect property from industrial encroachment. Thanks to Peoria Park Board President Robert Johnson and Park Board members for having the vision to see that more might be done to assist in keeping this irreplaceable public resource for the people of Peoria. The Peoria Park Board vote in September to reach out for discussions is a positive step. It is fitting considering the many years of involvement the Peoria Park District has had with the Detweiller Playground and Marina development.

The Park District also has the Rock Island Greenway Trail legal right-of-way across the property, which is used by many for jogging, walking, nature watching, and safe bicycle commuting downtown. A variety of groups use the trail for fun runs and walks for good causes. We hope Park Board President Johnson and members can bring people together to talk about the future of this dedicated public riverfront park open space.

There needs to be involvement from the Trust to at least sit at a table and talk. Perhaps ways to help deal with the Trust’s problems might be found. So far it seems silence is the Trust’s only response. We urge President Johnson and Park Board members to continue their efforts and the Detweiller Trust to participate.

— Tim Herold & Joyce Blumenshine, Detweiller Playground Protectors