Peoria City Council approves amusement park near Dunlap

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — In a unanimous vote Tuesday night, Peoria City Council approved annexing and rezoning property that will be used for an outdoor recreation facility in North Peoria.

It will contain a mini golf course and two go kart tracks, along with food and ice cream vendors.

Nearby residents expressed concerns, specifically about noise, lighting, and the potential for it to bring down property values. Concerns were also raised about the facility already being approved in 2017, only for it to never be built and the special use permit expiring two years later.

Property owners Mark and Diane Larson addressed the concerns by making the go-karts electric, and ensuring the lighting won't be a problem by having the light poles be less than 30 feet.

The facility would also only be open until 10 p.m., with lights needing to be shut off by 11 p.m.

Peoria City Council approves adding real-estate to the city's southside

Peoria Mayor Rita Ali addressed the Larsons during the meeting, saying she was initially going to vote no, but appreciated the couple making concessions.

She also expressed thanks to both sides for airing their opinions in a respectful manner.

"There was good listening on both parts, and I think this is a really good example of community compromise," she said.

Council members such as Kiran Velpula, Tim Riggenbach, and Bernice Gordon-Young expressed safety concerns about the facility, bringing up instances that occurred at Northwoods Mall and Elevate Trampoline Park. They suggested meeting with Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria to discuss ways to proceed.

Riggenbach also said that security measures can be scaled back if need be.

"It's easier to retract than it is to add," he said.

Council member Andre Allen, who took the lead on fielding discussions between the Larsons and neighbors, said the special use permit will be amended so that safety concerns will be addressed.

Also at the meeting, the revised budget for 2025 was unanimously approved.