PEORIA, Ill. — The Peoria Park District voted 4-2 Wednesday night to remove a statue of explorer Christopher Columbus from Bradley Park, replacing it with green space.
The move follows several town hall meetings over the past several months that were held to gauge public opinion about the statue.
“With the resolution last night, we want to make sure that we honor the board’s directive as quickly as possible. And, that we take the statue down really to protect the statue, and to bring resolution and closure to this issue,” said Peoria Park District Executive Director Emily Cahill.
Controversy over Christopher Columbus has been tied to the explorer’s treatment of Native Americans and other indigenous people.
Statues depicting historical figures nationwide have been removed for similar reasons.
According to Cahill, it will cost the park district $18,000-$20,000 to remove the statue and its pedestal next spring.
“As in all of our parks, there’s always the option to eventually consider other artwork or another amenity in that space,” Cahill said.
The statue of Christopher Columbus was installed at Bradley Park in 1947.
There has been talk about it being given another home for its artistic value.
The full interview with Cahill is HERE.
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