Oligney-Estill getting acclimated to Parks and Rec post

Tony Oligney-Estill is the new Parks and Recreation for the City of Galesburg.
He comes previously for Champaign-Urbana where he worked in various leadership roles including supervising pools, ball fields as well and youth and adult recreation.

After about a month on the job he tells Galesburg Morning News on WGIL that he’s reviewing what the department currently offers and what can be done better.

“I don’t want to do a lot of things good,” says Oligney-Still. “I want to do some things great.”

He admits that budget challenges in the state are real right now but no matter how much money a community has it’s vital for people to work together.

Oligney-Estill has already met Knox County YMCA CEO Adam Sampson, GHS Athletic Director Jeff Flater and District 205 Superintendent Ralph Grimm.
He says Galesburg is fortunate to have the facilities that we do.

“For a community this size you guys have so much park land and a ton of facilities for a community this size. And the question is how to utilize them.”

Among the things that got his attention in coming to Galesburg the beauty and opportunities that come with Lake Storey.

But his new post has also come with a few surprises.

“There’s been a couple of random things that I didn’t think any parks and rec person would ever do like the airport and cemeteries.”

Oligney-Estill replaced Larry Cox last who had a 27 year career with the city.

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