PEORIA, Ill. – The city of Peoria has given the go-ahead for an amphitheater along the Riverfront.

The city council on Tuesday night unanimously accepted an $11-million donation from the Hengst Foundation to help construct the up to 5,000 seat facility on Riverfront Park.

The project was initially slated for Washington, but the proposal was withdrawn after the current mayor and council raised questions about it.

Former Washington Mayor Gary Manier, a champion of the project and representing the foundation at the meeting, expressed his gratitude after the vote.

“Jim (Hengst) wanted this dream to build an amphitheater to honor his wife that passed away,” Manier said. “What a great gift that the city has received.”

As per the agreement in city council documents, the Hengst Foundation w

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