The City is pleased to announce that water levels at Lake Storey have officially returned to normal, allowing all seasonal recreational activities to fully resume. As previously announced, the lake levels were kept lowered further into the summer season than usual to accommodate the construction of the multi-use walking trail expansion. The contractor successfully reached the required elevation to allow the lake to refill in advance of the expected June 1 deadline. The lake has been steadily refilling since that time, and thanks to recent rainfall, it has officially returned to its normal level.
Trail Project Progress Update
Construction on the trail expansion continues to progress and remains slightly ahead of schedule. Work is expected to continue throughout the summer, and crews are presently focused on installing drainage systems, including box culverts and piping, as well as construction of embankment areas. Once these initial tasks are finalized, work will shift to constructing the path along S. Lake Storey Road, starting from the west end near the intersection with W. Lake Storey Road.
Ultimately, this significant project, funded by two Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) grants from IDOT, will complete the full, seamless loop around Lake Storey by 2027, with the trail on the south side of the lake constructed in 2026 and the remaining portion on the east side of the lake completed in 2027. The finished 10-foot-wide, fully paved path will serve as a unifying recreational artery. It will seamlessly link north-side amenities (including Lake Storey beach, boat launches, soccer fields, and hiking trails) with south-side facilities (including Allison Campground and Lakeside Water Park), while also improving safe pedestrian and bike access to the nearby Carl Sandburg College campus.
Beach & Boat Rental Information
With the lake back at full capacity, swimming at Lake Storey Beach, located at 1572 Machen Drive, and boat rentals are officially open for the season. Lake Storey Beach is an unguarded facility, open daily from 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 pm. through Labor Day. Swimming is permitted in the designated roped-off areas, and locker room facilities are available during beach hours. Boat rentals and concessions are available daily, from noon – 7:00 p.m. Additional details on Lake Storey Beach and Park are available on the City’s website.
***Courtesy of the City of Galesburg***
