Governor Quinn Announces Investment in Peoria Park District for Major Renovation Project

PEORIA - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $2.5 million investment to renovate the former YWCA building in Peoria for community recreational use. Funded by the Illinois Jobs Now! construction program, the project is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to increase recreational opportunities, create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"It's important that everyone in Illinois has a place to spend quality time with family, play and be active," Governor Quinn said. "This investment in the local park district will create new jobs for hardworking residents and give the Peoria community a renovated recreational facility to be enjoyed for years to come."

The Peoria Park District will receive $2.5 million to renovate a recently-acquired YWCA building on North University Street. The work will include the demolition of a deteriorating portion of the structure and the reconstruction of a new gymnasium, flexible programming spaces, accessible restrooms, and roof and drainage improvements. The project also includes an outdoor playground. The total estimated cost is $3.4 million.

"High quality, affordable and accessible recreation opportunities are an important part of Peoria's quality of life," Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis said. "This funding will help improve a great asset right in the middle of our community."

The investment announced today is part of $50 million available through the Parks and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC) program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and funded by Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! construction program. PARC provides investments to eligible local governments for park and recreation construction projects. Eligible projects include land acquisition, development, architectural planning, construction, rehabilitation and improvements. The PARC program may provide up to 75 percent of approved project costs, with the exception of local governments defined as "disadvantaged," which will be eligible for up to 90 percent funding.

"Investment in local park districts is an investment in the future of Illinois communities," Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller said. "This renovated facility in Peoria will help maintain a high quality of life that is vital for attracting young families."

"The Peoria Park District's decision to turn the old YWCA building into the Lakeview Recreation Center has already been very successful. We needed more indoor facilities in Peoria," State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) said. "This state grant should help the park district finish rehabbing the building and make even more services available."

"Park District activities and facilities add great quality of life for those who love living here in Peoria," State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria) said. "Particularly with the recent announcement of budget cuts, this money from the state of Illinois is coming right on time."

The park projects are part of Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest construction programs in the nation.