Peoria Council moves forward with plans for new amphitheater

A design concept for what Riverfront Park could look like after the construction of the Dee Hengst Amphitheater is presented in this slide from the firms behind the project. (TERRA Engeineering)

By Stace Keane

PEORIA, Ill. – A proposed amphitheater is one step closer to becoming a reality.

During Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, Peoria City Attorney Patrick Hayes made a clarification on the amphitheater’s actual location.

“One of the beautiful things about being a public organization is that when I make an error, some of our citizens point that out. I should have referred to this as Festival Park, rather than Riverfront Park. I want to apologize for any confusion,” Hayes said.

The City Council voted to approve measures that would have the City paying for the site work at Festival Park, while the amphitheater construction will be funded by a donation from the Hengst Foundation.

The goal for opening the $11,000,000 project is next year.