Search

What's Nearby

Home

Events

Restaurants

Shopping

Local Places

Stories & Polls

Buzz Videos

Sponsorship

Login

Donovan Park: A Great Park in the Heart of Peoria

Donovan Park: A Great Park in the Heart of Peoria

Peoria Buzz

Posted On: September 24, 2025

Share

Deep in the heart of Peoria, Illinois, Donovan Park offers locals and visitors a peaceful retreat filled with natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and community charm. Once the site of the old Donovan Golf Course, the land has been transformed into one of the city’s most popular multi-use parks. Covering more than 150 acres, the park provides a blend of open space, wooded trails, and recreational facilities that cater to a wide variety of interests.

For nature enthusiasts, Donovan Park is a favorite destination for walking, jogging, and cycling. Its extensive trail system winds through both open prairies and shaded forest areas, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the changing seasons up close. Birdwatchers and photographers often frequent the park, drawn by its wide array of wildlife and picture perfect scenery.

The park also serves as a community hub, hosting events and providing space for families to gather. The open fields are perfect for picnics, casual sports, or simply relaxing in the fresh air. For children, playgrounds and open areas offer plenty of room to run and play, while adults enjoy the serenity of the park’s quiet corners.

In recent years, Donovan Park has also become home to cultural attractions. The park now houses the Central Illinois Ballet and Corn Stock Theatre’s Winter Playhouse, adding a unique artistic dimension to its recreational appeal. This combination of nature, recreation, and culture makes Donovan Park a true gem in Peoria’s park system.

Whether you are looking for a morning jog, an afternoon picnic, or an evening performance, Donovan Park provides an inviting space where the community can connect with both nature and the arts. It stands as a shining example of how public green spaces can enrich a city and its people.

More Stories

From the Riverboats to the Caterpillar Era: How Peoria Transformed Through Time

From the Riverboats to the Caterpillar Era: How Peoria Transformed Through Time

As someone who grew up in Peoria, I’ve always been fascinated by how our city has reinvented itself time and again. What started as a rough-and-tumble river town on the Illinois River became a symbol of American industry, resilience, and change. Peoria’s story isn’t just history, it’s our identity, written in the hum of the riverboats and the roar of factory engines.In the 1800s, Peoria’s location made it a natural hub for trade and travel. Steamboats glided up and down the Illinois River, carrying goods, whiskey, and opportunity. We were a river city through and through, known for our breweries, distilleries, and lively entertainment scene. Downtown Peoria pulsed with energy, and the riverfront was the beating heart of it all.Then came Caterpillar, the company that reshaped not just our skyline, but our sense of self. By the mid-1900s, Peoria had traded riverboats for bulldozers, and the city grew alongside one of the world’s most powerful manufacturing giants. Generations of families found stability and pride working for Cat, and the bright yellow machines became part of Peoria’s DNA.But the city didn’t stop there. Even after Caterpillar’s headquarters moved, Peoria adapted. We leaned into our arts scene, revived the riverfront, and kept pushing forward, just like we always have.When I walk along Water Street today, I can still feel echoes of both eras, the steamboat whistles and the factory hums. Peoria’s strength has always been its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. From the river to the machines, this city tells a story of hard work, heart, and home.

Share

Info
Best Peoria Boutique!!!

Best Peoria Boutique!!!

Vote for your favorite Peoria Boutique!!!

Share

Info
“Will It Play in Peoria?”: How Our Hometown Became America’s Test Market

“Will It Play in Peoria?”: How Our Hometown Became America’s Test Market

Growing up in Peoria, I always heard the phrase, “Will it play in Peoria?” It wasn’t until I got older that I realized just how deep those words run. Our city, tucked along the Illinois River, once stood as the ultimate testing ground for what America might buy, eat, watch, or believe. From breakfast cereals to sitcom pilots, if it worked here, it was bound to work everywhere.Peoria’s reputation as the “Test Market Capital of America” wasn’t just luck. In the mid-20th century, companies saw Peoria as a perfect microcosm of the U.S. We had a balanced mix of blue-collar and white-collar workers, diverse income levels, and a good blend of urban and rural values. In many ways, we were “average America,” but that ordinariness made us powerful. National brands like Procter & Gamble, McDonald’s, and even Ford used Peoria to gauge how the rest of the country might respond to their products and advertising.For us locals, it sometimes felt normal, seeing a new soda flavor hit our grocery shelves before anyone else, or catching a TV show that hadn’t aired nationally yet. We didn’t always realize we were shaping trends. But in hindsight, Peoria’s voice mattered. We were the quiet pulse check for the American middle class.Today, the phrase still pops up, even if the testing happens more online than on Main Street. Still, there’s pride in knowing that our hometown once had the ear of the nation. “Will it play in Peoria?” isn’t just a marketing question, it’s a nod to the spirit of a community that has always reflected the heart of America.

Share

Info
Detweiller Park: Peoria’s Natural Playground

Detweiller Park: Peoria’s Natural Playground

As a Peoria native, Detweiller Park has always stood out as one of the city’s most beautiful escapes. Nestled along the Illinois River, this massive park feels like a world away from downtown, yet it’s just minutes from the heart of Peoria. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a casual walker, or someone who just loves a bit of peace and quiet, Detweiller has something for everyone.Covering nearly 800 acres, Detweiller Park is best known for its scenic hiking and biking trails that wind through rolling hills, shaded forests, and open meadows. In the fall, the trees burst into brilliant colors, making it one of the most picturesque spots in central Illinois. Growing up here, I remember countless weekends spent exploring those trails with friends, always finding a new view or hidden corner to enjoy.It’s also home to one of the best cross-country courses in the Midwest. Every year, runners from across Illinois gather for competitions and invitationals, filling the park with energy and excitement. Even if you’re not a runner, it’s hard not to get caught up in the community spirit that surrounds those events.Beyond athletics, Detweiller offers plenty of places for relaxation, from picnic shelters and playgrounds to peaceful river overlooks. It’s where families gather, couples take long walks, and kids make memories that stick with them.What I love most about Detweiller Park is how it captures Peoria’s balance between nature and community. It’s wild yet welcoming, quiet yet alive with activity. For locals, it’s not just a park, it’s part of who we are.

Share

Info
Liv Warfield: Peoria’s Soulful Powerhouse

Liv Warfield: Peoria’s Soulful Powerhouse

As a proud Peoria native, I can’t help but beam with pride every time Liv Warfield’s name comes up. Born and raised right here in Peoria, Liv’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and pure talent a shining example of how someone from our city can make an international impact while never forgetting their roots.Before she was gracing stages around the world, Liv was a student at Peoria Notre Dame High School, where she first began to explore her love for singing. It wasn’t long before that love turned into something bigger. After moving to Portland, Oregon, she started performing locally and quickly gained attention for her powerhouse vocals and fearless stage presence. Her big break came when the legendary Prince took notice and brought her into his New Power Generation band a dream that most musicians can only imagine.From there, Liv’s career skyrocketed. Her solo albums, Embrace Me and The Unexpected, showcase her unique blend of rock, soul, and funk, a sound that defies easy categorization but hits straight to the heart. When she sings, it’s not just performance; it’s testimony. You can feel the influence of Peoria in her music: that Midwest honesty, grit, and authenticity that can’t be faked.Despite her success, Liv Warfield has remained connected to her hometown. Whether she’s giving interviews mentioning Peoria or inspiring young local artists, she represents the best of what this city has to offer. In a world full of cookie-cutter pop stars, Liv stands apart bold, unapologetic, and real.For those of us who grew up in Peoria, she’s a reminder that our small city can produce world-class talent. Liv Warfield isn’t just from Peoria she is Peoria: soulful, strong, and unforgettable.

Share

Info
Peoria Icon: Dan Fogelberg

Peoria Icon: Dan Fogelberg

Dan Fogelberg, born Daniel Grayling Fogelberg on August 13, 1951 in Peoria, Illinois, remains one of the most beloved voices in American soft rock and singer-songwriting.Growing up in Peoria, Fogelberg was steeped in a musical environment. His father, Lawrence Fogelberg, served as a local band director and teacher, and his mother, Margaret, was a classically trained pianist. As a young boy he taught himself guitar from a Mel Bay book and learned piano early, eventually forming his first band, The Clan, in his teens. After high school, he studied theater arts and painting at the University of Illinois, while also performing solo in folk venues and local coffeehouses.Fogelberg’s music career began in the early 1970s. He released his debut album Home Free in 1972 and went on to record classics such as “Longer,” “Same Old Lang Syne,” and “Leader of the Band.” Many of his songs blended folk, rock, pop, and country influences, and his deeply personal lyrics won him both commercial success and devoted fans.His song “Leader of the Band” was a tribute to his father, celebrating the impact that his father’s musical life had on him. Over the years, Fogelberg sold over 20 million albums and earned multiple Grammy nominations.Later in life, Fogelberg was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2004. Despite treatment, he died on December 16, 2007 at his home in Deer Isle, Maine, at age 56.Peoria continues to honor him. In 2010, the city dedicated a Dan Fogelberg Memorial Garden in Riverfront Park, and a stretch of Abington Street was renamed “Fogelberg Parkway” near his alma mater Woodruff High School. The Fogelberg Foundation of Peoria now helps maintain his legacy, supports arts in the local community, and raises awareness on prostate cancer.Dan Fogelberg’s music remains a testament to personal storytelling, gentle melodies, and a connection to his Peoria roots. Even decades after his passing, listeners continue to find solace and nostalgia in his songs rooted in life, loss, and longing.

Share

Info
A Tribute to Shaun Livingston

A Tribute to Shaun Livingston

Growing up in Peoria, you hear stories of local kids who dream big and then you see Shaun Livingston and realize dreams do come true. He wasn’t just somebody from down the street; he was proof that hard work, faith, and character can take you places most people can only imagine.Born right here in Peoria, Shaun starred early Concordia Lutheran, Peoria Central, dominating high school ball, earning Illinois Mr. Basketball in 2004. He skipped college to go pro, but all that promise felt fragile when a devastating knee injury early in his NBA journey nearly ended everything. But Shaun didn’t quit. Nobody in Peoria had seen someone with that level of adversity, that kind of setback, come back and come back strong. He persevered through long rehabs, multiple teams, doubts, and criticism. Then, he found that home in Golden State: a place where he was valued not just for scoring, but for his poise, his leadership, how he made everyone around him better.He collected three NBA rings with the Warriors. But more than that: he remained grounded. He never forgot his roots. He gave back generous to his grade school, Concordia Lutheran, supporting youth camps, creating opportunities for kids to believe there’s more beyond Peoria. Here at home, we see the Shauns of the past and we see Shaun Livingston. He’s someone who showed us that every moment every practice, every setback is part of the story. That success doesn’t erase your past, it elevates it. Today, when we walk past his name on a street, or hear youth in Peoria talking about his camps, there’s pride. Not just for what he did on the court, but how he carried himself off it.Shaun Livingston taught us that grit, grace, and gratitude matter. For many of us Peorians, he’s more than an NBA player. He’s hometown, embodied.

Share

Info
Favorite Park in Peoria

Favorite Park in Peoria

Vote For Your Favorite Peoria Park!!!

Share

Info
A Tribute to Richard Pryor

A Tribute to Richard Pryor

Growing up in Peoria, there was always a sense of pride in knowing that Richard Pryor came from the same streets we did. To the world, he was a comedy legend, raw, unfiltered, and often controversial. But to us, he was proof that greatness could come from right here at home.Richard Pryor’s story is permanently engraved in this city. He came from humble beginnings on the South Side, in neighborhoods that weren’t always easy to grow up in. Yet, instead of letting hardship silence him, he turned pain into laughter, exposing truth with a boldness that no one before him dared to bring to the stage. His comedy was more than jokes, it was social commentary, storytelling, and survival, all wrapped into one.As a Peorian, I see him as more than a famous face. He represents resilience, creativity, and the ability to make the world pay attention to voices that are too often ignored. When Pryor spoke, people listened, even if what he had to say made them uncomfortable. That’s a legacy to be proud of.Today, when I walk past his statue downtown, I don’t just see a comedian immortalized in bronze. I see a hometown hero who broke barriers in Hollywood, who paved the way for countless performers, and who always carried pieces of Peoria with him, even when the world was watching.Richard Pryor showed us that laughter can heal, provoke, and inspire. He reminded us that no matter where you start, your story has value. For those of us who call Peoria home, he’ll always be one of our brightest stars, a man who proved that even from the heart of Illinois, you can change the world.

Share

Info
The Murray Baker Bridge: Peoria’s Largest and Most Vital Crossing

The Murray Baker Bridge: Peoria’s Largest and Most Vital Crossing

Peoria, Illinois, is home to several impressive bridges that span the Illinois River, but none are more iconic or vital than the Murray Baker Bridge. Widely regarded as the biggest in the area, this structure is both a regional landmark and a crucial transportation link.The Murray Baker Bridge carries Interstate 74 and Illinois Route 29 between downtown Peoria and East Peoria. Designed as a cantilever bridge, its projecting beams support the main span without continuous piers beneath, allowing it to stretch across the river in a dramatic fashion. Measuring more than 3,000 feet in length, the bridge dominates the city’s skyline and serves as one of the primary gateways into Peoria.Originally opened in 1958, the bridge was named after Murray M. Baker, a prominent Peoria industrialist and civic leader. Since then, it has become an indispensable part of the region’s transportation network, carrying an estimated 68,000 vehicles per day. For both commuters and long-distance travelers along I-74, the bridge provides a vital east-west connection through central Illinois.Compared with other notable river crossings in the area, such as the McClugage Bridge and Cedar Street Bridge, the Murray Baker stands out not only for its size but also for its role in interstate travel. While the McClugage is longer in total length, the Murray Baker Bridge remains the most heavily traveled and symbolically significant structure in the region.Over the years, the bridge has undergone several rehabilitation projects to ensure safety and longevity. The most recent, completed in 2020, replaced its deck, improved structural steel, and added new lighting that enhances its nighttime presence. Today, the Murray Baker Bridge continues to serve as Peoria’s biggest and most essential bridge, representing both the city’s industrial heritage and its ongoing growth.

Share

Info

Thank You to Our Platinum & Gold Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Follow Us On Social

Contact Us

eddie@peoria.buzz

Privacy Policy

The Communities We Serve

Peoria IL

Peoria Heights IL

East Peoria IL

West Peoria IL

Creve Coeur IL

×

Post Interaction!

By clicking "Interested", "Like", or "Favorite" cool things happen!

Add the event, place, or deal to your "My Peoria" page

Let's us know what kind of Stories and Videos you like

Log in to interact!