Parks and Amenities




Mouse over the menu below, sub-menus slide out with information about each park, amenities located in each park are listed alonbg with a brief synopsis of amenities.. PARKS BLENKIRON PARK Located at 601 Park Avenue, this park features playground (geared for up to 10 year olds) along with a play field area and a shelter. Pets are prohibited in this park. COAL MINER'S PARK Located at 300 S. Parkway Drive adjacent to Parkview Golf Course, this 45 acre, picturesque park boasts a wooded area left in its natural state, football/soccer fields, shelter, and restroom. Enjoy the Pekin Park Trail that loops through this park. EVERETT MCKINLEY DIRKSEN PARK Approximately 400 acres of beautiful woodland and meadows. The majority of that land is located within the Land and Water Reserve by the Illinois Preserve Commission. The land supports about 15 species of animals, 80 species of birds and a wide spectrum of plant life. Deer, fox, coyote, muskrat and beaver are just a few of the animals that inhabit the park. The highest point in the park has an elevation of 639 feet, overlooking the Illinois River Valley. Careful and close observation of the landscape will reveal many rare species of flowers and plant life. The hiking trail Running Deer (marked in yellow) is just over 3 miles in length, taking about 2 hours to complete at a comfortable pace. The trail ends at the public parking area near the Archery Range. Additional loops (marked in blue) were added to the Running Deer trail and are used primarily by mountain bikers. Parking is available at the public parking area near the Archery Range and from the parking area at the RC Club. Full color Running Deer maps and patches are available at the Recreation Office located in Mineral Springs Park. *Archery Range* Located in Dirksen Park. For safety purposes, the entrance gate may be opened by calling Pekin Archery Club contact, Ken Danner at 217-482-5064. *RC Club* (Remote Control Airplane Flying Club) Located at Dirksen Park on Rte. 98. For information contact Charles Davis at 347-2385 or Denny Baker at 545-2750. INDEPENDENCE?PARK Approximately 300 acres of beautiful woodland and meadows bordered by Route 29 on the West, I-74 on the North and LaSalle Blvd on the South. The land supports about 15 species of animals, 80 species of birds and a wide spectrum of plant life. The land was formally used as a proving ground by Caterpillar Tractor Company. Deer, fox, coyote, muskrat and beaver are just a few of the animals that inhabit the park. Close observation of the landscape will reveal many rare species of flowers and plant life. Trails are multiuse enjoyed by hikers and mountain bikers. Trails are both marked and unmarked. Users should take care when hiking so you don’t get lost. The public parking area is on LaSalle Blvd. near Route 29 (Marquette Heights) and across from the main entrance gate on St. Clair Dr. Additional access may be gained from the public parking areas at the ball diamonds on upper LaSalle Blvd. Visitors are reminded to secure their vehicles and valuables when parking. JAMES FIELD Thanks to Save James Field volunteers, your park district and generous community this support, public space continues to be revitalized for enjoyment by future generations. This park is located on 9th St. between Court St. and Broadway Rd. To date, the work completed includes; installation of ornamental fencing, construction of a new asphalt walking track (5 laps around = one mile), installation of two baseball backstops, and planting of 21 trees. Future improvements include; construction of a main entry w/a memorial brick walkway, landscaping, and installation of benches. JOHN T. MCNAUGHTON PARK Approximately 700 acres of beautiful woodland and meadows, bordered by Route 98 on the north, Sheridan Road on the south, McNaughton Park Road on the east and Parkway Drive on the west. The land supports about 15 species of animals, 80 species of birds and a wide spectrum of plant life. A large portion of this park is within the Land and Water Reserve by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. Deer, fox muskrat and beaver are just a few of the animals that inhabit the park. Items of interest along the Potawatomi Trail are a small waterfall, an old cemetery and the “Dirksen Swimming Hole” (a spot where the late Senator Everett Dirksen swam with boyhood friends). Wildflowers abound this park in the spring. Careful observation will yield unusual and sometimes rare species of flowers like the showy orchids. The Potawatomi Trail (marked in red) is approximately 7 miles in length. The trail begins and ends at the Totem Pole located behind the horse stables. The average hiking time is 4 hours. The trail is shared by hikers, and mountain bikers, and in parts by horse back riders. Please stay on marked main trail (marked in red) until you become more familular with the park. Potawanomi means “we are making fire”. The tribe of Potawatomi Indians lived in the Lick Creek bottoms from 1718 until 1837. The park also contains 2 lakes, several teepee shelters, comfort stations, an 18-hole professional Frisbee Golf Course and a public horse stable. Public trail rides are available through the Rockin’ P Stables. Note: Horseback riders from outside of the park must check in and pay fees at the Rockin’ P Stables prior to using the park. All horses are limited to trails indicated with orange markers. Tent Camping is allowed by Camping Permit only, west of the Totem Pole near the Comfort Station as indicated on the map. Camping Permits are available at the Recreation Reception Office at least 7 days prior to your requested date. Full color (Potawatomi) patches are available at the Recreation Reception Office located in Mineral Springs Park. *Frisbee Golf* an 18 hole frisbee disc golf course is available for public use at scenic McNaughton Park. Disc golf is played by throwing a frisbee into a metal basket with chains, counting each throw as you would a stroke in the game of golf. Disc golf is a versatile game for all ages. All that is required to play is a frisbee. The baskets were purchased by Peoria Frisbee Golf Club, LTD. Maps, rules and scorecards for the course are available at the Recreation Office in the Memorial Arena. *Rockin’ P Riding Ranch* Rockin’ P Riding Ranch Phone: 382-1268 Conveniently located on Route 98, just outside of Pekin, about a mile east of Parkway Drive. There are scenic riding trails in beautiful McNaughton Park. Children 7 & under are provided with a gentle horse on a lead. Specialty rides are offered including hayracks, and two hour rides. Campfires can be made for your group of over 20 people. Group rates are available. Special family rates for 4 or more living in the same household. Boarding is available. KIWANIS PARK NORTH This seven acre park, is located at 1620 Parish Ave. east of L.E. Starke School and west Parkway Dr. The park has ball diamonds, soccer fields, teepee shelter and playground. MINERAL SPRINGS PARK AND LAGOON Located just off Route 9 (Court Street) this beautiful, central area park features over 200 acres including: Skate Park for bikes, boards, and blades, Pekin Park Bike Trail, Kiddie Korral Playground, 3 Outdoor tennis courts, 6 ball diamonds (2 lighted), (reserve by dialing: 347-7275), Basketball Courts, 2 regulation Sand Volleyball Courts, Picnic areas with grills, 2 covered Picnic Shelters, (reserve by dialing: 347-7275), Concession Stands, DragonLand Water Park, Magic Dragon Golf and Games, Memorial Ice Arena (home of the Recreation Reception?Office), Parkside Athletics, Pavilion on the Lagoon, ,(reserve by dialing: 347-7275), Miller Senior Center, Paddleboats, Sunken Gardens (fountain) World’s Greatest Sundial, Livestock Review Building. The Lagoon is well known for its serene walking conditions. One lap around the Lagoon is approximately one-half mile. Its walks are handicapped accessible. The Lagoon is stocked with fish annually. Because of the 12 foot depth of the water, horseplay around the water is prohibited. *Basketball Courts* available on a first come/first play basis in Mineral Springs Park across the street from Parkside Athletics. *Bocce Ball* courts are available for public use in Mineral Springs Park. The lighted courts are located just east of the Pavilion by the Lagoon. Bocce ball is an Italian game for all ages that is played with eight large wooden balls and one small ball called the Pallino. Teams or individuals can play. *Boating on the Lagoon* Phone: 347-5290 Come for a relaxing paddle boat ride, kayak, or new Dragonboat ride on our beautiful Lagoon. Bring the family on Monday nights for a special rate. 20 minute ride *DragonLand Water park* Phone:347-4000 There’s something for everyone at this exciting facility located just off Rte. 9 (Court St.) next to the Pekin Community High School football stadium in Mineral Springs Park. Operating season - June thru August *Happy Tails Dog Park* Happy Tails Dog Park - Thanks to the generous donation by an anonymous donor…. Welcome furry friends and their owners to the new dog park! This unique new amenity to the park system is a fenced park for your dog to run and play off leash. The dog park is located just off Court Street in Mineral Springs Park and features an irrigated turf with double gated security entrance and exits, ½ acre for your small dog (under 30 lbs), 1 acre for larger dogs (over 30 lbs), pet watering stations, waste pick up and disposal stations, and natural shade from existing large trees. Dogs must have current vaccinations, wear their tags and be at least 6 months old. Owners must clean up after their dogs. The complete Happy Tails Dog Park Rules pamphlets are available at the Recreation Dept located in the Memorial Arena or on the park district's website at www.pekin.net/pekinparkdistrict.net *Livestock Review Building* A 17,000 square foot, “mini-field” house which is located next to Parkside Athletics in Mineral Springs Park. *Magic Dragon Golf & Games* Phone:353-1244 Conveniently located in Mineral Springs Park located on the old Mineral Springs pool site, this state of the art course features 18 holes of choice, chance and challenge. Enjoy the beautifully landscaped, eclectic theme of the history of Pekin. Season runs April thru Sept. *Memorial Arena* Phone: 346-1240 Ice Rink operating season - October thru March. May thru September. the 200’ X 85’ rink surface is available for group functions, expos, and concerts. Home of the Recreation Department. Programs and acvtivities, call 347-PARK *Parkside Athletics Racquet & Health Club* your complete fitness facility for the entire family. Stop by to learn about the new expansion. Contact 347-6644 for more information. *Pavilion on the Lagoon* available for rental for groups, families and organizations. Seats 72, heated and air conditioned and is handicapped accessible. Fees are $30 per hour for residents and $35 per hour for non-residents. For more information, call Carrie at 347-PARK. *Pekin Park Trail* a total of 4.3 miles. The trail runs Allentown Rd., circling Coal Miners’ Park, through Mineral Springs Park to the River Front Park. Maps are available in the Recreation Reception Office. *Railroad Club* model railroad enthusiasts is located in the basement of the Administration Building. Call Douglas Staley, 691-2866, Sanford Gordon 682-5349 or Art Bill 688-2144. *Sand Volleyball* Sand Volleyball, two regulation sand volleyball courts are available for public use. The courts are located in Mineral Springs Park next to Ball Diamond #2. First come, first served. *Picnic Shelters - Royal Avenue and 4-H* available for family picnics, outings, company picnics, from May thru September. Each shelter comfortably seats 200, has electricity and outdoor grills and is conveniently located near restrooms and running water. Reservations and more information, contact the Recreation Office, at 347-PARK. *Skate Park* for bikes, boards, and blades. Proper safety equipment must be worn, including knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards and helmet. Wrist guards do not have to be worn when stunt biking. Hours are 8:00am to 10:00pm in lighted areas only. Skate Park is closed during inclement weather. *Softball Diamonds* in Mineral Springs Park are available by reservation by dialing 347-PARK beginning April 1. A complete listing of other diamonds with contact numbers are available from Carrie at 347-PARK. *Sunken Gardens* located at the corner of 14th and Court Streets in Mineral Springs Park. Enjoy the World’s Greatest Sundial and serene lighted fountain. *World’s Greatest Sundial* picturesquely located in the Sunken Gardens in Mineral Springs Park. This unique sundial tells the hours before or after noon and the highest point of the sun on a given day. More interesting information is available on the earth, sun, planets and latitude and longitude at the site. RAILSPLITTERS PARK Located at 268 Derby Street near the Salvation?Army. The 3.95 acre property was generously donated by David and Janet Kasley, and is named in honor of Dave’s brother William Anthony Kasley who served in the Signal Corps of the United States Army during World War II with the 84th Infantry Division, known as the Railsplitters. This park features a small parking lot, fun playground, benches, water fountain, adult swing and large open areas which will include a soccer / football and baseball area. RIVERFRONT PARK This 4 acre park is located just east of the Illinois River at 121 Court St. and features aesthetic views of the Illinois River a festival plaza, event meadow, picnic grills, an interactive water play area, water fountains, large gazebo, vehicular overlook parking area, large parking lot, the Spirit of Columbia Steamboat playground, picnic shelter, horseshoe courts, and large viewing pier and walking trail. ROTARY PARK This neighborhood park is located on the former Garfield School grounds at 1115 State St. This park boasts a picnic shelter with restrooms, thanks to a donation from the Pekin?Rotary Club. Included in this park is a playground, basketball courts and, open field area for fun recreational activities. SOUTHSIDE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION PARK Located at 200 Sapp Street, on the former Roosevelt school property bordered by Sapp, Knapp and Herget Streets. The park includes a fun playground, baseball / soccer / football field, basketball courts, and a picnic shelter. . TANTE PARK This secluded 40 acre park is located east of Pekin on Broadway Road includes picnic areas, play fields, teepee shelters, and comfort station. There is a wildflower nature trail that winds through the wooded area of the park with species of rare flowers and plants. Be sure to watch for abundant wildlife that inhabits the park. This park contains Tazewell County’s oldest White Oak Tree. WILLOW PARK is picturesquely located in the Sunken Gardens in Mineral Springs Park. This unique sundial tells the hours before or after noon and the highest point of the sun on a given day. More interesting information is available on the earth, sun, planets and latitude and longitude at the site. DOG AREAS DOG TRAINING AREA located off Parkway Drive, between Lick Creek Golf Course & Rte. 98. This open field is great for running and training your dog. HAPPY TAILS DOG PARK Happy Tails Dog Park - Thanks to the generous donation by an anonymous donor…. Welcome furry friends and their owners to the new dog park! This unique new amenity to the park system is a fenced park for your dog to run and play off leash. The dog park is located just off Court Street in Mineral Springs Park and features an irrigated turf with double gated security entrance and exits, ½ acre for your small dog (under 30 lbs), 1 acre for larger dogs (over 30 lbs), pet watering stations, waste pick up and disposal stations, and natural shade from existing large trees. Dogs must have current vaccinations, wear their tags and be at least 6 months old. Owners must clean up after their dogs. The complete Happy Tails Dog Park Rules pamphlets are available at the Recreation Dept located in the Memorial Arena. GOLF COURSES FRISBEE GOLF an 18 hole frisbee disc golf course is available for public use at scenic McNaughton Park. Disc golf is played by throwing a frisbee into a metal basket with chains, counting each throw as you would a stroke in the game of golf. Disc golf is a versatile game for all ages. All that is required to play is a frisbee. The baskets were purchased by Peoria Frisbee Golf Club, LTD. Maps, rules and scorecards for the course are available at the Recreation Office in the Memorial Arena. LICK CREEK GOLF COURSE Phone: 346-0077 Lick Creek Golf Course tees and fairways were successfully converted from ryegrass to bentgrass. Also the Greens were converted to a new bentgrass that allows closer mowing resulting in faster and truer greens. Other improvements made were overlay of all the golf car paths and the complete renovation of all of the greenside and fairway bunkers. Enjoy your next round of golf and see for yourself the dramatic changes that have taken place. It is the same challenging layout as it always has been, but with a new look! Rated 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest. PARKVIEW GOLF COURSE Phone: 346-8494 Open year round....If you want to play a nice course with some hills to add that extra challenge, then Parkview is the course for you. This is a course you can walk and enjoy playing, 18 holes totaling 6,002 yards with watered fairways and is open seven days a week with twilight fees available. Parkview is located on Broadway, just east of Parkway Drive.
Updating as of 4 - 15 - 09