Construction is underway on Galesburg’s newest park at the former Cooke Elementary School, located at 652 W. Second St., one block east of South Henderson Street.
Crews began moving dirt in July 2025 for the first phase, which includes playground equipment, a shelter, a walking trail, a splash pad, and a restroom.
The Galesburg City Council approved a construction bid in April 2025 after acquiring the property from Galesburg School District 205 for $1 in December 2022, intending to develop a park.
This first phase, with a total project cost of about $1 million, is supported by a $500,000 state OSLAD grant, a $79,800 GameTime grant for playground equipment, volunteer efforts, and contributions from the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and general funds.
Most park amenities, including the playground, shelter, walking trail, and splash pad, are expected to be completed by late 2025, with the restroom slated for completion in spring 2026.
