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Groundbreaking At New Southwest Side Park

CommunityGeneral News ArticleChamberEducationPress Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

City of Galesburg to Break Ground on New Southwest Side Park

Media Contacts:

Don Miles, Director of Parks and Recreation 

309-345-3630

Cathy St. George, Public Information Officer

309-344-2637

 

Galesburg, IL (September 17, 2025) - The City of Galesburg is proud to announce the official groundbreaking ceremony for Cooke Park, located at 652 W. Second Street, the site of the former Cooke Elementary School. The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., marking a major milestone in the city’s ongoing commitment to enhancing outdoor recreation and revitalizing neighborhoods.

 

The development of the park is made possible through a $500,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grant, awarded in January 2024 by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The OSLAD Grant will cover 50% of the estimated $1 million total project cost, with the remainder funded by the City of Galesburg. A $250,000 member initiative grant from Senator Halpin and money raised by community members have expanded the scope of the park to allow for the inclusion of a splashpad.

 

“We are thrilled to break ground on this important project that will bring new recreational opportunities to our community,” said Don Miles, Director of Parks & Recreation. “Thanks to the support of the OSLAD Grant, Senator Halpin and our residents, we can transform this vacant property into a vibrant community space.”

 

Planned amenities for the new park include:

  • A playground, including accessible equipment
  • Splashpad
  • Picnic shelter
  • Trailhead and walking paths
  • Restroom facilities
  • Parking area
  • Native trees and plantings for environmental sustainability and shade

 

The location—just one block east of South Henderson Street—was selected in response to strong public support for increased recreational amenities on the southwest side of Galesburg. The city acquired the former school property in December 2022 with the goal of developing a neighborhood park that is accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to all residents.

The city's ongoing dedication to enhancing public spaces and quality of life amenities is evident in its recently completed park projects. This park is one of several recent investments that include improvements at H.T. Custer Park and Lancaster Park.

 

For more information about the project and other parks in Galesburg, residents can visit the City of Galesburg website and view the citywide Parks Map.

 

Media and members of the public are encouraged to attend the groundbreaking event on Tuesday, September 23, at 11:00 a.m. at the future park site: 652 W. Second Street, Galesburg, IL.

Groundbreaking At New Southwest Side ...