City of Galesburg: Parks and Recreation Newsletter
 
 

Spring time is here! More activities and locations are opening up every day as the weather warms up! The Allison Campground is open for the season, and you may make reservations by calling 309-344-1534. Lake Storey Park and Lincoln Park are the perfect places to have a picnic, and the bathrooms are now open at both of these parks. Play pickleball at Bateman Park or play a round of disc golf at Kiwanis Park. Check out these exciting activities or check out one of our many programs below.

We are still looking for part time summer staff!  Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, Recreation Attendant, Food Manager, Golf- outside service attendant, and maintenance.  Apply online today and join our team this summer. 

Don't forget to look online for our exciting upcoming events- summer program registrations are open!
Highlights
 
 
Wibit Swim at Hawthorne Pool. $7/person. April 21, 1-4PM
Back to the 80s Dance- Saturday, April 20th $5 per person
Dance workshops- Saturday, April 20th $5 per person, 1 hour each, or $20 for all lessons and back to the 80s dance
Dates: May 3 - 5, 2024 Times: Varies (see below) Cost: $250/Participant Age: 15+ years on or before the final scheduled session Location: Hawthorne Pool The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is to provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services personnel take over. To participate in the course you must be able to pass a prerequisite skills evaluation, and completing online coursework prior to first day. Sessions occur on May 3, 4:30-9:30pm, May 4, 8am-5:30pm, and May 5, 8am-5:30pm. Classes may go shorter or longer depending on the group skill set.
Lifeguard Re-certification Class. May 21, 9AM-5PM, at Hawthorne Pool. $110 per participant. Participants must have a current American Red Cross Lifeguard Certificate to be eligible to participate in this course (must either be current or expired within 30 days of the class date)
During open swim, practice with a certified lifeguard to pass your class! Free! Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 4-6 PM, Hawthorne Pool.
 
 
 
 
Hawthorne Pool Special Swims April 3, Wibit Swim, 1-4PM, $5 April 13, Wibit Swim, 1-4PM, $7 April 21, Wibit Swim, 1-4PM, $7 April 27, Wibit Swim, 1-4PM, $7
Date: Wednesday, May 1, 2024 Time: 10AM-11:30AM Cost: Free Location: Lake Storey Pavilion Parking Lot Amazing vehicles on wheels to see, touch, explore and much more!
Date: May 19, 2024 Time: Starts at 1PM Cost: Free Ages: 3-15 years old Location: Lincoln Park Lagoons
 
 
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Aquatic Fitness April Schedule Aqua-Ease, Aqua-Zumba, Aqua-Motion, Lap Swim Morning classes at Hawthorne Pool* Mon-Fri Aqua-Ease 8:00-9:00am Morning classes at Lakeside Waterpark Mon/Wed/Fri Zumba 9:00-10:00am Evening classes at Hawthorne Pool* Mon/Wed Aqua-Motion 6:00pm - 7:00pm Lap Swim at Hawthorne Pool* Mon/Wed/Fri 6:00-8:00am Fitness members get full access to all lane swim times and aqua-fitness classes. No refunds or credits will be issued for weather related closures. Weather updates: www.rainoutline.com Rainout Line #: 309-244-4114
Hawthorne Pool Open Swim Hours $7 admission. 2 and under free. March-April Monday, Wednesday/Friday 4-6pm; Saturday, Sunday 1-4pm. No open swim on days with Special Swims and Holidays.
Learn to Swim at Hawthorne Pool. April Session, April 2-25. Registration ends April 1. May Session, May 7-30. Registration Ends May 6. Aqua-Babies/preschool: $77. Group, Levels 1-6, $92. Private lessons: $127. Semi-Privates: 2 people, $215. Semi-Privates: 3 people, $292.
Hawthorne Pool Rentals 2331 Veterans Dr. Galesburg, IL Times Available to Rent: 9am-1pm or 4-9pm $100 per hour (2 hour minimum) for up to 35 swimmers $135 per hour (2 hour Minimum) for 35+ swimmers For more information call 309-345-3683
 
 
 
 
G-Force Volleyball Clinic. Dates: June 10-13, 2024 Time: PreK-1st Grade: 9-9:45AM; 2nd-4th Grade: 10-11AM Early Bird Cost: $60 by May 13 Registration Cost: $65 by May 27 Ages: PreK-4th Grade Location: Lakeside Recreation Facility Our youth volleyball clinics will focus on developing the fundamentals of volleyball through individual skills training. Our young athletes will also learn the value of teamwork and good sportsmanship through a variety of fun and engaging volleyball-centered activities.
G-Force Volleyball League. Dates: July 8 - 24, 2024 Early Bird Cost: $65 per player by June 3 Registration Cost: $75 per player by June 17 Ages: 5th-8th Grade Location: Hawthorne Gym and Lakeside Recreation Facility Join the fun summer youth volleyball leagues! Each team will be scheduled to play games on Mondays and Wednesdays over the course of 3 weeks. Teams will practice 2-3 teams a week before games start, and will practice 1 time a week during game weeks. Participant teams outside of Galesburg can register a team to compete in the G-Force league. Each player for the team will register individually and indicate what team they are playing for.
Dates: Week 1 - June 10 - June 14, 2024; Week 2 - June 17 -June 21 (2 Week Session) Times: 5-7 years old at 9-9:950AM; 8-10 years old at 10-10:50AM; 11-18 years old at 11-11:50AM Early Bird Registration Cost: $63 by May 19 Registration Cost: $70 by June 6 Location: GHS Tennis Courts (Rain Location, Lakeside Recreation Facility) This is a small class size with an emphasis on creating a fun atmosphere while learning the basics of tennis. We will do this by exploring and learning the fundamentals of athletic movement through a variety of activities designed to develop their motor skills, build confidence on the court, and grow their understanding of tennis in an age appropriate method. Midwest Team Tennis t-shirt included in program cost. Dates: Week 1 - July 8 - July 12, 2024; Week 2 - July 15 -July 19 (2 Week Session) Times: 5-7 years old at 9-9:950AM; 8-10 years old at 10-10:50AM; 11-18 years old at 11-11:50AM Early Bird Registration Cost: $63 by June 16 Registration Cost: $70 by July 3 Location: GHS Tennis Courts (Rain Location, Lakeside Recreation Facility) This is a small class size with an emphasis on creating a fun atmosphere while learning the basics of tennis. We will do this by exploring and learning the fundamentals of athletic movement through a variety of activities designed to develop their motor skills, build confidence on the court, and grow their understanding of tennis in an age appropriate method. Midwest Team Tennis t-shirt included in program cost.
Pickleball Play pickleball every Thursday from 9:30AM-3PM. Drop in anytime or call 309-345-3683 to reserve your spot. Play on our portable pickleball court or use the tennis courts with our markers. Cost is $5 per person/per hour. Use our paddles or bring your own! Pickleballs will be provided.
sand volleyball tournament Dates: June 29 and 30, 2024 Times: Various times between 10AM and 8PM Cost: $10 per player Ages: 15+ Location: Lake Storey Beach Enter into the double elimination 2v2 volleyball tournament! First place will win 8 admission vouchers (4 passes per person- you and your teammate) to Lakeside Waterpark. Games are self officiated- Recreation Supervisor/ Rec Attendant will be at games to make sure things are running smooth. Must have two ready players when registering, players register individually.
Yoga in the Park June 1-August 31, Every Saturday. 9am-10am. Enjoy free yoga! Location: Lake Storey Park Shelter Area (closest to the lake).
 
 
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Nature at Night Date: Friday, April 26, 2024 Time: 6:30-8:30PM Cost: $5 per person or $15 per family. Register by April 23 Location: Lakeside Nature Center Shelter Light up the night! Learn how to create your own new candles from old-using recycled jars to make new candles! Weather and time permitting, we can take a walk through the woods! Open to all ages.
Nature Center Birthday Party Packages. Rentable Saturdays, 2-4pm. See online for details
Second Saturdays Date: May 11, 2024 Time: 9:30-11AM May's Topic: How Does Your Garden Grow? Cost: Free Location: Lakeside Nature Center Shelter Spring is here! We will plant some veggies and seeds in our nature center garden bed and explore the Nature Center's Monarch Waystation Gardens & pollinator plot while we learn about spring wildflowers! We will also take home your very own sunflower to grow! Class is held outdoors at the Lakeside Nature Center Shelter, with a Nature Walk through the woods, so dress for the weather! This is a free program for all ages!
Little Sprouts Date: May 11, 2024 Time: 11AM-12PM Cost: $5 by May 6 Ages: 2-5, and their caregiver Location: Lakeside Nature Center Shelter You don't have to travel far to uncover fantastic new worlds! Let's talk about the fascinating nature that you can find in your own back yard! Take home a couple supplies to create your own backyard adventurer kit! Class is held outdoors at the Lakeside Nature Center Shelter, with a Nature Walk through the woods, so dress for the weather! In inclement weather, we will be inside the Nature Center building.
You and Me Paint Night Date: Tuesday, May 7, 2024 Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM Cost: $15 per pair (1 child + adult, and a pair of canvases), only need to register 1 name Registration Deadline: April 30 Ages: All Ages Location: Lake Storey Pavilion Join us for an all ages family-style paint night! We will be painting a floral design on a pair of narrow canvases! Work together to make a matching pair or each create your own design, such as handprint flowers! Spend a fun evening with that special child in your life, and create a great keepsake painting pair together. This is a great opportunity for a grandparent, aunt, uncle, mom, dad, etc to spend some quality time with your kiddo, and create a painting to keep or give away. Time together is a great Mother's Day celebration or create your mother's day gift as a surprise for mom!
Craft Night Out Date: Thursday, May 9, 2024 Time: 6-8PM Cost: $12 by May 2 Ages: 7+ Location: Lake Storey Pavilion Join us for a night of fun crafts and friendship! This month, we will be creating pressed flower vases. All supplies and crafting tools provided. If you have special pressed flowers that you would like to include in your project, feel free to bring them!
Kayak Nights- June through September 7. 8-9:30. First Saturdays and Third Fridays. Join us in exploring Lake Storey at Night this summer. Rent a kayak or bring your own!
Retro T-Shirt Sale Nostalgia Shirts T-Shirts are $5 The whole month of February Open 8:30 am - 5 pm Galesburg's Recreation Center will be selling some of our past program T-Shirts from past years! Come check out our selection AT the Recreation office!
 
 
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Hawthorn Pool Programs: Lane Swim, Private Splash Parties, Learn to Swim Group and Private Lessons, Aquatic Group Fitness, Lifeguard Training, Special Swims Hawthorne Pool Prices: Daily Admission- $7 for open swim, aquatic fitness and lane swim Monthly Membership: $35 - Good for all aquatic fitness and lane swim Hawthorne Pool Rental: $200, 2 hour rental, up to 35 swimmers
Fall/Winter Hours Lakeside Recreation Facility Online reservations for court rentals are available! Book up to two weeks ahead for tennis & six weeks for sport courts! We have 4 indoor tennis courts and 2 multipurpose courts (batting cage/pitching machine, basketball, volleyball and more) Fall/Winter HOURS (Oct 2, 2023 - May 19,2024): Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 8 PM / Sat & SUn 1 - 6 PM Go online or call 309/345-3683 to book a court!
Lakeside Recreation Facility Batting Cage Cost: $35 per hour per court; $15 Pitching Machine Rental Fee, baseball or softball machine available Open Monday through Friday 8:30AM-8:00PM, Saturday and Sunday 1-6PM Participants must be 8 plus and helmets must be worn by everyone in the batting cage at all times. Balls provided. Call 309-345-3683 to reserve your time. Location: 1033 South Lake Storey Road
Galesburg Parks and Recreation Lake Storey Pavilion Lake Storey Pavilion is available for private rentals year-round (excluding major holidays). Booking up to two years in advance, this revitalized historic building is the perfect backdrop to a variety of events. Typical uses of the facility include: weddings/receptions, reunions, graduation parties, proms, banquets, business meetings, & much more! Call 309/345-3683 or email recinfo@ci.galesburg.il.us for more info and date availability. Non-alcohol daily Rental Mon-Thu $295 for 5 consecutive hours $100 non-refundable deposit Fri-Sun $550 for 5 consecutive hours $250 non refundable deposit $75 each additional hour Alcohol daily Rental Mon-Thu $495 for 5 consecutive hours $100 non-refundable deposit Fri-Sun $715 for 5 consecutive hours $250 non refundable deposit $300 security deposit $75 each additional hour Features Lake view Atmosphere Fully Handicapped Accessible Spacious Parking Lot Decorative Fire Place Option to choose Caterer $3/table linen fee
Galesburg Parks and Recreation Hawthorne Gym Need a flexible space for your indoor activity? Hawthorne Gym is available for your next birthday party, basketball, volleyball or just-for-fun get-together and more. Interested in a private golf simulator party? Contact us for more details and pricing info! $50 per hour Must call to reserve a minimum of two weeks in advance. 309/345-3683 2265 Veterans Drive
Shelters, Green Spaces & Gazebo Rentals Galesburg Parks and Recreation Online Reservations available now! Reservation price is $45/day Booking can be done 364 days in advance for dates April - October Special event form can be completed at https://www.ci.galesburg.il.us/government/parks_and_recreation/special_event_application.php Online booking can be done via the QR code or at
Allison Campground. Call 309-344-1534 to make a reservation, $5 nonrefundable reservation fee due at time of booking. 2024 season is from April 11 to October 14. Address is 1351 South Lake Storey Road, Galesburg, IL 61401. 142 sites.
 
 
bunker links golf course

Bunker Links Golf Course is an 18 Hole (Par 71) regulation golf course located in Lincoln Park on the north end of Galesburg in Knox County.  Designed by local golf enthusiasts, Bunker Links opened in 1924. Owned and operated by the City of Galesburg, it offers a wonderful, affordable and accessible recreation option for Galesburg residents and guests.  At just over 6,100 yards long, the golf course has rolling terrain and water coming into play on 6 of the 18 holes.  The fun layout will reward good shots and will provide an enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels.  Our practice facility includes a driving range and a large putting green.   


Bunker Links is open for the season. 3535 Lincoln Park Drive. 309/344-1818
 
 

Galesburg Parks

Stay active outside all year round! 

Do you know where all the Galesburg parks are located? Have fun and explore around town! 

Click here to see our list of parks. 
 
 

Open/Closed Listing

Open: Hawthorne Pool; Hawthorne Gym; Lake Storey Pavilion; Park Shelters (Walk-up only. Reservable for dates April 1-October 31, 2024);  Basketball Courts; Playgrounds; Connie Nott Dog Park; Kiwanis Park disc golf and skate park; Lake Storey and Lakeside Nature Center trails; Lakeside Recreation Facility (office, tennis courts, and multipurpose court/batting cage); outdoor tennis courts, Bateman Pickleball Courts,  Allison Campground, Lake Storey and Lincoln Park Bathrooms and Bunker Links Golf Course.

Closed: All park restrooms (except for Lake Storey and Lincoln Park);  Lakeside Water Park; Lake Storey Beach & Boat Rentals; Rotary and Kiwanis splash pads; Lincoln Park, ON Custer, and HT Custer wading pools, Rotary Park Ice Rink.
 
 
Nature Center Volunteer Cleanup. May 4 10am-12pm, May 11 11am-1pm. Lakeside Nature Center area
Nature Camps June 14-July 26, 2024, no camp July 5 Wiggly Worms, 4 to 6 years old, Fridays, 9 to 11AM Adventure Seekers, 7 to 9 years old, Fridays, 12 to 2 PM Early Bird Register by May 13, $98 Final Registration deadline by June 3, $108 Discover nature's playground with Galesburg Parks and Recreation. Our camp counselors work with small groups of campers to discover the wonder of our local parks. Campers will explore nature, discover animals, insects, and plants in their environment, with special guests and a combination of nature exploration and exciting outdoor activities like fishing!
Nature at Night: Summer Outdoor Family Fun-Palooza. Friday, May 31. 6:30-8:30pm. $5 per person or $15 per family.
     

© 2025 City of Galesburg Parks & Recreation

1033 S Lake Storey Rd, Galesburg, IL, 61401, US  309-345-3683

www.ci.galesburg.il.us/government/departments/recreation_registration_and_facility_rentals/index.php  recinfo@ci.galesburg.il.us