Carlat: POGO Destinations gets you there this holiday season

I am excited to announce that POGO Destinations is here to connect residents to points of pride throughout our city.

POGO Destinations is about discovering all of the wonderful aspects our community has to offer, and creating opportunities for experiences and memories with family and friends.

POGO Destinations is not a typical bus route or public transit system. Instead, the free service runs Friday-Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and offers specific stops to dining, entertainment, and parks and trails inside the borders of our community.

Peoria covers 179 square miles, and every inch of this city belongs to Peoria residents.

We are home to top-rated amenities, chef-driven dining and award-winning entertainment. Residents should have easy access to discover and explore all the things that make our city great, which is exactly what this exciting service is about. Very few communities offer free transportation to local restaurants and entertainment, but as a citizen-centric community, I am proud of this unique opportunity for those who call Peoria home.

With the holiday season upon us, the circulator will offer residents the chance to put their car keys down and give their ride-sharing apps a break while they head out. Residents who live in the south can visit areas north including the mountainous hiking paths. Families who live in the north can visit and share in points of interest in the south such as Second Saturdays, which occurs each month through May in Old Town Peoria.

This year, POGO Destinations will offer service to Peoria’s Annual Old Town Holiday Festival. This cherished event is a family favorite, and I look forward to seeing even more residents join us on Saturday, Dec. 11 to enjoy live entertainment, pictures with Santa and more.

Another stop on the route is Park West. Throughout the month of December, the shopping and dining destination will offer a variety of holiday activities including the Holiday Crafting Club and an event offering photos with Santa. Pop-Up Peoria will offer Cozy Craft Hour, holiday ornament making stations, and a fusion mineral paint course.
For those searching for a bit of respite during the hustle and bustle of the holidays, a stroll along one of Peoria’s trails situated in the pristine Sonoran Desert, is a quick POGO ride away.

This is your city! I hope you’ll take a ride on POGO Destinations to experience your community.

To view the routes and find a stop near you, visit peoriaaz.gov/pogo.

Editor’s note: Cathy Carlat is the mayor of Peoria.