City commits $50,000 to Grant Park project

Courtest of Galena Gazette
Hillary Dickerson, Editor

GALENA–The city of Galena will commit $50,000–$25,000 for two years–to the Grant Park restoration project.

The city council, during its meeting Monday, Aug. 28, unanimously approved the contribution level, a request from the Galena Foundation, which is set to kick off its fundraising campaign for the project.

This multi-year project is estimated to cost $250,000. In addition to the city, the Galena Foundation has pledged $50,000.

The goal is to raise another $150,000.

The Galena Foundation has already contributed over $70,000 to the project, according to City Administrator Mark Moran.

Considerable progress has been made on the short and long-term projects planned for the historic part, including: new main entrance and upgraded secondary entrances, designated accessible entrance point with defined accessible parking area, pergola and pavilion restoration, reconstruction of elliptical garden and planting beds, erosion management, repair and replacement of concrete sidewalks and concrete surroundings, new playground equipment and improved basketball courts and preservation of Johnson Street, Galena’s last brick street.

“It’s a beautiful park and it’s a city park,” said council member Robert Hahn, giving his support to the city’s contribution.