The City of Galesburg officially broke ground on the latest addition to Cooke Park on Tuesday, marking a new chapter for the city’s recreational spaces.
Leaders from city and state government, along with the Galesburg community, dipped shovels into the ground and moved dirt at the lot located at 652 W. Second St., behind the former Cooke Elementary School.
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.
Mayor Peter Schwartzman said in remarks Tuesday that Cooke Park, once fully built, will be here for “generations to come.”
Fourth Ward Alderman Dwight White, who grew up in the neighborhood, said, “We miss the old school,” but called the construction of Cooke Park “something great that’s happening.”
All the speakers, including White, Schwartzman, and State Senator Mike Halpin, praised the spearhead of the Cooke Park Project, Gayla Pacheco.
“Gayla Pacheco is who made this go,” White said.
Planned amenities for Cooke Park include a playground, splashpad, picnic shelter, trailhead and walking paths, restroom facilities, parking area, and native trees and plantings for environmental sustainability and shade.
The construction of Cooke Park was made possible through a $500,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grant, with the city covering an additional $500,000.
Director of Parks & Recreation Don Miles said, “Thanks to the support of the OSLAD Grant, Senator Halpin, and our residents, we can transform this vacant property into a vibrant community space.”
Volunteers, led by Tom Simkins, will work at Cooke Park on Friday and Saturday at 8:30 a.m. and welcome community help.
For more information about Cooke Park and other parks in Galesburg, residents can visit the City of Galesburg website and view the citywide Parks Map.
