31-05-2025
Community hits the court for Hoopfest at Proctor Recreation Center
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Basketball and community spirit were on full display this weekend at the Proctor Recreation Center during the Peoria Park District's Streets Belong to Me: Hoopfest.
The event was a high-energy 3-on-3 basketball tournament celebrating competition, connection and neighborhood pride.
Jalen Jenkins, Program Director at Proctor Recreation Center, reflected on the deeper meaning behind the event.
'When I was a kid, I used to always play outside,' said Jenkins. 'But I feel like now that time is going on, we're all on our phones and social media stuff, so doing stuff like this just reminds all of us that we did come from being outside and playing with friends. It just reminded us to be a kid.'
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, local teams battled it out in friendly but fierce matchups for the chance to be crowned Kings and Queens of the Court. The tournament drew families, fans, and players of all ages, transforming the recreation center into a vibrant hub of athleticism and unity.
The festivities kicked off Friday night with the Streets Belong to Me celebration — an evening full of swimming, food, music, and fun that brought the community together beyond the court.
Beyond the games and festivities, the event served a greater purpose — creating safe, welcoming spaces for youth to gather, play, and connect.
'[The purpose was] to really connect the communities and get all the kids outside, just to know that this is a safe space for them to play and to come and visit,' Jenkins added.
Organizers say Hoopfest was about more than just basketball — it was a celebration of community, belonging, and the importance of outdoor recreation in kids' lives. With strong turnout and enthusiastic participation, the event was a clear slam dunk.
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