Residents urge council to block sale of Detweiler Playground marina property, citing public trust and river access
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Summary
Several residents and neighborhood groups told council they oppose a proposed sale of Detweiler Playground/Marina land held by the Detweiler Playground Trust, raised questions about trustee conflicts of interest and urged the city to explore options to preserve public river access and open space.
Multiple residents addressed the council during the public‑comment period on March 24 to object to a reported plan by the Detweiler Playground Trust to sell large portions of the Detweiler Playground and marina property along the Illinois River.
Speakers, including Joyce Bloemenschein (Friends of Riverfront Park), Tricia Leffler and Julie Dodge, described the site’s historical importance, said the trustees appear to be proposing a sale that would leave only a small remnant of public property and raised a potential conflict of interest tied to a trustee with ties to a local steel company. One commenter cited ProPublica‑reported nonprofit filings showing the trust had modest revenue but substantial assets and questioned the trust’s asserted emergency need to sell.
Speakers urged the council to investigate the proposed transaction, to allow public discourse about alternatives (fundraising or volunteer support), and to protect river access, kayak launch opportunities and public greenspace. Several said the trust’s will conveyed the land ‘‘to the people of Peoria’’ and urged elected officials to explore options to preserve public access.
Mayor and staff took the comments and the council moved to adjourn into closed session; several councilmembers suggested staff would review the matter and provide options for public consideration. The council did not take a vote on the property during the meeting.
