Galva Parks

Galva is home to three municipal parks and host to the Galva Park District, which was annexed by the City in 1968.

The City of Galva's Street Department is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of Washington Park, Wiley Park, and Veteran's Park.

The Galva Park District Board is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of Park District assets (land, buildings and equipment). Even though the City of Galva annexed the Park District in order to provide municipal services such as police and fire protection, and water and sewer connections, the Park District, much like the Galva Library District, is its own taxing authority (jurisdiction).

Galva Park District

Thirty-three acres is ample room for the vast range of amenities the Galva Park District has to offer residents and visitors alike. Stroll into the park down the tree-lined memorial walkway, drive in and park, or park along the street in front of the concession stand if you just want to catch a ball game.

Amenities:

three large pavilions, one small pavilion
two tennis courts and two basketball courts
186,000 gallon heated swimming pool with wading pool
dressing rooms and rest rooms
children's playground
softball diamond, hardball diamond and t-ball diamond
bleachers and concession stand
four horse shoe pits
miniature golf

Washington Park

Originally designated as part of Galva's Industrial Development Area, Washington Park now serves as a buffer between the industrial development to the north and the residential area to the south of the Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad.

At any given time, you will find children at play, family reunions, or other events taking place in the park. Oftentimes, the park is used as a practice area for Galva's many soccer and t-ball teams.

Amenities:

pavilion
basketball hoops
public rest rooms
playground equipment

Wiley Park

Arguably, the City's most popular park for social gatherings and events, beautiful Wiley Park is home to the Galva Car Show, the annual awards banquet for Abilities Plus, the annual Tractor Show, Art Jam, multiple "pancake" events and talent shows, the starting and ending point for the annual 5K run, and, weather permitting, an old fashioned outdoor ice skating rink!

Amenities:

large pavilion
covered stage (for plays and concerts)
disk golf course
public rest rooms
two playgrounds
large open spaces
backstop
three street ball hoops
gazebo
ice skating rink

Veteran's Park

Dedicated to those Galvan's that gave their lives in defense of our freedom, beautiful Veteran's Park provides the perfect balance of landscaped green space to Galva's downtown area.

Home to Galva's renowned "lunch in the park" series and the City's traditional Christmas light display, visitors and residents alike enjoy the repose and sometimes bustle of this Galva landmark.

Amenities:

gazebo
fountain
Santa's house
open picnic area
benches
landscaping
canon
WWI memorial
WWII memorial
Vietnam War memorial
Sgt. Patch memorial
walking path

Sidebar

softball players

Reserve A Park

To reserve a municipal park shelter, or to reserve Veteran's park for a special event: (1) check availability by calling City Hall during normal working hours (M-F 8:00 - 4:30, excluding holidays)

Then (2) read the Rules for reserving and using Galva's municipal parks

And finally (3) fill out a Municipal Park Reservation Application and submit it to City Hall for approval.

Request Picnic Tables

To borrow a picnic table, (1) call city hall at (309) 932 - 2555 during normal working hours with the date you need the table(s) to determine if any are available. If tables are available, (2) fill out a Picnic Table Request Form and turn it in at City Hall along with your deposit.

General Park Rules:

damage to park property is prohibited
alcoholic beverages are prohibited
no firearms or other dangerous weapons are allowed in the park
fires are restricted to grill receptacles
domestic pets must be controlled at all times

Park History

The Galva Park District first opened in the summer of 1966.

Washington Park was originally called "Washington Square."

"College Park" was renamed Wiley Park in 1933.

"Railroad Square," fondly referred to as the "Frog Pond" by early Galvans, was renamed "Central Park" in the 1930s. In 1968, "Central Park" became Veterans Park in recognition of Galva's many veterans.