Peoria Standard

The Hanna City Park District has been considering upgrades to its facilities and parks for some time now, according to a recent update to the Village Board.

The district has been getting estimates for completely redoing its building which needs work on basic things like heating and air conditioning and new windows, and also just a refresh. 

"Looking at having ways to raise funds within the park, you know, doing a fundraiser where families can put their family name on a brick and add it to the walking path or businesses in town donating money to have a bench, park bench or boulders scattered throughout just for aesthetic reasons, but also another way for us to include the community and bring in money," park district representative Megan Walker told the board members, "But right now, that green space is basically just that. It's just a big open space."

The Park District is seeking financial assistance from the village for updating its building and the park, looking to split the loan payments for the money they will take out for the project. But it is also hoped that this revitalization project will make it so that they can become financially independent in the future and not have to rely on the village for their assistance for any future projects. 

The district is considering holding day camps in the new building, as well as renting out to daycare facilities and ramping up their fitness club membership after the renovations. The vision for the overall park includes a long walking path, a stage for bands or talent shows, community gardens, a bathroom and concession stands next to some restrooms.