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2010 News

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Nebraska's Centennial Mall
12.17.10 Exciting News for a Nebraska Landmark-Centennial Mall

From the Lincoln Journal Star,By Nancy Hicks


Centennial Mall will be transformed from its cracked and fading condition to seven blocks of inviting green space with a tree-lined walkway, stone-veneered seating walls and shooting water displays.


The city has raised about $3 million of the $9 million target, and hopes to begin work on the renovation in spring or summer 2012, members of the Capitol Environs Commission learned Thursday.


The commission, which oversees preservation and enhancement of the area around the Capitol, approved the Centennial Mall master plan concepts at the Thursday meeting. The mall links the Capitol with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to the north.


"Centennial Mall will be finished: This is music to the commission's ears," said Jeff Searcy, commission chairman.


To Read More...

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Sherman Field Forever Campaign
12.10.10 John Sampson Donates $400,000 to Sherman Field Forever Campaign

From the Lincoln Journal Star, By Nancy Hicks


When he was a boy, John Sampson used to ride his bike across town to watch the Lincoln Chiefs play at Sherman Field. And the former catcher played ball on the field for Lincoln High School and for Gary's Sports Shop.


So Sampson, president of Sampson Construction Co., has a soft spot for Sherman Field.


His Lincoln-based company will donate more than $400,000 in labor and materials for renovation work at Sherman Field, said Lynn Johnson, director of the city's Parks and Recreation Department. The donation is among the largest to parks and recreation programs, Johnson said.


To Read More...

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Dedication Ceremony at Pioneers Park
10.6.10 Lincoln Cares Supports Historic Preservation



This October Lincoln Cares an innovative public private partnership that leverages $1 monthly donations from LES customers with private funds matched by the Lincoln Parks Foundation and other private sector supporters provided financial support to establish the historic Hudson Cabin and Heritage School at Pioneers Park.

These are just a few positive examples of how funds are utilized.  For complete program history and a history of community benefits provided please visit www.lincolncares.org

Omaha World Herald Story

Lincoln Journal Star Story

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Veterans Memorial Garden at Antelope Park
06.12.10 Women Airforce Service Pilots Memorial Dedicated


In March, almost 70 years after the fact, the women who served as Women Airforce Service Pilots on the homefront of World War II collected Congressional Gold Medals in ceremonies in Washington, D.C.


Now the 19 Nebraska WASPS, from the ranks of 1,102 American women who roared into the air from 1942 to 1944, have their own stone marker in Lincoln's Veterans Memorial Garden.


Mary Williamson of Omaha, 86 and one of only four living WASPS with Nebraska ties, was on hand Saturday for the dedication.


"I want to thank all my sisters in the sky," Williamson said as she waited for the American flag draped across the monument to be lifted away. "I wish they could be here."


To Read More...

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Graf Family, Parks Foundation, Community Foundation at Union Plaza
05.19.10 Parks Foundation Accepts $600,000 Gift To Union Plaza

Dave Dinsmore beamed as he looked over Antelope Valley from the partially built amphitheater for which his mother's money will pay. "It's tremendous," he said. "I think they hit it out of the park."


 


On Wednesday, Dinsmore and city officials announced a $600,000 gift from the Lincoln Community Foundation, on behalf of the Sheila Dickinson Dinsmore Graf and Burket Graf Fund. The donation to the Lincoln Parks Foundation is the largest in the community foundation's history. It will pay for the outdoor amphitheater and surrounding trails at Union Plaza between 21st and 22nd streets from O to R streets.


 


The money, which makes up about 10 percent of the privately funded portion of the park, also is one of the largest gifts to city parks in many years, Lincoln Parks and Recreation Director Lynn Johnson said. "It's certainly in the top four or five that I can think of. "It's amazing, to be perfectly honest," he said. "It's obviously a huge gift to the park and a huge gift to the community."


 


To Read More...

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Volunteers at the Sunken Gardens
5.15.10 VOLUNTEERS WAKE UP THE BEDS AT SUNKEN GARDENS


The sun peeked in and out of the clouds Saturday morning as about 100 volunteers, trowels in hand, went to work.


Each year, gardening volunteers and staff of the Lincoln Parks and Recreation department plant thousands of annuals in Lincoln's historic garden at 27th and Capitol Parkway.


This year's garden theme is "Power of the Peacock," said Steve Nosal, garden designer for the space. It will feature yellows, blues and greans, like the colors seen in peacock feathers.

To Read More...

2009 News

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Pictured from left are: Susan Larson Rodenburg, parks fundraiser; Sherwin Hudson of BNSF, Lynn Johnson, Director of Lincoln Parks and Recreation; Roger Larson, co-chair of Union Plaza Campaign; Boyd Andrew, BNSF.
12.09 BNSF Gift to Union Plaza

Officials from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Co. (BNSF) recently presented a $30,000 check to the Lincoln Parks Foundation for <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />Union Plaza, a new six-acre urban park being built north of "O" Street between 21st and 22nd Streets. Part of the Antelope Valley Project, Union Plaza is scheduled to open to the public in 2011.


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"Lincoln is fortunate to have so many companies which have a strong tradition of giving back to our community and this gift is a clear example of that commitment," according to Union Plaza Campaign Co-Chair Roger Larson.


 


"Union Plaza is shaping up to be exactly what we envisioned- a beautiful destination landmark in our community that will infuse that area with activity and excitement. The community and corporate support for Union Plaza proves the point that beautiful public spaces are critical to the enhancement of our community's economic development efforts," according to Christie Dionisopoulos, President of the Lincoln Parks Foundation.


 


To Read More...


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11.11.09 The Brick Brigade: Volunteers put Heart & Soul In Veterans Memorial Garden

Ken Orr fell into bricks.


Years ago, the 85-year-old former Air Force mechanic served on a committee that built the China Burma India monument at Lincoln's Veterans Memorial Garden.


It was the World War II theater he served in, running heavy equipment for the Army, building roads and camps, doing the kind of crucial work never immortalized in books or film.


Anyway, Orr helped raise the money for the China Burma India monument in Lincoln.


"I told my wife when that was over, I was done with that kind of work," Orr said.


Except he liked the guys he met while working at the Veterans Memorial Garden. And when he found out they needed a brick chairman, he fell for it.


That was 1999. To Read More...

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11.09 Centennial Mall Plans Create Excitement & Headlines

 


11.09 New Website Launch: Revitalizing Nebraska's Centennial Mall!


 


Nebraska's Centennial Mall Website  Sign up for free newsletter updates, view design ideas, be part of history in the making!


 


11.10.09 Crowd Takes in Plans for Centennial Mall


A bustling crowd showed up at the Scottish Rite Temple on Tuesday to see preliminary plans for a revamped Centennial Mall.


More bustling, perhaps, than the aging mall itself.


But what the crowd saw, its designers say, will reverse the area's blight and create a safer, more vibrant space between the Capitol and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus. To Read More...


 


 


11.08.09 Who will put Centennial Mall Back Together Again?


Cracks run down the rock-encrusted walkways like rivers down a map.


Uneven slabs of concrete pop up along the side. Edges of steps are crumbling, and the fountains no longer function.


Centennial Mall is falling apart.


Stretching from the State Capitol on K Street north to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on R Street, the mall was built in 1967 to mark Nebraska's centennial as a state. It has been home to festivals, marches and, memorably, Bob Kerrey's 1991 announcement of his presidential candidacy.


"It's needed repair for a while now," said Mayor Chris Beutler. "But beyond that I think it can be one of the special gems of the state. It's a sweeping, symbolic vista and connection between the university and the Capitol. It's a lovely space."  To Read More...


 


11.08.09 Don't Miss This Chance on Mall


Nebraskans have an opportunity Tuesday to look over plans for renovating Centennial Mall and to offer their views.


And there's a intriguing plus.


The event is being held in the Scottish Rite Temple, local lodge of the ancient, mysterious fraternal Freemason organization featured in "The Lost Symbol," latest thriller by Dan Brown, author of "The DaVinci Code."


"Most people living in this town have never been in there," said JoAnne Kissel, leader of the Centennial Mall design team. "It's a fabulous space."


The temple is at 332 Centennial Mall South. The open house on the renovation plans is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m.


It's been evident for years - decades, actually - that the mall was in need of renovation and redesign.  To Read More...

9.18.09 Dinner Supports New Tree Program

Read about the Lincoln Parks Foundation's annual signature event, Night At the Gardens, and the New Tree Legacy Program in the Neighborhood Extra

9.17.09 Public Gardens Internship to be offered to Horticulture Student

The soil at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Agronomy and Horticulture Department isn't the only thing that's rich, thanks to a donation from the Kenneth J. Good estate. The financial present was one of three gifts used to fund park projects in Lincoln.

Good was a UNL graduate who died in July 2008 at age 92. He had a bachelor's degree in agricultural sciences and worked in the city as a soil scientist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil and Conservation Service.


The $162,000 contribution to the horticulture department will establish a Public Gardens Internship, granting one student per year a paid internship.


During the internship, the chosen student will help research, design, install and maintain public gardens.


Read the Full Story in the Daily Nebraskan

9.10.09 Park Foundation Announces Three Signifigant Gifts & New Tree Legacy Program

Mayor Chris Beutler and the Lincoln Parks Foundation today announced that three significant gifts from the Kenneth J. Good estate will be used to fund two new program initiatives and a key amenity in Union Plaza.  Good passed away in July 2008 at the age of 92.  He was a UNL graduate who had a 31-year career as a soil scientist with the USDA Soil and Conservation Service in Lincoln.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />


 "Mr. Good had a passion for parks, trees, and gardens, and these gifts will enable us to share his passion with future generations," said Mayor Beutler.  "We are pleased that he recognized our excellent parks system and chose to support it in this way.  His generosity is an inspiration to all of us, and we will work to find ways to leverage his gifts with other private and public resources while protecting Mr. Good's intent and wishes."   For More Information...

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Mayor Chris Beutler announced the Lincoln Parks Foundation is the new matching sponsor. Pictured from left are: Lynn Johnson, Lincoln Parks and Recreation Director; Christie Dionisopoulos, Lincoln Parks Foundation; Ann Shrewsbury of Time Warner Cable; Todd Hall, Lincoln Electric System; and Mayor Chris Beutler.
2.26.09 Lincoln Parks Foundation Joins Lincoln Cares Partnership

Mayor Chris Beutler today announced that the Lincoln Parks Foundation has become the newest matching sponsor for the Lincoln Cares, a program which allows Lincoln Electric System (LES) customers to voluntarily add one dollar to their bill payments each month for projects not included in the City budget.   

Lincoln Parks Foundation will provide a 50-cent match for every dollar contributed, up to $15,000, for the next year. The Foundation joins Time Warner Cable (TWC), which is in its second year of sponsorship.  TWC will provide $30,000 in matching dollars and another $30,000 for on-air promotion of Lincoln Cares. 

"Lincoln Cares is a perfect fit for the mission of the Lincoln Parks Foundation, which is to provide funds to help enhance our parks and recreation opportunities above and beyond what the City should budget for each year," said Christie Dionisopoulos, President of the Lincoln Parks Foundation.  "As Lincoln grows, so do the demands on our parks system. We believe strongly that Lincoln parks and recreation programs and facilities are fundamental to our community and we are excited to be a new partner with Lincoln Cares." 

To Read More...

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.
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.

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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...
2740 A Street, Box 201, Lincoln, NE 68502 - (402) 441-8258