GALESBURG, Ill. (WMBD) -- The city of Galesburg will break ground for a new park on the southwest side.

At 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, the official groundbreaking ceremony will be held for Cooke Park at 652 W. Second Street, according to a release from the city.

The new park will be at the site of the former Cooke Elementary School.

The development of the park is made possible through a $500,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant. The grant was awarded in January 2024 by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The grant will cover half of the estimated $1 million total project cost, with the remainder funded by the city of Galesburg.

A $250,000 member initiative grant from Illinois State Senator Michael Halpin and money raised by community members have expanded

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