On June 1, 2023, we celebrated the grand re-opening of Brown Park. After four years of planning, fundraising, and construction, the new park represents more than half a million dollars invested in brand-new equipment, a revitalized pavilion, adult exercise equipment, new picnic areas, additional parking, and repaired sidewalks.
A big THANK YOU to all the neighbors of Brown Park who stuck with this project and helped every step along the way, and to our partners at Heartland Workers Center, the Omaha Community Foundation, and the City of Omaha Parks, Recreation, and Public Property Department.
Mt. Moriah Mural
Artist Joëlle Storet completed the mural on the southern end of the North Omaha Trail, on the side of the Mt. Moriah Church building. The beautiful mural celebrates the many contributions of the black church in North Omaha. While it does not include images of all the church leaders who have provided contributions to the well-being of the community, it is representative of the preaching, teaching, music, and service rendered.
We have lots more public art on the way – and a new North Omaha Trail app launching this summer. Stay in touch with all things Trail related on Instagram at @north_omaha_trail
Spark and its partners at the National Development Council completed the fifth cohort of the knowledge and relationship-building course for emerging real estate developers. The ten graduates of the Spring 2023 class completed their capstone project pitches at The Hitch on May 12, 2023.
We have lots of great ongoing educational offerings over the summer and will be launching the first-ever Spanish-language Developer Academy in September 2023! Stay tuned, and sign up for Developer Academy updates here!
Our loan fund has invested $1 million so far in 2023 – for projects centered on affordable housing. Check out two of our most recent investments:
If you are ready to apply for pre-development, acquisition, construction, or bridge financing, contact Guillermo Diaz today!
This spring, Spark launched the ChangeMaker Academy, an educational program aimed at supporting and amplifying local leaders and their community-based projects. In March 2023, the first cohort consisted of 12 community leaders who completed a 5-week course facilitated by Brittany Parker. The course curriculum covered Spark Principles of a Thriving Neighborhood, different types of changemakers, neighborhood sustainability, placemaking, action plans, and project implementation.
ChangeMaker Academy graduates can apply for a one-year fellowship, where they will receive a $1500 stipend to support their projects. Spark had 10 graduates and selected 4 as our ChangeMaker fellows.
A fall 2023 Changemaker Academy will occur for five consecutive weeks starting on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, from 6-8 pm. Sessions will be held at the Village Empowerment Center located at 5190 Sprague Plz, Omaha, NE 68104.
Applications open August 15, 2023. For more information, please visit our website.
