By Molly Cerreta Smith
Locals know that Park West shopping center and entertainment district continues to offer up enticing tenants as well as fun events for the whole family. And 2022 is no different—except there is even more to anticipate!
Candle Chemistry, the custom scented body product and candle company opened the last part of 2021 and, in the first part of 2022, Park West welcomes new shops, services and dining options, including CBD Emporium, Alterra Home Loans, Bully Brew Co., Furnish & Design, Global Golf Lounge, Kitchen Gourmet, Pangea Dinosaur Grill, Wildflower, and Yama Sushi.
For those that can’t pass up a good deal, the center’s Park West Perks program offers members four free offers from Park West vendors. The offers stay in the user’s queue until they are used, then members get new contests or offers monthly. Shoppers can join by scanning a QR code, and then opting in via Facebook Messenger. Offers include freebies such as a free dessert at Grimaldi’s; free cookie at Mary’s Mountain Cookies; a free Gringo Crisp at Jalapeno Inferno; and free hummus at Pita Jungle.
And while at Pita Jungle, foodies and art lovers alike can take in the wall mural by artist Kyllan Maney, which was started in December 2021 and brings together Maney’s “old school and new work.” This mural is just one way Park West showcases its commitment to the arts.
“Incorporating art into Park West adds another dimension by enhancing the customer experience with an element of surprise and delight,” says Kelly Price, business development manager for CIRE Equity, which manages Park West. “It’s also an opportunity to support local artists.” The center is also working on selecting an artist for another mural on Main Street. Further immersing itself in the community and making it easier than ever to get to Park West, the center has become a stop for the City of Peoria’s free transportation shuttle service, POGO.
Another big draw to the center is the Park West Market, which takes place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each week the market features approximately 100 vendors, food trucks and live music. Shoppers can stock up on local produce, raw honey eggs, raw milk, salsas, fresh bread, baked goods, décor, gifts, and more. Thousands of shoppers flock each Saturday to the market, which is owned and operated by Peyton Ruggles.
“It’s been going great, and the vendors are all so happy to take part in it,” says Ruggles, who is working on a special Moms Day Out themed market event that will consist of the usual 100 vendors plus an additional 40 more that are geared specifically toward moms and kids.
Park West has grown to become so much more than a shopping center. Providing incredible dining options, in-demand services, beautiful artwork, and entertainment from anchor Harkins Theatres Park West 14 in addition to holiday and seasonal events, kids’ clubs and the Park West Market, Park West aims to provide its guests with a unique experience with every visit. Park West is located at 9744 W. Northern Avenue. For more info, visit shopparkwest.com.
