The City of Galesburg is kicking off the summer season by opening its outdoor aquatic facilities starting Saturday, May 23, 2026. Residents and visitors can dive into fun at the Lakeside Water Park, featuring pools, slides, and interactive water play. Daily admission is $8, with multi-pass and season options available. Neighborhood wading pools and splash pads, including a new splash pad at Cooke Park, will open Memorial Day weekend. Progress continues at Lake Storey Park, where the walking trail upgrade is ahead of schedule, paving the way for future swimming and boat rentals once lake levels rise. For golf enthusiasts, Bunker Links Golf Course is also open.
Lakeside Water Park is set to open its gates for the summer season this Saturday, May 23, at 1033 South Lake Storey Road. Attractions cater to all ages, featuring two pools, a thrilling 122-foot body flume slide, a 30-foot tube slide, an 8-foot kiddie slide, and a wide array of water play elements. Daily admission is $8, with punch-card multipasses and full season memberships available. For details on park hours, pricing, and special events, residents are encouraged to visit the city’s official website at “Galesburg Parks and Recreation.” Dive into summer fun at Lakeside Water Park starting this weekend!
Major improvements are underway at Lake Storey Park as construction progresses on the new multi-use walking trail, designed to complete a full loop around the lake. The city reports that essential work on the earth embankments and culverts has been finished ahead of schedule, allowing water levels to begin returning to normal sooner than expected. As the lake refills naturally, officials say the beach will reopen for swimming and boat rentals once required levels are reached, though timing depends on rainfall. Parks and Recreation Director Don Miles thanked the community for their patience, emphasizing the trail will offer a seamless, paved path for outdoor enjoyment once completed.
“We are thrilled with the progress of the Lake Storey walking trail expansion,” said Don Miles, Director of Parks and Recreation. “Once fully completed, it will offer a seamless, paved loop around the entire lake for outdoor recreation. Because the earth embankment work was finished ahead of schedule, we can now allow water levels to rise naturally for the summer season. We sincerely appreciate the community’s patience during this brief disruption as we construct this long-term investment in our park’s infrastructure.”
Lake levels are on the rise, but the beach area is set to open this weekend, welcoming the community for sunbathing, volleyball, and outdoor recreation. While swimming and boat rentals will wait for higher water, personal canoes, kayaks, and small boats can use the lake free of charge. Once conditions allow, kayak launches will be available, with additional activities to follow. Starting Memorial Day weekend, free wading pools at Lincoln Park, O.N. Custer Park, and H.T. Custer Park, along with splash pads at Rotary and Kiwanis parks, offer more ways to cool off. Cooke Park’s brand-new splash pad opens in June.
Bunker Links Golf Course has officially opened for the season at 3535 Lincoln Park Drive. Managed by the City of Galesburg, this 18-hole, par 71 course offers over 6,100 yards of scenic fairways and rolling terrain. Golfers will encounter water hazards on six holes, along with amenities like a driving range and a spacious putting green. Bunker Links is recognized for its affordability and accessibility, making it a go-to recreation spot for both residents and visitors. For tee times or further details, head to the “City of Galesburg Parks” or call 309-344-1818.
Allison Campground, located at 1351 South Lake Storey Road, is now open for the season and will welcome guests through mid-October. The site boasts a total of 142 campsites, offering 21 full hook-up options and 101 sites with electricity, accommodating a range of camping preferences. Anyone interested in making a reservation or needing more information about available sites is encouraged to reach out directly to campground staff by calling 309-344-1534. This marks the perfect opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to plan an extended stay and enjoy all the campground has to offer.