Springdale Cemetery to Add Islamic Burial Area
By: Alexandra Sutter
Updated: June 20, 2012
PEORIA -- A proposal to add on an Islamic burial area into the Springdale Cemetery is in it's final stages.
The Springdale Cemetery Management Board met Tuesday night to finalize a deal with the Peoria Islamic Center for the new addition.
Springdale already houses burial sites for the Hebrew and Apostolic Christian faiths.
The new Islamic site would add about 650 graves to Springdale.
General Manager Jon Austin calls it a "win-win" for everyone. "Not only is it good for Springdale and our concerns about generating revenue, but also meeting the needs for Peoria citizens and a faith community. At the same time, also helping members of the Islam community achieve their goals.
Currently, the nearest Islamic cemetery is in the Chicago area.
They hope to a have a deal signed in the next two weeks and put the new addition to use later this year.
