W. H. Sommer Park

W. H. Sommer Park historically consisted of oak barrens with areas of tallgrass prairie. Remnants of native prairie flora and three-hundred year-old white oak trees still persist in some areas of the park despite long term grazing of cattle and other farming activities.

Jacob and Christina Koerner were German immigrants who in 1848 settled the land that is now Sommer Park. The Koerners farmed the property for three generations, keeping it in the family until the mid 20th century. Jacob and Christina remain nearby; a small family cemetery in the park is their final resting place.

The Peoria Park District acquired the property in 1964 through the Forest Park Foundation. W. H. Sommer Park is named for William Henry Sommer, founder of Keystone Steel and Wire Company and one of the founders of the Forest Park Foundation.

Restoration efforts focus on encouraging remaining native forbs and grasses through the removal of invasive exotic weeds such as Garlic Mustard and Teasel, brush cutting, native seed collecting and spreading, prairie plantings, and prescribed burns.