A number of planned improvements to a park that has become a popular viewing spot for trains making their way through that part of Galesburg will be discussed Monday night by the Galesburg City Council, and by the public as well.

A public hearing is scheduled to be held prior to the City Council Meeting regarding an essential overhaul planned to improve Peck Park.

Documents provided to aldermen prior to the meeting indicate the proposal the city has developed for the park include a viewing tower used for trains passing by on the Santa Fe railroad tracks to the north, and the Burlington Northern tracks to the east.

Other planned improvements for the park include trails, a restroom, a basketball court, and a reconstructed parking area.

Aldermen are being asked to approve plans for the nearly one-million dollar project, and they’ll also consider applying for a state grant that will pay for just under half of it.

For a diagram of the proposed plans in PDF format, click here. 

The City Council will also consider a set of traffic improvements around Silas Willard Elementary School, a proposal to hire three new full-time police officers now in order to have them ready before three current officers leave or retire, and an amended ordinance related to Disorderly Conduct.

The City Council public hearing starts at 7:15 p.m., with the full meeting at 7:30, all in council chambers at City Hall.