The city of Galesburg, in partnership with Knox College, has been awarded a $2 million state grant to improve Standish Park, a downtown arboretum that connects the city’s civic and academic centers.
The one-block park, established in 1873 and located adjacent to city hall, the Knox County courthouse and Knox College’s Old Main and Alumni Hall, is named for John Van Ness Standish, a Galesburg resident who was a Lombard College professor and Knox College benefactor known for his work in horticulture.
The project will preserve the park’s tree collection while adding amenities designed to increase public use and support community events.
“This grant is incredibly exciting news for Galesburg, and it highlights the wonderful progress possible through collaboration,” City Manager Eric Hanson said in a release.
Hanson said the city is partnering with Knox College to expand the park’s role as a downtown gathering space and thanked state lawmakers, including State Sen. Mike Halpin, for securing funding.
Preliminary plans call for an outdoor performance stage, recreation features such as bocce ball and cornhole courts, and space for food trucks and weekend events. The design also includes new lighting, upgraded walkways, additional seating and improved crosswalk visibility.
Knox College President C. Andrew McGadney said the project strengthens ties between the college and the city.
“I am truly excited to collaborate with the city on the update of Standish Park, a symbol of the connection between Galesburg and the College,” McGadney said.
The city has already been removing compromised trees and conducting selective pruning to improve canopy health, sunlight and visibility of surrounding landmarks.
That will guide future plantings as part of long-term arboretum planning, according to the release.
The city will now move forward with grant management, design work, and additional public input as it finalizes project plans. Updates will be provided on the city’s website and social media.
