Press Release Posts
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Riverfest, Windom, MN Celebrates 125th Year of Volunteer Firemen
Press Release Jun 24 2010A board member happened to stop in Windom, MN recently, along Hwy 60 in south central MN, and read their local newspaper which was basically half filled with pictures and articles about their annual riverfest. http://www.winwacc.com/riverfest.htm
An interesting observation reflected on all the different activities that were scheduled which led board member to believe that everyone in the community could find something to enjoy during the 3-day of festivities. A lot of different organizations took part by sponsoring an particular event..
Norfolk has its share of festivals, yet they seem to be a single activity by a single organization. Boom Fest is increasing the number activities on the Saturday of their major July 4th event. The Comedy Festival is trying to incorporate more activities to support the event and comedians that visit. In both cases they need large group of volunteers to pull off the activities supporting the event. Carl Reeder has sponsored an “Old Cars” event downtown. We’ve had a Green Egg BBQ event in the past, a ethnic and watermelon festival have fallen by the wayside.
How can we rally the community, especially different organizations, to support a festival that incorporates many different activities, similar to the county fair type atmosphere? Do we need to “hitch our flotilla” to the Comedy Festival and help promote and the increase the number of activities?
Given that NorthFork Riverfront Development Project has been approved for the $25K Nebraska Tax Credit program (help raise $65K) how can we generate more interest in finding those that have a passion that want to improve Johnson Park, the trails and river access? For example, do we need to support installing public art (and amphitheater) in Johnson Park to get the art and theater community involved, creating a “walk of fame” paver stones to get the trails people engaged, installing historical markers to collaborate with Preservation Norfolk and the Elkhorn Valley Museum supporters, creating flower gardens or a linear botanical garden alone the riverfront to support the master gardener community members, exercise stations for all ages in Johnson Park and along the riverfront to support the YMCA, schools, and City Park & Rec., etc.?
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NorthFork Riverfront Development Project Board Meeting Notes
Press Release Jun 18 2010FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, NorthFork Riverfront Development Project, June, 16th, 2010
The monthly June 16th, Wednesday, noon meeting covered the personnel support and safety for the upcoming Comedy Flotilla, June 19th 11AM and continued support even with recent flooding and loss conditions. *** Subsequent to the meeting the event has been cancelled for this year as due to the North Fork water levels remainingl high, flood water quality, and local events due to the 100 year flood.
The board agreed that we should be identified as the NorthFork Riverfront Development Project.
Co-chairman Darrel Novacek explained the grant application to allow for issuing state tax credit certificates to future financial donors for the project’s future expenses. Also several letters of support are expected from different organizations that will be partners in future efforts along the riverfront.
Additional grant applications efforts were discussed and the consideration of resubmitting an USDA economic feasibility study covering a more restrictive area of the overall project.
The results of the City’s Park and Trails Master Plan was discussed and how we can support those City Wards and neighborhoods. In addition the board wants to investigate how an economic development corridor can be established using a Planned Unit Development designation allowed through the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
The board postponed discussion on hiring a engineering firm in support of the Norfolk Sanitary District desire to replace the river pilings and any changes to Johnson Park’s direct access the North Fork by the public for such activities as a walking/biking path and rafting/canoeing/kayaking activities.
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City’s Park and Recreation Master Plan Preliminary Recommendations
Press Release Jun 1 2010City of Norfolk, NE has released the Preliminary Park Recommendations, provided by Community Redesigned for the Norfolk Recreation and Park Master Plan. Park and Trail Map is a separate document.
Upgrading existing parks as well as new parks are presented. Presentat.ion to the City Council's Working Session May 24th, emphasized the connection of existing trail system to parks and the north south corridors that available.
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Walking the North Fork for Comedy Flotilla Preparations
Press Release May 30 2010
Safety preparation for the Comedy Flotilla, June 19th, 2010, 11 AM. Mark Hall, May 29th, 12:30 PM, walked and sometimes floated down the North Fork of the Elkhorn River. Investigations proved that approximately 70% of the water depth is 3 feet, about 15% at 4 feet, about 5% at 5 feet, 2.5% at 7 feet, 7.5% at 2.5 feet. The bottom of the river bed is mostly sand with muddy shore line. There was one section Southwest of YMCA where water depth went to 7 feet however there were subsurface obstructions that would be a safety hazard for the unprepared. The water was warm and even after about 1 hour felt very comfortable. Hall was able to talk to a property owner across the river behind Kings entertainment complex. More images and captions of the walking tour down the North Fork.The walking tour included to different parts of the river bed to check variability in depth and for obstructions. Hall enjoyed the 90 degree sunny weather and many birds along the route. Redwingd black birds were very interested as I must have been close to a nesting area. Heading South next to the movie theater complex he experience some really nice areas along this stretch as there is overhanging tree limbs that give you the sensation of going through a tunnel. Swallows have made the concrete bridge at Elm Street their home. A mother duck and her ducklings were spotted ahead along the East bank near the Mill Dam Spillway.
Natural grass vegetation in plentiful along most stretches of the river. There is a 2-3 foot drop from the bank edge to the water's edge in most places so using the grass to help pull yourself out of water came in handy. Hall checked out the bank along the North 4th Street Park where organizers plan to have observers during the June 19th Comedy Flotilla event. There are plans to get some of this grass cut to improve the visibility.
Some type of protective foot wear is highly encouraged with tanking and canoeing on the river. The breeze kept most bugs from bothering the adventurer. Insect repellent would be suggested for the June 19th Comedy Flotilla. Hall included inspections for the area to portage stock tanks and canoes near the Mill Dam Spillway.
It was a beautiful day enjoying the water, the quiet, getting wet, and warm sun on your face.
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Comedy Festival Flotilla on the North Fork
Press Release May 23 2010
Viaero Great American Comedy Festival comedians will join community participants in floating and paddling down the North Fork River, Saturday, June 19, 11 AM.Bring your canoe, inner tube, stock tank, home made floating device and a life jacket and join in "bringing fun back to the river." Some canoes and inner tubes will be available on a first come first serve basis.
Access to the river will be from just North of the Benjamin Ave bridge and from behind National Champion Liquor, 1100 Riverside Blvd. Exit off the water will be just beyond the railroad river bridge and prior to First Street mill dam adjacent to Miller Property (old trailer court). Temporary docks will be installed, volunteers to help portage the floating devices, and transportation between ending and starting points.
Viewing will be from the trail bridge Southwest of the YMCA and the Winter Park and 4th Street Park. We are looking for volunteers to help as well as participate in paddling on the river.
For additional information contact Mark Hall by email: northforkriverwalk@gmail.com.
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Norfolk Riverfront Cleanup--North Fork River Below Mill Dam
Press Release Apr 25 2010
Over 100 community volunteers come out for the Norfolk Riverfront Cleanup event, helping to remove trash an volunteer trees below the North Fork River Mill Dam area near Johnson Park. There were numerous donations made by area businesses, Fisher Tree Service, NPPD Wood Chipper Team, Waste Connections with their Rollon/Rolloff units, Hy-Vee, Lou's Thrifty Way, Affiliated Foods, Burger King, Hiland Roberts, Keep Norfolk Beautiful, Dinkel Implement, Green Fiber. Norfolk Tree board member came out, Garrett Fischer and Dick Wozniak, a large Coka-a-Cola team, CCDS the Zone kids, K-Kids from Sacred Heart School, Northeast Nebraska Community College students, NorthFork Riverfront Development Board, Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce Green Council.http://picasaweb.google.com/NorthForkRiverwalk/2010RiverFrontVolunteers#
Well over 400 volunteer hours spent to spruce up a natural resource that has great potential for Norfolk's future economic development and community's quality of life.
Images of the area before cleanup began.
http://picasaweb.google.com/NorthForkRiverwalk/2010RiverFrontBeforeCleanup#
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Earth Day Cleanup on the Riverfront
Press Release Apr 7 2010Calling all community volunteers!
Help clean-up the North Fork riverfront in Norfolk, NE on April 24th, 9 AM - noon.
For more information visit the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce Events website for further details and registration form.
Read more about the project in the Special to Daily News article on surveying the area and removing volunteer trees and pruning those that should be kept.
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Area Resident Explores Latest San Antonio Riverwalk Developments
Press Release Apr 7 2010Norfolk resident, Cheryl Johnson, recently visited the latest extension of the San Antonio's riverwalk and their new dual path. This is probably closer to what could be invisioned for a riverfront development along the North Fork of the Elkhorn River in the middle of the downtown district and connected neighborhoods. Check out some of these latest riverfront images and visualize these paths and features along the North Fork.
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Plan for Parks to Focus on Greenways--Trails and Open Space Connections
Press Release Jan 20 2010The city of Knoxville and Knox County have worked together for three years on a new parks and recreation plan, and public input into the plan made one thing a top priority: residents want more greenways.
Greenways are trails and open space — often along waterways — that connect parks, schools and other recreation areas. They provide a pathway for walking and bicycling.
“The key thing that has come out of the plan is the connection of greenways,” said Doug Bataille, Knox County parks and recreation director. “Everybody likes the greenway system. We have a lot of pieces spreading throughout the county, and people would like to see those pieces connected. There’s also a demand for more sports fields, mountain bike trails, dog parks and skate parks. … But the greenways was the big one that really stood out.”
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Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Announces Recreational Trails Program Funding
Press Release Jan 20 2010Lincoln Journal Star reports on Nebraska Game and Parks awards of nearly $1.1 million in federal grants for trails and parks. The program requires the applicants to provide a 20 percent match.
The commission approved about $182,000 in federal grants through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The National Park Service provides the funding and grants are awarded based on service criteria. The program requires a 50 percent match from grant recipients.
