Elizabeth Varner has devoted over 33 years of service to the City of Galesburg, including 30 years as Recreation Supervisor for over 30 years before she retired in 2018. Elizabeth Varner returned from retirement in 2022 to lead the department as Director of Parks and Recreation. Elizabeth Varner will retire from the city for the second time on February 2, 2024. “It has been a privilege to be able to come back and work for the City of Galesburg in an area I am extremely passionate about,” said Varner. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Director of Parks and Recreation with a terrific team. There have been many wonderful accomplishments during this time, which would not have happened without the Parks and Recreation staff and collaboration of many city departments.”
Varner holds a bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Administration from Indiana University and is a member of the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association as well as the National Parks and Recreation Association. She is very passionate about recreation and has spent her career creating, planning, and leading recreational programming and events for the City of Galesburg, as well as developing connections with program participants and community partners.
“Elizabeth’s enthusiasm for parks and recreation is unmatched,” said City Manager Eric Hanson. “We are grateful for her service to the community, and know many of the programs, parks, and facilities she has had a hand in fostering will have a lasting impact on the quality of life for our citizens.”
The City of Galesburg Parks and Recreation Department includes a wide range of parks and recreational facilities and programs, including Lake Storey Park and Beach, Lake Storey Pavilion, Lakeside Water Park, Lakeside Recreational Facility, Lakeside Nature Center, Hawthorne Gym and Pool, Allison Campground, Bunker Links Golf Course, Linwood and E. Linwood Cemetery, and 23 neighborhood parks. Notable achievements during Varner’s leadership include the award of OSLAD Grants for park improvements at Lancaster Park and a park development on the southwest side of Galesburg. She also coordinated the implementation of improvements to H.T. Custer Park, also funded by an OSLAD Grant. Extensive exterior and structural repairs to Hawthorne Municipal Pool have also been achieved during Varner’s term as director, allowing the continuation of aquatic programming at the facility.
The City of Galesburg is currently recruiting to fill the position of Director of Parks and Recreation, and more information can be found on the city’s website.
