Lincoln Parks Foundation Joins Plant it Pink Campaign

11.15.11 Plant It Pink

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Mike Lefler, Director of Communications, Nebraska Region American Cancer Society

Phone: (402) 423-4893, ext. 4104 Email: Mike.Lefler@cancer.org

Lincoln Parks Foundation Participates in

Plant It Pink Campaign

Lincoln, NE- The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and the Lincoln Parks Foundation are pleased to announce a partnership to promote the annual Plant It Pink campaign.  The Lincoln Parks Foundation has purchased tulips from this highly successful program that will be planted this fall in one of Lincoln's most beloved public spaces, the Sunken Gardens at 27^th & Capital Parkway. Spring visitors will enjoy a bed of pink tulips in support of breast cancer awareness in addition to the traditional springtime display.

"The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network values the support of the Lincoln Parks Foundation," said David Holmquist, Director of Government Relations for The American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network. "We appreciate the opportunity to partner with other well respected community organizations to spread awareness about breast cancer and all other types of cancer."

 "The Lincoln Parks Foundation is excited to support a worthy cause that will enhance the grandeur and beauty of the Sunken Gardens," Liz Lange, Board President Lincoln Parks Foundation.

The Plant it Pink campaign sells pink tulips bulbs to raise funds for outreach efforts that will help create and pass beneficial cancer legislation on the local and national levels.  For more information or to purchase pink tulips through November 2011 please contact Matt Prokop at 402-423-4893 ext. 4110 or matt.prokop@cancer.org.

About the American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network: ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit www.acscan.org.

About the Lincoln Parks Foundation Established in 1992, the Lincoln Parks Foundation secures and manages time, treasure, and talent resources for the betterment of Lincoln's parks and recreation facilities and programs. As a private 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization we work in partnership with the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department. Successful campaigns include the $1.7 million Sunken Gardens Renovation, $350,000 Hamann Rose Garden Renovation, $4.75 million Union Plaza campaign and other land acquisitions and program support. For more information please visit www.lincolnparks.org

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State Farm Presents Grant at Belmont Rec Center

10.17.11 State Farm Grant Supports Parker Pals Scholarships

Lincoln, NE-- State Farm will present a $10,000 grant to the Lincoln Parks Foundation Monday to help local children take part in enrichment programs such as swimming lessons, day camps, sports programs and other recreational activities they might not otherwise be able to afford.

The Parker Pals Scholarship Program provides financial support to help economically disadvantaged families enroll their children in programming offered through the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department. Almost 1, 900 children utilized this program in 2010. For example, 382 children were able to access swimming lessons, 17 children were able to join swim/dive league, 1,064 children utilized free or reduced fee pool admissions, 5 children utilized scholarships for summer, day or after school programs at the Rec Centers, and 460 kids and adults were able to participate in the developmental play program at Ager Indoor Play Center. Belmont's Before/After School & Kids Day Off programs are among the many opportunities for Lincoln children supported in part by Parker Pals scholarships.

"State Farm actively supports efforts to give children access to activities that will help them achieve their greatest potential," said Vice President of Operations Dean Van Loon. "Helping Lincoln's school age children take part in programs where they will thrive ultimately builds a more vibrant community."

"Participation in quality programming such as that offered by the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department helps young people develop mentally and physically and achieve greater success at school and at home," said Liz Lange, Board President of the Lincoln Parks Foundation.

"We are grateful to State Farm and its employees for this significant donation.  This donation will ensure many more Lincoln families can access quality before and after school programs during tough economic times. We have received countless reports that many families would not otherwise be able to use these programs without these scholarship funds which make a real difference in many Lincoln kids lives," said Lynn Johnson, Director Lincoln Parks & Recreation Department.

About State Farm®:
State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 17,800 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts -- more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 37 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com or in Canada http://www.statefarm.ca.

About the Lincoln Parks Foundation Established in 1992, the Lincoln Parks Foundation secures and manages time, treasure, and talent resources for the betterment of Lincoln's parks and recreation facilities and programs. As a private 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization we work in partnership with the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department. Successful campaigns include the $1.7 million Sunken Gardens Renovation, $350,000 Hamann Rose Garden Renovation, $4.75 million Union Plaza campaign and other land acquisitions and program support. For more information please visit www.lincolnparks.org

9.23.11 Plant A Tree For All The Right Reasons Lincoln Tree Week - September 26-October 1, 2011

Contacts: Lynn Johnson, Lincoln Parks & Recreation 402-441-7847 ljohnson@lincoln.ne.gov or Luann Finke, Finke Gardens 402-466-1995 luann@finkegardens.com or Liz Lange, Lincoln Parks Foundation 402-441-8258 director@lincolnparks.org

Lincoln, NE-Fall is a great time to plant trees and as part of a week long effort to promote tree planting, community volunteerism, and the continued grandeur of our city's urban forest; a unique public private partnership has been developed to coordinate awareness and hands on activity. The partnership is truly a public-private endeavor that includes the Lincoln Parks & Recreation Department, Finke Gardens, and the Lincoln Parks Foundation. "Lincoln citizens recognize that tree planting is an important component in the cultivation of our city's urban forest.  Our hope is that by establishing a series of events this fall, tree planting and the corresponding moral, educational, and conservation benefits will positively impact our great community," Luann Finke of Finke Gardens.

In addressing the timing and need for this project Lynn Johnson, Director of the Lincoln Parks & Recreation Department noted, "This effort is more important than ever due to budget cuts which have resulted in the replacement of only 1 of 5 city trees and because it provides targeted assistance to our mature neighborhoods that were drastically affected by summer storm damage. I urge the public to join us at our special events this week because each person and each tree can make a positive difference."

The events include:

September 27, 2011 at 6:00 pm Reception & Tree Planting Demonstration at Finke Gardens

Join other Lincoln citizens to learn about a new program to replace damaged street trees in your neighborhood. Participants may be eligible to receive a $50 street tree voucher matched with $50 from the Lincoln Parks Foundation, and Finke Gardens will plant this qualifying street tree for free during the month of October 2011.  No registration necessary.  Everyone is welcome whether you've lost a tree in the summer storms or just want to find out more about trees. A great hands on learning opportunity to ensure tree success and learn insider tips and tricks. Refreshments provided. To learn more please visit Finke Gardens.

October 1, 2011 at 8:30 am Tree planting event at Pioneers Park Volunteers are needed to help rebuild our urban forest. Wear comfortable clothing and come ready to lend a hand.  200 trees will be planted in one of our community's most beloved public spaces.  Refreshments provided. To learn more please visit Tree Week.

"If you are unable to join us for these special events please remember that planting trees can be a beautiful way to commemorate birthdays, anniversaries, memorials, or to rebuild your neighborhood. The Lincoln Parks Foundation has mini grants and a Legacy Tree program to accommodate these activities," added Liz Lange, Board President Lincoln Parks Foundation.  To learn more please visit: www.lincolnparks.org

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	Mayor Chris Beutler

7.29.11 Lincoln Cares Celebrates Completed Projects

Mayor Chris Beutler announced today that three more Parks and Recreation projects have been completed with funds from Lincoln Cares, a community donation program which allows Lincoln Electric System (LES) customers to voluntarily add one dollar to their monthly bill payments for projects not included in the City budget. The projects are Smoke Signal restoration in Pioneers Park, Witherbee Park enhancement and the solar-heated pool demonstration project at Woods Pool.

"Since Lincoln Cares began eight years ago, LES customers have donated more than $577,000 through this public-private partnership," said Beutler. "Direct donations, partnerships and matching funds have raised the total to more than a million dollars. This has had a huge impact on our Parks system and has added to the quality of life for everyone in our community."

Donate to Lincoln Cares Today!

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6.15.11 Neighborhood Park Mini Grants Still Available for Volunteers

The Lincoln Parks Foundation's Board of Directors announced that the deadline for Neighborhood Park Mini Grants has been extended.  Mini grants are perfect for neighborhood associations, service clubs, youth groups, and others. Awards will be distributed until program resources are depleted.

A good example of an approved mini grant was featured in the Lincoln Journal Star this week. A group of neighbors have committed volunteer efforts to mowing Rudge Memorial Park and taking care of other maintenance tasks. The Lincoln Parks Foundation is providing financial assistance for gas and other supplies.

Lincoln is the proud home of 125 neighborhood parks and 128 miles of trails which are important to our strong quality of life. Families and individuals of every age and from each section of our City's diverse neighborhood tapestry enjoy spending time in our beautiful public spaces for entertainment, recreation, and wellness.  The mini-grant program was established to encourage volunteer efforts within the park and recreation system. Participants will receive recognition and will be invited to enjoy an end of the season volunteer appreciation party. Mini grants are made possible thanks to the generosity of our private donors and the Friends of Lincoln Parks. 

To learn more about program and access application forms please visit www.lincolnparks.org or call 402-441-8258.

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Tree Planting Ceremony-Fall 2010

January 2011-Legacy Tree Program a Success

Contacts:  Liz Lange, 402-890-2865, lange.liz@gmail.com or Lynn Johnson, 402-441-7847, ljohnson@lincoln.ne.gov

Inaugural Success for Legacy Tree Program -124 Trees Planted In 2010

Lincoln, NE- The Lincoln Parks Foundation announced that in the first year of its establishment the Legacy Tree Program has proven to be a popular program among the community and an effective public private partnership for enhancement of our urban forest. The Lincoln Parks & Recreation Department is responsible for the care and maintenance of over 130,000 street and park trees in our community. 124 trees were planted city wide thanks to private donations. Trees planted include, 5 Burr Oaks at Antelope Park, 3 Swamp White Oaks at Bowling Lake, 3 Freeman Sienna Glen Maple at Larsen Park, 33 Colorado Spruce at Mahoney Park, 25 Colorado Spruce at Oak Lake, 25 Colorado Spruce throughout the Southeast Park District, and 7 Colorado Spruce at Woods Park.

"Every year the Lincoln Parks Foundation is contacted by individuals and groups who want to donate trees in the parks system for someone they want to honor," said Liz Lange, President of the Lincoln Parks Foundation.  "At the same time, the Parks Department has realistic limitations for this work because of economic conditions. Through this innovative public private partnership citizens can purchase living legacies and we can assist with the efficient use of city resources and tax dollars."

Legacy Tree Groves were established in 2010 and initial infrastructure costs were funded by a generous gift from the Kenneth J. Good Environmental Enhancement Fund at the Lincoln Community Foundation. Additional support for the program was made possible thanks to matching grants from the Kenneth J. Good Endowed Fund and the Marjorie Barstow Endowed Fund at the Lincoln Community Foundation.

The Legacy Tree Program encourages members of the public to purchase trees as special gifts for loved ones, to provide an opportunity for donors that want to support our urban forest, or as memorials.  The initial two tree groves will be established at Mahoney Park and Antelope Park.  A tree planting ceremony is held at the Antelope Park grove each fall and at the Mahoney Park grove each spring. Interested individuals can purchase memorial trees at the $100, $250, and $500 levels and will receive varying levels of onsite recognition for those gifts.  For more information about the Legacy Tree Program or the Lincoln Parks Foundation please visit: www.lincolnparks.org

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January 2011-Lincoln Parks Foundation Elects New Leadership

Contact:  Liz Lange, 402-890-2865, lange.liz@gmail.com or

Lynn Johnson, 402-441-7847, ljohnson@lincoln.ne.gov

Lincoln, NE-Liz Lange, Director of Foundation Relations at the University of Nebraska Foundation, has been elected President of the Lincoln Parks Foundation Board of Directors. She succeeds Christie Dionisopoulos, who served as President from 2008-2010. Christie will remain an active member of the Board of Directors and its Executive Committee in her new role as Past President.

Other officers elected are Vice Chair, Andy Kafka of Union Bank & Trust, Secretary, Heather Keele of Unthank Design Group, and Bill Woito, retired, continuing in the office of Treasurer. Newly elected members of the Board of Directors are C.M. "Beech" Dale of the Veterans Memorial Garden Advisory Council, Don Day of Olsson and Associates, Angelene Hennes of State Farm, Austin McKillip of Cline Williams, Steve Nosal of the Lincoln Parks & Recreation Department, Gordon Quitmeyer of UNL, and Ray Stevens, former Lancaster County Commissioner.

Returning members of the Board of Directors include Bill Blake, Dwight Brown, Jordan Dowdy, Lynn Johnson, Orville Jones, Bob Northrup, Mark Whitehead, and Patti Wubbels. Directors are strongly committed to the Foundation's mission and actively promote its activities. 

The Lincoln Parks Foundation has also elected new members of its Board of Trustees including; Rich & Luann Finke of Finke Gardens & Nursery, Vicki Huff of Union Bank, Jean Jennings of the Kinder Porter Scott Foundation, Roger Larson of SLR Communications, and Patty Pansing Brooks of Brooks, Pansing-Brooks, LLC. Trustees are selected by virtue of their demonstrated interest in maintaining and improving the high quality of Lincoln's Parks and Recreation system, their integrity, and fine reputations within the community.            

The Lincoln Parks Foundation, established in 1992, secures and manages time, treasure, and talent resources for the betterment of Lincoln's parks and recreation facilities and programs and is a recognized 501(c) 3 organization. Lincoln has an award winning parks and recreation system including 125 parks, 128 miles of trails, 10 pools, 5 recreation centers, and 5 public golf courses. Past successful campaigns include a $1.7 million renovation of the Sunken Gardens in 2005, a $350,00 renovation of the Antelope Park Rose Garden in 2008, and a $4.75 million capital campaign for Lincoln's newest urban park, Union Plaza, opening summer 2011. For more information please visit: www.lincolnparks.org

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May 19 2010 Union Plaza Receives $600,000 Gift

Lincoln Community Foundation makes largest gift in history on behalf of Grafs

Mayor Chris Beutler and the Lincoln Parks Foundation today announced a $600,000 gift to Union Plaza from the Lincoln Community Foundation on behalf of the Sheila Dickinson Dinsmore Graf and Burket Graf Fund. The funds will be used to build the park's outdoor amphitheater and surrounding trails.

"The Grafs generosity toward the City of Lincoln is inspiring," said Mayor Chris Beutler. "It's also an indication of the strength of our parks system and the community support for our parks. We understand the importance of parks in both our quality of life and our economic development efforts. We will continue to work diligently to find ways to leverage private resources with public dollars whenever possible to create lasting legacies." To Read More...

February 11 2010 Mayor Announces New Lincoln Cares Projects

Mayor welcomes media sponsors

Mayor Chris Beutler today announced that the Lincoln Cares program will help fund 10 projects and programs across the community in 2010. Lincoln Cares is a community donation 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.

The Mayor made the announcement at the Prairie Building at Pioneers Park Nature Center, the new home of Heritage School and the proposed new home for the Hudson Cabin. Endowments for the two buildings that were part of Heritage Village at State Fair Park are on the new Lincoln Cares funding list. The 2010 projects also include an endowment for animal care at Pioneers Park.

Other new projects are Sherman Field support facilities; the Great Plains Trails Center at Union Plaza; the Trago Park Shelter; the Belmont Park Natural Play Area; solar lighting for Lewis Field and Tierra Park; and park and playground improvements at Elliott School, Antelope Park and Antelope Valley Trail. To read more...

September 9 2009 Three Gifts From Good Estate to Benefit Parks Projects

THREE GIFTS FROM KENNETH J. GOOD ESTATE TO FUND PARKS PROJECTS 

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.

 "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."

The first gift will establish a Public Gardens Internship, endowed through the Good estate in the amount of $162,000.  This endowment will be managed by the Lincoln Parks Foundation.  The Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the University of Nebraska Horticulture Department will select and supervise an annual paid internship for one student to receive hands on training in the development and management of public gardens.

"This gift from Mr. Good will benefit not only aspiring horticulturalists, but all those who enjoy our public gardens in Lincoln and beyond," said Lynn Johnson, Director of the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department.

The second gift will establish the Tree Legacy Program.  The Kenneth J. Good Environmental Enhancement Fund at the Lincoln Community Foundation will fund the initial infrastructure costs to create memorial tree groves across Lincoln.  The public will be able to purchase trees as memorials to loved ones.  The initial two tree legacy groves will be built at Mahoney Park and Antelope Park.  "The gift from the Good estate will help us create the appropriate amenities to provide a place of serenity and reflection for Lincoln families now and for generations to come," said Johnson.

To provide additional support for the Tree Legacy program, the Lincoln Community Foundation will match the initial $50,000 in donations from the public.  The match is made possible by two endowed funds held at the Lincoln Community Foundation:  the Kenneth J. Good Endowed Fund and the Marjorie Barstow Endowed Fund.  Interested individuals can purchase memorial trees at the $100, $250, and $500 levels and will receive varying levels of recognition for those gifts.  The Tree Legacy program offers other donation options and recognition in addition to the purchase of memorial trees.

"Each year the Parks Foundation receives countless inquires from residents who want to donate a tree as a tribute to or in memory of someone they love throughout the Lincoln Parks system," said Christie Dionisopoulos, President of the Lincoln Parks Foundation.  "At the same time, the Parks Department has challenges in tending to newly planted trees across the City.  This program allows residents to purchase living legacies and ensures an efficient use of City resources and tax dollars.  The Tree Legacy program is a shining example of public private partnerships at their best."

More information about the Tree Legacy program is available at www.lincolnparks.org

The third gift from the Kenneth J. Good estate in the amount of $150,000 has been accepted by the Lincoln Parks Foundation to fund a fountain in Union Plaza.  The fountain will be at street level between "O" and "P" streets and will represent the precipitation that falls on the plains, supporting native landscapes and agriculture in our State.  

Good was born in Peru, Nebraska and moved to Lincoln at age 13.  He attended Lincoln High and graduated from UNL in 1937 with a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Sciences, majoring in Agronomy.  He served in the armed forces overseas, and upon his return from England, he began his career with the USDA. 

Vicki Huff, trust officer at Union Bank and personal friend of Mr. Good, said he denied himself many "creature comforts" to accumulate a substantial nest egg to benefit charitable organizations in Nebraska committed to parks, trees and gardens.  "Ken was a gentle and compassionate man who left life a much better place for him having been in it," Huff said. "He will be missed but his gifts represent his passions for many years to come."

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2008 Parks Foundation Selects Officers, Directors, and Trustees

March 13, 2008 ANTELOPE VALLEY PARK TO BE NAMED UNION PLAZA: Union Bank and Trust makes historic gift to community

May 7, 2007
Antelope Park Rose Garden Renovation Campaign Reaches its Goal

September, 14 2007 A Night at the Gardens