I’m deeming today, Monday, April 7, 2008 an official “Be Positive About Peoria” day here at the Peoria Chronicle. It’s easy to find stuff to criticize, and of course we all want Peoria to be better. We’ve talked about all that stuff the past three years here, and we’ll continue to talk about it in the future. But today, for one day, I’d like to just have a post where we talk about things that are right in Peoria.
Now, I realize it’s going to be difficult for many of you not to make positively-worded snarky comments about Peoria, but try to refrain. Tell us all what you sincerely like about Peoria.
I’ll start. I like the library. I enjoy doing research, and I’ve always found the library to be a great resource; I almost always find the information I need there. And I really like my neighborhood with its 100-year-old homes and close proximity to Bradley Park.
I like that fact that there are many passionate people supporting various causes. There can’t be many Cities the size of Peoria that have such a giving nature and such a determination to get behind the causes they believe in.
I agree with CJ about our library. It has a rich resource of material covering the city’s (and area’s) history.
Regarding transportation, Peoria seems to have taken a turn back to the days when airline service was better (11 nonstop destinations, though one will be gone shortly, though possibly to be replaced by another) and some railroads are investing millions to upgrade area trackage. Amtrak service to Chicago may start in a few years.
Local manufacturing is booming thanks to Caterpillar’s robust sales in foreign markets. The company has hired several thousand workers (both blue and white collar) in the area during the past few years. Higher production levels has increased employment and production at the company’s suppliers.
I believe Inter-Business Issues, the Journal Star and other local media have mentioned that in the last few years $2.5 billion in construction projects have begun, have been completed or about to start. These include the I-74 upgrade and the hospital expansion.
Driving I-74 through the downtown Peoria/East Peoria corridor gives one a sense of a city much larger than it really is. The diverse architectural styles of our downtown high-rises offers an impression of decades of prosperity. Construction cranes only add to the impression. No wonder local officials give visiting dignitaries this same tour after they arrive the area!
I have lived in several cities in Illinois and I absolutely think Peoria is the best fit. There is plenty to do and it doesn’t take an hour to get anywhere! We really have a lot more to offer than say Champaign, where I lived for three years. The greater Peoria area has a lot of affordable options for families. I can’t wait until the Farm Park opens this summer! And I just went to “A Perfect Pear” Boutique in the Heights. There are some really affordable, cute clothes in there. I always assumed it was really pricey, but it’s not! Compared to the five other cities I have lived in the last ten years, I am grateful for this city!
Ditto Jen’s comments. I love the Riverfront and the various events offered throughout the summer, and I love participating in the Peoria Historical Society activities! The end-of-season sales at Bergners and Macy’s are amazing, and our Chamber of Commerce does a super job for its members. It’s great to be in Peoria!
I love the diversity of my neighborhood and the fact that I can walk to at least one international foods market. I also love the Metro Center and can’t wait for the farmer’s market.
I love our downtown and Riverfront. Speaking of farmers markets the market on the Riverfront in the summer is one of the best arts/produce markets in the mid-west. The live entertainment is great. We are by far the best cities outside in Illinois. I don’t know what other town in Illinois I would rather live in. I think our Civic Center is one of our best assets also. Favorite places to eat – Rhythm Kitchen and One World.
Of course the riverfront and skyline are awesome, but I also love Springdale cemetery and Glen Oak Park which ooze of history.
I too love the riverfront. I love crossing anyone of the three bridges and seeing the Illinois River flowing freely. I love boating on the river in the summer. I especially love some of the places to eat such as Jim’s or Riverstation and several others that have magnificent food and service. Also the giving heart of this community and the fact that there are so many agencies here to help the citizens with everything from child care to senior citizen care. Peoria is the heart of the nation, and it has a big heart.
If you love sports, you’ve got to love Peoria: this area has some of the best of what high school sports has to offer (State-ranked football, basketball, track, baseball, softball, even volleyball and golf); NJCAA and NCAA sports; minor league baseball and hockey; indoor football…. and the events are MUCH cheaper than major leagues or bigger cities. Plus, Peoria can claim at least one Olympian among its noted citizenry.
If you enjoy youth music, Peoria’s the center of it all as well. Every January, the best high school musicians from across the area and the State gather in Peoria for the Illinois Music Educators’ Association (IMEA) All-State: choirs, band, orchestra and jazz. If you’ve never been down the Courthouse Plaza in the spring for Arts in Education, there’s nothing quite like it (watch the schedule for the Mid-Illini Jazz Festival — my personal favorite). And there’s also some of the premiere marching bands in all of Illinois in the Peoria-area. Plus this doesn’t include the incredible talent pool of young thespians performing in children’s community theater.
I’ve just moved here, having been raised on the west coast in a large metropolitan area, worked in the chicago suburbs, and in a rural downstate community.
I think Peoria offers everything except sand and surf. Sports, culture, education, etc. are all here. What I find distressing is that Peorians have to actually declare a ‘be positive day’. Having lived here for a little more than two months now, I have to say the passion with which Peorians put down their home is unprecedented in my experience. I’ve never lived in a town where the negative image issues are as largely self-inflicted, or self-generated, as they are here. I, for one, am tiring of being rebutted when I do try to say something positive about Peoria, to a Peorian.
In other words, I think it would be smashingly positive if you would stop arguing with me when I say you don’t suck.
Oh, and the running community (as in those who run) is awesome.
For a city our size, the parks are second to none. The number and quality of our golf courses for a town our size is incredible, not to mention the low prices. And one of the greatest ultra races in the U.S., the McNaughton Park Trail Runs is only about 13 miles from my house!
http://www.mcnaughtonparktrailruns.com
I think that this is an important post. We have a wonderful community here, and a great deal to be proud of. It’s not perfect–we have our share of problems, of course–but I do think it’s good to take a step back from the current topic of debate and just…give thanks for what we do have.
I agree with what erik said above–that we do have a tendency to focus so much on what’s wrong that we overlook what’s right.
Thanks CJ.
Agreed on the library C.J.
Housing costs are good.
Great local restaurants.
Great local blogging.
Inexpensive and Very Nice Public Golf Courses!
Ok I’m reluctant to rain on your “happy parade” CJ, but may I introduce an ounce of reality in this blog discussion. I will agree libraries are great- but really do you honestly get inspired in our local libraries? Typically our family has found them to be depressing or not open.
How do you think Peoria has evolved to the point it is today? Would any of you be willing to agree it is because Peorians are unwilling to do the introspection necessary for improvement? Is it because Peoria leadership recognizes excellence is not expected and therefore they do not need to become better educated, more experienced or more traveled?
If poster Jwright is Jan Wright of Peoria Magazines…please forgive me while I excuse myself and explode. Staying positive is in Jan’s financial best interest. Of course it is also in my financial best interest to stay positive-but only for the moment. You see my family also relies on recruiting young talent to Peoria – but at the end of the interview, at the end of the dinner, at the end of the time the young recruit takes in the city – we have to be able to look ourselves in the mirror and say we did not deceive him/her.
When recruits are given a thoughtful and realistic view of Peoria he may or may not decide to relocate here. Peorians should first strive to improve reality and second worry about marketing. If we move on the first the second will follow with ease.
CJ, I understand your desire to stay positive (especially after being scolded by Jonathan), but as someone who has relocated here from elsewhere -Peoria is far from ideal. We would be better served by people who can look at Peoria in an objective way and make plans for constant improvement. If we could take a more discerning view of Peoria maybe we could create a marketplace for excellence.
in no particular order…
great local blogging
great downtown bars/restaurants
more parks than I can shake a stick at
CJ: Great blog abour local issues. The Library is great — love doing family history research. Peorians are glad to help others in need and supportive of a variety of uplifting causes. Love the slower paced (former So. Californian) and a more modestly priced lifestyle. Easy access to a variety of destinations and attractions and still close enough to Chicago. Springdale is a great historical treasure.
I love the downtown Peoria library. I love the whole feel of it, the huge building, the art exhibits that are often held upstairs.
I also love the riverfront. Especially the fountain and all the artwork.
I love the Contemporary Art Center, Chef John’s, Rizzi’s, and The Spotted Cow.
I used to live in Peoria with the moderator of this blog, and my favorite place is Avantis. I haven’t found a place anywhere in the US that can make a sub like their yummy gondola.
The G.A.R. Hall is undergoing renovation and will be open soon for entertainment, historical study, banquets and meetings… it is a really beautiful building. I love the windows!
Peoria is really great. For a city it’s size, it has:
– Awesome downtown and skyline.
– Riverfront
– Great sports facilities (O’brien and Civic Center)
– Aggie’s, Castle Patio Inn, and Trefzgers!
I just had to move from Peoria to Omaha for my job. I can’t wait to move back to Peoria!!! Omaha makes you appreciate Peoria!
I think we’re forgetting something:
Grandview Drive. Recognized by explorers and Presidents alike for its beauty and grandeur.
When I was going to Bradley, I would take friends of mine from Chicago or from the east coast up there for the experience. I would also take them up Fondulac and down Centennial to see the landscape of Peoria from the other side of the river. The view usually astounded people.
cf: As a former Omahan, I’m curious what you don’t like about it when compared to Peoria?
I have a soft spot for Peoria as well. I learned to drive going to the mall! Downtown is interesting enough, but I always thought there was something neat about the heights. I remember when driving up and down Forest Park was a heck of a ride. Spooky when your learning to drive a stick.
Anyone remember the Busy Bee?
I can only speak for myself, but I for one have NEVER had a problem with PEORIA! If you all stop and think about it, our complaints are not directed towards Peoria, but quite often at the people running the show. Maybe we complain so much because there is something about Peoria near-and-dear to each one of us. We get a little upset when people start messing with our city.
Thank you for this post. I get so tired of hearing that Peoria is a terrible place to live from all these people who move to Metamora and Germantown Hills. Our 100 year old neighborhood is wonderful with many wonderful neighbors. Our neighborhood school, Whittier is wonderful, our fire department, our police, our local restaurants…I could go on and on.
I enjoy the cultural activities available in Peoria. I think they are exceptional for the size of the community. The Peoria Ballet puts on wonderful performances and offers a great opportunity for young people to learn to dance.
Dare I say, given the general tenor of the blogger comments on this site, that I also have enjoyed what Lakeview has offered in the past. My family and I have attended many of the exhibits they have brought into Peoria. I understand, however, the reservations of those that fear a supposed bigger and better version.
Interesting Post!
BMW,
Your comment is as shallow as you are. A “bigger” Lakeview? Quite possible. A “better” Lakeview? That remains to be seen. Besides, I thought that the proposed project involved FAR more than simply moving Lakeview to the river front. Anyway, lets not ruin the moment here.
Wow New Vision:
That was a harsh comment! I just was remarking that Lakeview has offered some great programming.
I am not pro or con toward the Lakeview expansion downtown, I just wanted to recognize Peoria for the cultural programs it offers.
Like many of the other bloggers, I am concerned about the Lakeview expansion and whether it is the right project for the Peoria area to embrace.
My sincere apologies. I do agree with your comments about the cultural activities offered in Peoria. The Nutcracker is a favorite of ours every Christmas. Have a good day.