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Galesburg District 205 Approves $1.8M Bednar Complex Upgrades
New concessions, restrooms, and bleachers coming to baseball and softball fields
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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The Galesburg District 205 Board of Education has approved a $1.796 million construction bid to bring major upgrades to the Chuck Bednar Complex, including new bleachers, an enclosed press box, and a new concession and restroom facility serving both the baseball and softball fields. The project is part of a multi-year effort to improve district facilities funded by a 1-cent sales tax.
Why it matters
The Bednar Complex upgrades address long-standing issues with the aging and substandard facilities at the baseball and softball fields, which have drawn complaints from spectators for years. The improvements will enhance the fan experience and support the district's ability to host summer tournaments and IHSA events.
The details
The project includes a new concession and restroom facility that will replace bathrooms described as being in "very substandard condition" and have likely been in place for close to 60 years. The new structure will include restrooms, a concession area, storage space, and a ticketing area. New bleachers at the baseball field will expand seating from 200 to 300, with an optional enclosed press box. The district had budgeted $2 million for the project and was pleased the winning bid from Valley Commercial Construction came in below that at $1.796 million.
- The special meeting to approve the construction bid is scheduled for 4:45 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026.
- All work must be substantially complete by November 13, 2026.
The players
Galesburg District 205
The public school district serving the Galesburg, Illinois area.
Valley Commercial Construction
The construction firm awarded the $1.796 million contract for the Bednar Complex upgrades.
John Asplund
The superintendent of Galesburg District 205.
Legat Architects
The architectural firm that managed the bidding process for the Bednar Complex project.
Counsilman-Hunsaker
A St. Louis-based aquatics consulting firm hired to assess needed repairs to the district's Mustain Pool.
What they’re saying
“We had budgeted $2 million for the project and it came in considerably below that.”
— John Asplund, Superintendent (wgil.com)
“If anybody that's ever been out to a baseball game in the last 15 years would know, the bathrooms out there are in very substandard condition. We've heard lots of concerns from spectators on that since I've been here.”
— John Asplund, Superintendent (wgil.com)
“I think it's pushing 60 years old. I think it's time for new ones.”
— John Asplund, Superintendent (wgil.com)
What’s next
The Galesburg District 205 Board of Education will vote on the construction bid and other agenda items at their special meeting on Monday, February 23, 2026.
The takeaway
These long-overdue upgrades to the Bednar Complex will significantly improve the fan experience and support the district's ability to host high-profile sporting events, demonstrating the district's commitment to investing in its facilities and providing quality athletic experiences for students and the community.
