Deer Park Recognized During Community Development Week

The Deer Park Neighborhood Association was recognized by Governor Dave Heineman during a special awards ceremony at the state capital on Monday, April 9.

Governor Heineman proclaimed April 8-14 as Community Development Week. Community Development Week was started in 1986 to remind Congress of the value of the Community Development Block Grant.

During the past five years, $62.7 million in CDBG funding has been invested in 374 projects throughout Nebraska, leveraging an additional $151 million in state, local and private investments. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development administers CDBG funding for all communities outside the cities of Lincoln and Omaha.

The Deer Park Neighborhood Association was one of three recipients of the award celebrating outstanding efforts by communities in the areas of economic development and community revitalization.

DPNA was recognized for the five year rehabilitation of Deer Hollow Park. The Association raised $125,000-$40,400 through their own fundraising efforts and $84,600 through 13 local and national grants, all matched by a $125,000 City of Omaha commitment to upgrade the park DPNA’s most successful fundraiser was parking cars during a six-year run of the College World Series that netted $159,100 and went toward a number of neighborhood initiatives…one being beautifying the Vinton Street Business District.

Because the association committed $75,000 of its own money in new planters, benches, trash receptacles, trees and plants, the City of Omaha included Vinton Street in the City’s Capital Improvement Program. This resulted in more than $175,000 by the end of 2010.

Steve Vokal, Oscar Duran, Katie Duran and Councilman Garry Gernandt accepted the award on behalf of the Deer Park Neighborhood Association.

Thank you everyone who has helped Deer Park celebrate its rich past and exciting future.

Please join DPNA at the Tip Top Building (1502 Cumming) on Wednesday, April 11 at 5:30 for drinks and appetizers followed by an award ceremony. We hope to see you there!