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A community workshop to discuss a "greenprint" for Lincoln is set for 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, November 3 at the Auld Recreation Center in Antelope Park. Mayor Don Wesely said the city has received a one-year $35,000 grant from the American Planning Association (APA) for implementation of the "Greenprint Challenge." Wesely applied for the grant after participating in The City Parks Forum, a program of the APA, last April in Louisville, Kentucky.
"We take great pride in our parks in Lincoln, and we need to make sure our park system continues to be a jewel of our community far into the future," said Mayor Wesely. "Environmental groups, landowners, developers, attorneys and anyone else interested in our green spaces are encouraged to participate in this important workshop."
The "Greenprint Challenge" integrates existing natural resources, including all public and private conservation land, agricultural land and urban forests as well as historic features and sites. City officials are developing the "Greenprint Challenge" as a key element in the new Comprehensive Planning process as a way to guide planning for future parks, trails, open spaces, prairies and wetlands.
Lincoln Parks and Recreation Director Lynn Johnson said the workshop will provide the public with the opportunity to develop priorities and recommendations that will be forwarded to the Comprehensive Planning Committee. Those wanting more information can call Lincoln Parks and Recreation at 441-7939.
"The ‘Greenprint Challenge’ is an innovative approach to identifying and acquiring parks and open space for the future of Lincoln, and it’s one the community should be proud of," said Mary Eysenbach, Director of the City Parks Forum.
At the spring symposium in Kentucky, Mayor Wesely was one of six mayors who were invited to present a current park issue facing his city. He discussed the importance of creating a multi-functional park system that provides for storm water management, habitat conservation, urban open space, active recreation and commuter/recreation trails.
The city will use its grant to fund the community workshop and for the development of a brochure that will provide information on the value of parks and open space as well as foster community awareness and support. Two trusts are being developed to fund the acquisition of open space. The city is partnering with Lancaster County and the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District to develop a public trust. The Parks and Recreation Foundation is partnering with private organizations to develop a private trust.
The City Parks Forum is a program of the APA, whose mission is to advance the art and
science of urban, rural and regional land-use planning. The program is made possible
by the Wallace-Reader’s Digest Funds and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. More
information on the APA and The City Parks Forum is available at
the APA web site.
Media Release