Galesburg plans to complete a fully paved walking and biking loop around Lake Storey by 2027, expanding the popular multi-use path through a two-phase project largely funded by state transportation grants.

The project will extend the existing path, which currently runs along the north and west sides of the lake, to create a continuous loop around the entire shoreline. City officials say the expansion will improve access to recreational amenities on both sides of the lake while increasing the park’s visibility and daily use.

The work is being funded through two Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program grants from the Illinois Department of Transportation totaling more than $2.6 million.

Two-phase project funded by state grants

Phase I of the project is funded by a $2 million ITEP grant awarded in 2021 and includes construction of a 10-foot-wide multi-use path along South Lake Storey Road. Plans for that phase are complete and scheduled for a January IDOT letting, with construction expected to begin and be completed in 2026.

Phase II, funded through a $655,560 ITEP grant awarded in 2023, will extend the path on the north side of the lake to complete the full loop. Plans for that phase are currently under review by IDOT, with construction anticipated in 2027.

Once complete, the continuous path will connect a range of recreational amenities, including soccer and softball fields, beach access, kayak and boat launches, playgrounds, hiking trails, Allison Campground and the Lakeside Water Park and Recreational Facility.

The project will also improve access between Lake Storey Park and Carl Sandburg College, located across the road on the south side of the lake, providing additional walking and biking routes between the campus, nearby housing and the park.

Increased use and planning ahead

The expanded Lake Storey walking and biking path will run alongside South Lake Storey Road, completing a full loop around the lake by 2027.

Mayor Peter Schwartzman said completing the loop represents the culmination of years of planning and incremental improvements at Lake Storey and is expected to change how residents and visitors use the park.

“The extended path will really hug the road, so it will be much more visible than some of the existing sections that run through wooded areas,” Schwartzman said.

He said the completed loop is also expected to draw visitors from outside the community.

“There’s really nothing quite like it within 30 or 40 miles,” Schwartzman said.

“When the loop is complete, you’re going to have more bike traffic, more foot traffic and more people using the park.”
— Mayor Peter Schwartzman

Schwartzman said that while Lake Storey has seen relatively few serious incidents over the years, completing the loop is expected to increase use, prompting the city to think ahead about safety, visibility and monitoring.

The park is officially closed at night, and police patrol the area as part of routine coverage. Schwartzman said city staff will continue to monitor conditions as use increases.

Regional draw and long-term benefit

City Manager Eric Hanson said the completed loop will strengthen Lake Storey’s role as one of Galesburg’s most heavily used public spaces.

“Having the full loop, with city recreational amenities on both sides of the lake and close proximity to the Carl Sandburg College campus and housing, offers positive synergy that will benefit the entire community for years to come,” Hanson said in a statement.

Schwartzman said the project builds on Lake Storey’s existing role as a community gathering place and outdoor destination.

“Lake Storey is already one of our most visited amenities,” he said. “This just builds on that and gives people another reason to use and enjoy it.”