Wildlife Prairie Park in Hanna City, Illinois, is moving forward with a $1.5 million expansion project that includes the construction of a new campground capable of hosting 40 recreational vehicles.
The development, planned for the west side of the park, aims to enhance visitor accommodations and attract more tourism to the region.
The Peoria County Board is scheduled to vote on Thursday, May 8, on whether to grant the nonprofit a special use permit required for the campground. Following board approval, the project will move to additional permitting phases with state agencies.
The new RV area, named “Parkside,” will feature concrete pads and full-service hook-ups for water, sewer, and electricity. A swimming beach is also part of the plan, according to a press release issued by the park.
Renovations are also planned for the Parkside events venue, which will be upgraded to include a kitchenette, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, a store, and a recreation space. The site’s historic four-story stone silo will remain intact.
“We’ve done a lot of research to try to build the best RV campground in the state with features and amenities that will attract more people to our area,” Roberta English, the park’s CEO, said, as reported by 25 News Now on May 3.
“On top of that, we already have a fantastic park with 60 different species of animals, six other lakes for fishing or kayaking, trails to walk, disc golf, mountain biking, bird watching, and educational and fitness classes. We are already a destination,” English added.
Additional work will include renovating the exterior of an 1800s-era stone house and relocating the park’s Bison Hump Pump Track.
To fund the project, the park’s board has approved a financing strategy involving both fundraising efforts and a loan. The campground is one component of a broader campaign to enhance infrastructure and expand guest services.
Plans for the future also include the addition of rental cabins, an on-site veterinary clinic, and further upgrades to park roads and existing facilities.
English emphasized the economic impact the campground is expected to generate for surrounding businesses.
“We are creating a steady stream of economic activity that will support local businesses like nearby restaurants and cafes, generate jobs, and bring new life to the surrounding area year-round,” English said.