Tower Park Renovation

Peoria Heights, IL

The Village of Peoria Heights had been searching for a new spark at their Tower Park, which was established in the mid 1960s. The existing park had a 200-foot enclosed water tower with three observation decks on top, accessible by an exterior elevator. The elevator ride and decks provide a dramatic panoramic view of the Illinois River Valley and the local neighborhoods. The park also had a small non-functioning water fountain, narrow winding asphalt sidewalks with tripping hazards, dozens of typical park benches and picnic tables and many mature trees. While the park was well maintained, most of the facilities were outdated and in poor condition.

Shive-Hattery's landscape architects worked through the design process with the village to design a park that accommodates larger, organized activities and also offers a relaxing place for individuals and small groups. The village focused on a master park plan concept that will reconstruct the entire park. The new Tower Park design has Tower Plaza, which has connecting exposed aggregate, and Park Plaza, which is composed of hexagon pattern stamped, colored concrete, a large two-tier water fountain with a series of bubble sprays, an elevated 44-foot-wide hexagon pavilion with illuminated three-tier roof, wooden benches, limestone seatwalls, new pedestrian-scale lights, a play equipment area, several decorative umbrella tables and new colorful landscaping. The new pavilion and water fountain are on axis line with the Village Hall, offering a great view, day and night, from the large windows in the council meeting room. In addition, the top of the tower is illuminated by a ring of lights mounted on the tower, creating a halo-like glow that can be seen for miles. The final dual plaza design provides spaces for arts and crafts shows, flea and farmers markets, musical events and holiday attractions. The park improvement fund was approved and primarily funded by the village and by local donations.

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