The City of Galesburg, in partnership with Knox, announced in June that it had been awarded a $2 million state grant to update and improve Standish Park. Located in the heart of downtown and flanked by City Hall, the Knox County Courthouse, Old Main, and Alumni Hall, the one-block park and arboretum was founded in 1873 and ties together the community, college, and downtown.
Standish Park is named in honor of longtime Galesburg resident, Lombard College professor, Knox College benefactor, and horticulture specialist and tree enthusiast John Van Ness Standish (1825-1919). The project aims to preserve and enhance the arboretum, while simultaneously investing in amenities and infrastructure that draw citizens to the space and allow the park to flourish as a center of downtown activity and events.
“This grant is incredibly exciting news for Galesburg, and it highlights the wonderful progress possible through collaboration,” said City Manager Eric Hanson. “We are excited to partner with Knox to develop the park’s full potential and create a vibrant downtown space. Our sincere gratitude goes to Senator Halpin and our local state lawmakers for securing the funding to make this transformation feasible. True collaboration at both the local and state levels has opened a wonderful opportunity for our community.”
Preliminary design plans are focused on creating an active, welcoming space where citizens and students alike will enjoy spending time. The proposed plan introduces an outdoor performance stage, community recreation features like bocce ball and cornhole courts, and infrastructure to facilitate food trucks and weekend gatherings. Illuminated walkways, new public seating, and highly visible crosswalks will tie the entire park together, making it a comfortable place to walk, gather, enjoy the arboretum, and host community events.
“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,” said President C. Andrew McGadney. “Knox is deeply thankful to our partners with the city, Senator Halpin, and other state lawmakers for helping to make this transformative community project a reality.”
With funding awarded, Galesburg will move forward with the steps necessary to manage the grant and implement the project scope. This includes collaborating with landscape and engineering firms, gathering community and stakeholder input, and finalizing project designs.
“Serving as Mayor, while also spending my career as an environmental studies professor at Knox, this project connects the issues I’ve dedicated my career to and reflects the tangible impact of trees, while strengthening the connection between the Knox campus and community,” said Mayor Peter Schwartzman.