2008 NEWS
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11.1.08
LINCOLN PARKS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES UNION PLAZA TIMELESS TILES PROGRAM
The Lincoln Parks Foundation has announced a new program to give people a unique opportunity to support Union Plaza, soon to be Lincoln's newest park at 21st and O Streets.
The Union Plaza Timeless Tiles program allows people to purchase an inscribed, handcrafted tile in honor or memory of a loved one, friend or a special event such as an anniversary, birthday or wedding. The tiles will be placed on one of the colored terraced walls in Union Plaza when it is built in 2011. The cost of each tile is $250.
Lincoln artist Su Harvey of Prairie Mile Tileworks will design and create the tiles. Measuring six inches square, each tile is hand-molded, lettered and stained, making it a unique and special piece of artwork.
"The Lincoln Parks Foundation is excited to offer the Timeless Tiles program to the Lincoln community. It is truly a timeless way to honor a special someone or an event, just in time for the holidays," said Christie Dionisopoulos, President of the Lincoln Parks Foundation.
All donors will receive a commemorative certificate suitable for framing that can be presented to the honoree or honoree's family and a special lapel pin.
In March, the Lincoln Parks Foundation announced a $4.6 million campaign to build Union Plaza and take care of it forever. Located between 21st and 22nd Streets and "O" and "R" Streets, this six-acre park will include four water features, a festival space, a new train connection, artwork, a children's play area, a pond plaza, outdoor plaza seating, a scenic overlook and an outdoor amphitheater.
Proceeds from the Union Plaza Timeless Tile program will support the campaign and the city's entire park system, Dionisopoulos said.
Order forms are available online at www.lincolnparks.org For more information about Union Plaza or the Lincoln Parks Foundation, visit the website or call: 402-441-8258.
Click here to view the Timeless Tiles order form.
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| Mayor Chris and Judy Beutler greet Harley and Shirley Bair at the Lincoln Parks Foundation's 2008 Night at the Gardens event on Sept. 4. At the dinner, it was announced that the Bairs are donating $100,000 to Union Plaza. |
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9.4.08
LINCOLN PARKS FOUNDATION HOSTS "A NIGHT AT THE GARDENS" FUNDRAISING EVENT
On September 4th--a truly perfect late summer evening--300 Lincoln Parks Foundation supporters dined under a big white tent at Antelope Park to celebrate the completion of the beautiful Hamann Rose Garden and to show their support of the Union Plaza campaign. The Lightning Bugs entertained guests as they strolled through the adjacent Hamann Rose Garden, before sitting down to a buffet dinner created by Premiere Catering. Foundation President Christie Dionisopoulos welcomed guests and thanked them for their generous support before introducing Lynn Johnson, Parks and Recreation Director. Honorary Trustee Roger Dodson closed the remarks and invited guests to enjoy dessert, coffee and music by the Darryl White Jazz Trio across 27th Street in the Sunken Gardens.
Click here to view the layouot of the above article, featured in Lincoln's "L Magazine."
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3.13.08
MAYOR, LINCOLN PARKS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES PARK CAMPAIGN
Union Bank and Trust makes historic gift to community
Mayor Chris Beutler today announced that the new park planned as part of the Antelope Valley Project will be named Union Plaza to recognize a $1.5 million gift from Union Bank and Trust Company. The park will be built along the new waterway in six-acre area between 21st, 22nd, "O" and "R" streets.
"As the largest financial donation our park system has ever received, Union Bank's gift is historic," said Mayor Beutler. "Union Plaza will be like no other park in Lincoln with its fountains, trail connections, amphitheater and other special features. And the park will benefit future generations in many other ways. We believe Union Plaza will attract businesses to the edges of the park, helping to expand our tax base and create more opportunities for growth in Lincoln."
"Lincoln is the headquarters for Union Bank and Trust Company, and the vast majority of our associates live here," said Angie Muhleisen, President and CEO of Union Bank and Trust Company. "On behalf of the ownership and associates of Union Bank, we are very excited to present this gift for Union Plaza. We have a strong desire to give back to the City that has allowed our bank to be so successful. Union Plaza is a unique opportunity to beautify our City and will be a gift to our City that all individuals and families will enjoy for generations to come."
Union Plaza is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2010. It will include four water features, play areas, an outdoor amphitheater, a scenic overlook, new trail connections, educational opportunities, a pond plaza, festival areas and art sculptures.
The total cost of the park is $7.9 million. The City of Lincoln has committed $3.3 million primarily from keno revenue. The Lincoln Parks Foundation, with the help of the 2015 Vision group, will lead a community campaign to raise the remaining $4.6 million needed to finish the park and provide an endowment for maintenance. Mike Seacrest has volunteered to be the campaign's honorary chair, and co-chairs are Roger Larson, Patty Pansing Brooks and T.J. McDowell.
"Union Plaza is a unique opportunity to move forward the 2015 Vision for our community," said Larson. "With the generosity of Union Bank and other commitments we've received to date, we are happy to announce that we more than halfway to our goal of $4.6 million."
"We believe Union Plaza will be a jewel for this neighborhood and our entire community. The name Union Plaza is appropriate because it will be a coming together place for all of Lincoln's residents," said McDowell, who also is Executive Director of the Malone Community Center, just north of Union Plaza.
"I am excited about the opportunity that Union Plaza provides to collaborate and connect with so many facets of our community," said Pansing Brooks. "Union Plaza will be a discovery place for people of all ages to learn about the important resources which enrich our State and to celebrate Lincoln, our City that sparkles."
The Lincoln Parks Foundation has committed $75,000 to the Union Plaza campaign. "Through this community campaign, we want to give everyone a chance to be involved," said Christie Dionisopoulos, President of the Lincoln Parks Foundation. "No donation is too big or too small. And, all who donate to this special project receive a charter membership to the Friends of Lincoln's Parks organization, dedicated to enhancing our City Parks and Recreation system. This organization will continue after the campaign and will help us build an endowment to take care of every park in our community."
Lincoln Parks and Recreation Director Lynn Johnson said Union Plaza is part of a generation of new urban parks being created across the country.
"Cities around the world are recognizing the social, economic, environmental and health benefits of urban park projects," he said. "We believe Union Plaza will provide that and greatly enhance our parks system in Lincoln. We've truly appreciated the interest, enthusiasm and participation from the many agencies and organizations which have assisted in making Union Plaza a very special place of discovery and celebration of the joys of being outdoors."
The initial planning work on the park by Parsons Brinckerhoff, Olsson Associates and Erickson Sullivan Architects received an Award of Excellence in 2001 from the American Society of Landscape Architects Great Plains Chapter. The Clark Enersen Partners joined the design team in 2006.
The Antelope Valley Project is a partnership among the City, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District. It will provide flood control, traffic improvements and community revitalization in the heart of the City. More information is available on the City Web site at lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: antelope).
More information about Union Plaza is available at www.LincolnUnionPlaza.org or by calling the Lincoln Parks Foundation at: 441-8258.
2007 NEWS
FEBRUARY 2, 2007
NEW PROJECTS FOR LINCOLN CARES
Mayor Coleen J. Seng announced the projects to be funded by Lincoln Cares in 2007. It's fifth year in existance, Lincoln Cares will help fund eight projects. Read Full Story....
April 29, 2007
Mayor Unveils 'Water Playground' for Trago Park
A unique water playground will be proposed as a part of the Trago Park master plan. Read Full Story....
May 6, 2007
Procedural Move to Sharpen Resolve for City's Pools
The Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department is planning a shift in general policy regarding aquatic facilities. Read Full Story....
June 12, 2007
Lincoln Parks Foundation Wins Environmental Award
On Tuesday, June 5, Mayor Chris Buetler presented the Lincoln Parks Foundation with a Lincoln-Lancaster County Environmental Award at the awards luncheon held at the Nebraska Champions Club.
The Lincoln Parks Foundation was recognized for their efforts in clean-up/beautification; improvement in the area's visual quality.
September 26 2007
Alltel Wireless invites Lincoln residents to vote for charity projects with ‘My Community, My Choice' challenge
Customers can text to enter their votes for project of their choice; Alltel to provide funding for three local charitable initiatives
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Alltel Wireless, America's largest network with coverage across the nation, proudly announced today the "My Community, My Choice" challenge. Over the next 30 days, Lincoln residents are encouraged to vote for three worthy charitable initiatives that Alltel Wireless will fund in the Lincoln area. The organization that receives the most votes submitted via text message and online, will receive a donation of $25,000 worth of supplies and materials. Alltel will provide a $10,000 donation for each of the other two projects.
The charities participating include the Food Bank of Lincoln, distributing food to over 180 non-profit programs in 16 southeastern Nebraska counties; the Lincoln-Lancaster County Habitat for Humanity, providing residents in need with affordable housing; and the Lincoln Parks Foundation, maintaining trails, parks, gardens, pools and trees throughout Lincoln.
November 9, 2007
Lincoln Parks Foundation Wins "My Community, My Choice" Challenge
In a fall 2007 Alltel wireless promotion, "Our Community, Our Choice," the Lincoln Parks Foundation won $15,000 after receiving the greatest number of votes from Alltel customers, edging out Lincoln-Lancaster County Habitat for Humanity and The Lincoln Food Bank, two very strong nonprofits in the area. In addition, all three charities received $10,000 worth of supplies for their organization.
The Lincoln Parks Foundation received $10,000 worth of park benches, trees, picnic tables and more, as well as the $15,000 check from Alltel.
"Everyone at the Lincoln Parks Foundation would like to thank Alltel Wireless for the generous donation and to thank the community for their continued support," said Lynn Johnson, Director of the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department. "The Lincoln Parks Foundation helps ensure the continued development and betterment of the quality parks and recreational system in our community."
2006 NEWS
January 4, 2006
City Council talks financial priorities
Lincoln City Council members reviewed their budget priorities for the upcoming year with Mayor Seng. Seng started the conversation, saying she hopes the budget can be balanced without raising property taxes. At one point, it was suggested to sell naming rights to trails and parks in Lincoln. Read Full Story....
February 27, 2006
Council Asked to put bond issue before voters
The Parks and Recreation Department is proposing a bond issue be added to the May 9, 2006 primary election ballot. The $2.7m bond issue is to purchase and preserve green space along the South Beltway. Read Full Story....
March 15, 2006
Group Forms to Push parks bond
"Vote for Lincoln's Parks" has formed to generate support for the May 9, 2006 bond issue. Co-chaired by former Mayor Helen Boosalis and retired Cornhusker Bank Vice-President Jim Mastera, they are promoting a yes vote. Read Full Story....
April 21, 2006
Sunken Gardens project wins award
As a part of National Community Development Week, Gov. Dave Heineman presented the Sunken Gardens with the Metropolitan Award. Awards were presented for efforts by communities for economic development and community revitalization. Read Full Story....
May 7, 2006
Lincoln's Bike Trails getting updates
Getting across Lincoln by trail will get easier in coming years as key connectors are built. Many segments have been added to existing trails in recent months and five more are scheduled for construction this year. Read Full Story....
May 13, 2006
Plan would improve rose garden
Fundraising to renovate the Antelope Park Rose Garden has begun. The Lincoln Rose Society has started the $350,000 campaign to re-create the garden in the 27th and Capitol Parkway area as a scenic spot, reflecting its history. Read Full Story....
May 25, 2006
Memorials are an avenue of remembrance
Memorials are a nice way to honor someone and many local establishments have memorial programs. The Parks Department feels that memorials add to existing amenities and offerings in city parks. Read Full Story....
May 27, 2006
How to Create a Memorial
Many local organizations have memorial programs, but as with most things, there are rules to follow. The Parks Department has a suggested list of memorials to use as a guide. Read Full Story....
June 2, 2006
Skate park proposal gains ground
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board approved the plan to build an in-ground concrete skate park in Lincoln. The proposed park would be on land east of Star City Shores near 33rd and Highway 2. Read Full Story....
July 13, 2006
City Golf Courses, Woods Tennis Center to Receive AEDs
The Lincoln Parks Foundation helped coordinate the purchase of AEDs for the five municipal golf courses and the Woods Park Tennis Center. Read Full Story....
August 15, 2006
New Trail Takes Shape
Work is nearing completion on the newest Southwest Lincoln trail, Jamaica North. The 6.5 mile long trail should be open in October. Read Full Story....
November 15, 2006
Volunteers Offer Safety on Bridges
Volunteers from Pfizer and Lincoln Plating and members of the Great Plains Trails Network worked on bridges on new Jamaica North Trail. Read Full Story....
November 16, 2006
Parks Department Looking for Photos
Lincoln Parks & Recreation is looking for photos of the WWI Memorial Dedication Program from 1923. Read Full Story....
December 19, 2006
Parks Board Votes To Allow Alcohol in some city parks
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recently voted to allow alcohol in some city parks. Next month, the board will go before City Council. Read Full Story....
December 22, 2006
Restoration Work Continues in Wilderness Park
As part of restoration efforts in Wilderness Park, the Parks and Recreation Department is working again this winter. Read Full Story....
2005 NEWS
June 2, 2005
With purchase, park expansion complete
The Lincoln Parks Foundation acquired a 230 acre piece of rare native prairie just west of Pioneers Park. The Parks and Recreation Department plans to preserve and manage the area by encouraging native plant growth and grazing herds of buffalo and elk. Read Full Story....
June 23, 2005
Park Teen Center opens doors
In what once was a 2,700 square foot storage space, a new Teen Center is located at Park Middle School. Serving as a place for neighborhood middle school students to hang out before and after school, as well as during the summer, it is equipped with a computer lab, a kitchenette, game tables, meeting rooms and more. Read Full Story....
July 25, 2005
Cupid to fly again
The cupid fountain in the Antelope Rose Garden was destroyed and a $3000 reward is being offered for any information. Demolished beyond repair, a replacement statue has been found -- a bronze Italian Baroque Cherub holding a fish. Lynn Johnson, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department, said that the people have been tremendously supportive of efforts to end vandalism. Read Full Story....
August 9, 2005
Public digs into budget
Citizens for Quality Parks and Trails, a diverse group of Lincoln residents, are concerned about the amount spent each year to maintain park facilities. The group made its public debut during a public hearing on the proposed 2005-06 budget. Read Full Story....
November 11, 2005
Highway 2 trail to be renamed for Helen Boosalis
The Highway 2 Trail, running from 17th to 56th Street on the north side of the highway, will be renamed the Helen Boosalis Trail. Mayor Seng noted how she "initiated the development of our trail system with construction of the Billy Wolff Trail along Antelope Creek." Read Full Story....
DECEMBER 1, 2005
Mayor Accepts Deed to Prairie Near Pioneers Park
Mayor Coleen J. Seng today accepted the deed to 230 acres of rare, native prairie land west of Pioneers Park from the Lincoln Parks Foundation. Read More...
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