PEORIA MAGAZINE November 2022

The Pavilion at the Mineral Springs Park lagoon

sidewalks and landscaping and comple mentarybusinesses thatwill attract even morepeople—"a bookstore, awine seller, dance studio, whatever it might be.” “The goal is not to just generate revenue,” the mayor said. “It is about things that bring quality of life to a community. “I think this region has the best leadership sitting at the table that it has had in the last two decades. The more successful the region is, the more it will come home to us.” MARIGOLDS, A U.S. SENATOR, AND BEAUTIFUL PARKS In addition to being the Tazewell County seat, Pekin is known far and wide as the Marigold Capital of the World, a title held since 1973 when the Chamber dreamed up an annual festival to honor the life and floral advocacy of favorite son Everett McKinley Dirksen. The weekend after Labor Day, the Pekin Marigold Festival attracts thousands to Mineral Springs Park and other locations for carnival rides, food, art and crafts, live entertainment, a huge parade and more. And it’s all because Dirksen (who was U.S. Senate Minority Leader from 1959 to 1969 — more on him later) and his efforts to make the marigold our national flower. Whiting-McCoy said the 50th anniversary festival in 2022 drew about

38,000, the best showing in years. Besides boosting Pekin businesses and burnishing the city’s image, Whiting McCoy said the festival’s exclusive use of nonprofit food vendors is “one of the most exciting and most proud parts of the festival.” When prospective employers and employees come to town, green space and recreational opportunities top the list of Pekin amenities that officials want to show off. Encompassing 2,277 acres, the Pekin Park District is the second largest in the region, and among the largest acres-per-capita park districts in the state. Park District Director Cameron Bettin calls Mineral Springs Park the “jewel in the crown” of the system, a 220-acre green space in the heart of the city highlighted by a placid lagoon for fishing and paddle boats, a lovingly restored pavilion, sports fields, DragonlandWater Park, miniature golf, a dog park, and all-season fitness and recreational facilities. Elsewhere, residents enjoy extensive hiking trails, disc golf and horse trails at McNaughton Park, two golf courses (Parkview and Lick Creek), archery at Dirksen Park, and quiet neighborhood playgrounds. The 4.3-mile Pekin Bike

Trail ends at the foot of Court Street, where Riverfront/Miller Park offers river views, a Festival Plaza, interactive water play area and viewing pier. “Our parks hold a special place in people’s hearts and memories,” Bettin said. HOW TO TRAIN A DRAGON As in most communities, Pekin’s schools — which serve nearly 5,000 students in preschool through high school — are at the heart of community life. Two taxing districts support 11 elementary campuses and Pekin Community High School, home of the Dragons and the largest high school by enrollment in the Peoria area. Danielle Owens, superintendent of PCHS, said one of the school’s best kept secrets is the Career and Technical Educationprograms, whichoffer dozens of classes in early childhood education, welding, manufacturing, automotive technology, construction, business, graphic design andmultimedia, culinary arts and more. College-bound students can choose from more than a dozen advanced placement classes. Junior ROTC is there for those interested in military service.

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