 His remarks came during a deed transfer ceremony at the site on
Eighth Street where both the old ALMH and predecessor Deaconess
Hospital stood for a combined 109 years.
"We are very appreciative of the gift of the land from the
hospital," Snyder said. "This property has been a place where the
community has experienced healing, and we want to be a good steward
of the gift."
ALMH's donation includes both the property where the hospital
stood and the employee parking lot on the opposite side of Eighth
Street.
A concept plan is being made possible through the generosity of
Robert J. Woods and Joan Jarrett Woods through the Woods Foundation.
The plan will include an overall design to guide the development of
the site into public space intended to promote the health and
well-being of the citizens of Lincoln, Snyder said. It will lay out
economically feasible recommendations for park features such as
equipment, landscaping, facilities, parking and overall aesthetics,
as well as designated areas for walking, recreation and gatherings.
Lisa Kramer, a professional engineer and owner of Prairie
Engineers in Lincoln, and Kent Massie, senior landscape architect
with Springfield-based Massie Massie and Associates, will lead the
project, which will be driven by community suggestions. A public
meeting has been set up for 7 p.m. Oct. 13 in the cafeteria at
Central School for anyone interested in presenting ideas for the
park.
"We invite people to come and share their thoughts and ideas. If
you've always dreamed of an amenity in Lincoln that would enhance
our community's health and wellness, please come share that dream,"
Snyder said. "We want this park to be filled with healthy activities
that are fun and sustainable."
Snyder has appointed a steering committee to oversee the process.
The members are Todd and Tate Mourning, Candy Letterly, Njeri Bere,
Marcia Greenslate, Alderwoman Kathy Horn, Bill and Jean Gossett,
Wayne Cox, Roy Logan, and a Lincoln Community High School student to
be named later.
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This is the third major property donation ALMH has made from its
former site. The first two were given to the Lincoln Elementary
School District and St. John United Church of Christ, while smaller
gifts of furniture and building materials were distributed to other
community groups.
"The hospital is pleased with the opportunity to partner with the
city of Lincoln and provide this gift of land that will be used to
further benefit our community," said Dolan Dalpoas, ALMH president
and chief executive officer. "We could not be more delighted with
the city's intentions to adopt the hospital's mission to improve
health at the site where we delivered that mission for more than a
century."
Added Snyder: "I'm excited about engaging the public in this
process. It will reflect community needs and desires. This health
park will be a great addition to our community."
[Text from file received
from Abraham Lincoln Memorial
Hospital]
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