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Save the Detweiller Playground!

Flyer for the Sunday April 19th fundraiser

Help save the Detweiller Playground & Marina from property sale fundraiser!

Performance by Illinois River Riverloreans Brian 'Fox' Ellis & Barry Cloyd

Sunday, April 19, 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Universalist Unitarian Church, 3000 W. Richwoods Blvd, Peoria

Noted historian, storyteller, and educator Brian 'Fox' Ellis brings Peoria Steamboat Captain & Civil War Hero Captain Henry Detweiller to life in this special program to raise awareness about the historic riverfront land and marina donated by the Detweiller family "for use and access by the public since 1948", now at risk of two-thirds of property being sold and/or gifted to a private organization and removed from public use. Fox has been educating and entertaining the public on historic figures for over 40 years.

Musical performer Barry Cloyd entertains and educates audiences with music and songs about life on the river. The noted Illinois River riverlorean combines educational and history-based story with music to create an "edutainment" style performance. Barry performed river songs on The Spirit of Peoria for over 20 years until its' departure.

Lean about the historical significance of this riverfront land, the Detweillers, and what you can do to HELP SAVE the Detweiller Playground & Marina for continued public use.

Program Open to the Public - Hosted by Detweiller Park Protectors concerned about the proposed sale and/or gifting of Detweiller Playground & Marina park land. DONATIONS appreciated for printing, legal fees, etc. for Detweiller Park Protectors. Questions - Contact: Tim Herold, herold1961@gmail.com

Email herold1961@gmail.com or patricia.palmer1108@gmail.com to help us Protect Detweiller Playground!

Events

Sunday April 19th, 1 pm - Basic self defense
- Presented by Peoria Community Active Support
- Park next to the playground and learn self-defense!

Sunday April 19th, 2 pm to 8 pm - Use It or Lose It!
- Park next to the playground and come say hi!
- The Ice Cream Shack is 1 mile up the road and has snacks and a bathroom!
- There is also a well-maintained porta-potty at neighboring Woodruff Park.

Sunday April 19th, 4 to 5:30 pm - Performance by Illinois River Riverloreans
- Universalist Unitarian Church, 3000 W. Richwoods Blvd, Peoria

Risk of private sale

A diagram of the proposed land division, showing that more than two-thirds of the land would be privatized, and the remaining public land would be inaccessible to the public

An aerial map of the proposed sale, showing that more than two-thirds of the land would be privatized, and the remaining public land would be inaccessible to the public

A picture of a monument that reads: Detweiller Playground, A gift to the people of Peoria. Thomas H. Detweiller. May 13, 1947

Who is O'Brien?

According to Propublica, Jr O'Brien is on the board of trustees for the Detweiller Playground non-profit.

A screenshot of ProPublica showing that Jr O'brien is on the board of trustees for the Detweiller Playground non-profit

But according to Jr O'Brien's LinkedIn, he's also Executive Vice President of O'Brien Steel, the company that wants to land-grab the Detweiller Playground. Is this coincidence?

Jr O'Brien's LinkedIn page, showing that he is Executive Vice President at O'Brien Steel.

Learn more in the Archive

Detweiller Playground Protectors Archive

Printable flyers
Informational documents
News articles related to Detweiller Playground
Historical documents
Emails from DPP leadership
Map of the area

Contact

Email herold1961@gmail.com or patricia.palmer1108@gmail.com to help save Detweiller Playground!

Updated April 2026