In the early 1970's both Joliet and Will County appointed Bicentennial Committees to celebrate our nation's 200th birthday in 1976. The combined committees formed a not for profit corporation, the Will-Joliet Bicentennial Park, Inc.. They obtained a piece of the land in 1974 that had been Joliet's first street in the 1830's. They then planned the cultural park, raised the money and built the theater/bandshell complex that is in operation today. In the 1980's the Corporation obtained two additional pieces of property making Bicentennial Park a 10 acre facility along the west side of the waterway in the Joliet City Center. In 1987 the corporation created a Historic Walk that marks historic sites and happenings along old Bluff Street. In 1993 the City embarked on extensive renovations, which included a beautiful Riverwalk Promenade. In 1994 an impressive Joliet Veterans Memorial and mosaic were created. In 1996 a series of historic murals were painted. The Mayor and City Council officially approved the renaming of Will-Joliet Bicentennial Park to Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park in May of 2000. Mrs. Limacher has been Park President from the very beginning and has put in thousands of volunteer hours making the park what it is today. In September 2001 the new southeast stage and lighted fountain were constructed. The fountain was named "Frannie," in honor of Mayor Schultz' wife Francis, to recognize her contributions to the project and the City of Joliet. The indoor theater, meeting rooms, outdoor bandshell, southeast stage and park grounds are available for rent. For information, call (815) 724-3760 or write 201 W. Jefferson at Bluffs Street, Joliet, IL 60435. Or e-mail the park: bipark@jolietcity.org 201 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60435 - (815) 724-3760