Mayor Thanks Union Bank and Other Park Donors

By: 10/11 News Email

Updated: Fri 7:33 AM, Sep 14, 2012

Mayor Chris Beutler today again recognized Union Bank and Trust Company for its $1.5 million gift to the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department for Union Plaza, the new urban park created as part of the Antelope Valley Project. He also thanked the Lincoln Parks Foundation, the fund-raising co-chairs and all those who donated money to create the new six-acre park between 21st, 22nd, “O” and “R” streets. The public Grand Opening Celebration for Union Plaza is from 5 to 7:30 p.m. this evening.

At a news conference in Union Plaza, the Mayor thanked Angie Muhleisen, President and CEO of Union Bank and Trust Company. “When we announced their gift in 2008, we recognized it as the largest financial donation our park system had ever received, and it still is,” Beutler said. “Thank you, Angie, for your incredible and historic lead gift. You, your family and everyone associated with the bank can take great pride in the legacy you are leaving for many future generations here in the heart of Lincoln.”

The $4.75 million fund-raising campaign for Union Plaza was managed by the Lincoln Parks Foundation. Campaign co-chairs were Mike Seacrest, Patty Pansing Brooks, TJ McDowell and Roger Larson. Donations were received from more than 500 unique private donors. Part of the funds raised will be used for an endowment for repairs and replacement beyond the annual Parks maintenance budget.

“We can be grateful that City leaders envisioned Antelope Valley not just as a flood control and traffic improvement project, but also as a revitalization effort and a springboard for economic development,” Beutler said. “Union Plaza is a large part of that vision. Assurity’s investment in this area affirms the vision of those who saw Antelope Valley as much more than a public works project. Antelope Valley and Union Plaza are shining examples of what we can accomplish when the public and private sectors work together.”
For more information about Union Plaza and the grand opening, visit parks.lincoln.ne.gov. For more information on the Antelope Valley Project, visit lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: antelope).