Residents have been asking why a large number of trees have been removed in recent weeks from historic Standish Park, the 3.3-acre urban park and arboretum located at 42 West Tompkins Street in downtown Galesburg.
Cathy St. George, assistant city manager and director of Community Engagement, told WGIL the city is catching up on years of deferred maintenance in the park and arboretum. The goal is to ensure the park is well-maintained and manicured, protecting the health of the arboretum while increasing the park’s vitality and use.
Tree Removal and Assessment
A recent assessment found that out of 106 trees in the park, approximately 30 are dead or in poor condition and will be removed, along with excess shrubs and vegetation. The arborist continues to assess as work progresses, so preliminary numbers may vary slightly.
The removal eliminates habitats for wood-boring pests and fungi, protects remaining trees, and removes unstable, unsafe trees. After removals, crews will raise the canopy and properly trim trees to improve air circulation and structural integrity.
The majority of tree removals have already been completed. Trimming and additional vegetation removal is expected to continue through the winter season, which is ideal for tree health.
The park will remain an arboretum, with most species still represented. The city plans to replant healthy new trees where needed.
Historical Context and Future Plans
Standish Park was founded in 1873 by Dr. John Van Ness Standish, a horticulture specialist and direct descendant of Captain Miles Standish of the Mayflower. Dr. Standish personally oversaw the original planting of 122 trees and 115 shrubs and helped establish the Galesburg Horticultural Society and Park Commission Board. The park was officially designated an arboretum by the Galesburg City Council in 2003. It is surrounded by civic landmarks, including City Hall to the north, the Knox County Courthouse to the east, and Knox College’s Old Main to the south.
Standish Park had a gazebo from 1995 to 2023, when it was demolished, according to the city, for safety reasons due to structural concerns. City Manager Eric Hanson, appearing Monday on Galesburg’s Morning News, said “there are ongoing explorations of future opportunities in the park.”
The Standish Park project, according to St. George, is part of the city’s broader commitment to investing in parks and trees, including Project 350, which has planted more than 720 trees since 2022.
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