Page 16 2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 The Lincoln Park District is governed by a Board of Commissioners “composed of five community-elected members who serve four-year terms without compensation. Their primary role is to establish policies for the Park District, ensuring it meets the community's recreational and park needs. Coming from a variety of backgrounds, all members are united by a dedication to serving the community's interests.” The community’s interests are varied and broad. Prather states, “We also enjoy collaborating with a variety of local organizations such as the Lincoln Memorial Hospital Collaborative, Rotary, 3rd Fridays and Balloons Over 66 Weekend just to name a few. There’s always something happening at the Lincoln Park District.” According to their website, the LPD, as a municipal park district, “utilizes local tax dollars,” however “74% of all revenue for the Lincoln Park District comes from nontax sources.” Revenue from memberships and other registration fees as well as grants and donations support the park district and its recreational opportunities in the community of Lincoln. To this end, the LPD started a foundation. The Lincoln Park District Foundation was organized “to enable future development and support of projects and events that help preserve, restore and manage our natural and recreational opportunities… The Lincoln Park District is looking to the future, we want to make sure our facility and our involvement in the community is maintained for years to come.” As a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, the LPD foundation enables community members to make taxdeductible donations. The hope is to build the Foundation “to protect all properties of the park district for years to come and to continue offering programs and events which positively impact the lives of our community members.” The LPD Foundation helps support programming such as Lincoln’s Independence Day celebration and fireworks and youth scholarships for activities such as swim lessons. Through the LPD Foundation, community partnerships, and community support, the administration of the LPD plans for many more years of service, programs, and events for the people of Lincoln. One of Prather's goals is to “help expand our programming so that there is always something new and exciting for people of all ages to enjoy.” LPD Director Becky Strait says that what she likes best about the LPD is “knowing that our staff is serving the community every single day by working to offer valuable recreational spaces and programs.” Strait notes the current improvements to their parks and the parking lot project at the sports complex, and she hopes to “continue the legacy that the visionaries of the Lincoln Park District began over 60 years ago!” Lincoln’s “hidden gem,” the Lincoln Park District, offers many valuable opportunities to the residents of Lincoln. Learn more about the Lincoln Park District, at https://www.lincolnparkdistrict.com/ [Stephanie Hall]
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