Celebrating National Park & Recreation Month with the Youth Action Committee

July is National Park and Recreation Month, dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the people who help make parks and recreational facilities throughout the country, worthy of attendance, from full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers to kind-hearted volunteers. TCEDA is giving huge thanks to Thayer County’s volunteers and maintenance staff that make our parks and recreational facilities matter.

As economic developers, we understand the valuable role parks and recreation play in our community. They are essential for residents to have a high quality of life and to attract new families looking for a place to plant roots. Parks and recreation also serve as an economic driver. When people visit our community to play at a park, participate in a tournament, or use our recreation facilities, they spend money locally on restaurants, gas, and shopping, benefitting local businesses and creating jobs.

Staying in the Where You Belong theme, the Thayer County Economic Development Alliance (TCEDA) celebrates the Youth Action Committee of Hebron, heading the work to upgrade Hebron’s Willard Park.

Willard Park and the YAC

“We need friends of the park,” said resident Nancy Hofts.

It was 1902 when Anna Willard, widow of former Nebraska State Treasurer Charles Willard, donated Willard Park to the City of Hebron. Part of the agreement was for the city to take care of the park and if abandoned, return ownership to the Willard family. Yet, the cost to maintain the park has been taxing on the city’s budget.

Thayer County has a history of its residents coming together to make things happen for the greater good. Hebron native David Cording has been a vocal force behind saving Willard Park and reminding the city of the Willards’ wishes. Cording’s voice did not go unheard.

In the fall of 2023, the Youth Action Committee (YAC) was formed. It is a youth-involved, community-led group with one goal: For the betterment of the community. With 11 residential members ranging from freshmen to seniors, led by Laken Wiedel, the YAC is another example of “unity in community.”

Wiedel says, “Willard Park is just the beginning. Although we have made great improvements to the park, more work must be done. While Willard Park is our current focus, we have many ideas in the works.”

We asked Wiedel why he was passionate about the YAC and its work. He said, “Witnessing the decline in Willard Park’s quality and wanting better was the drive for improvement. The next project we want to do is to replace the tennis courts. The courts are in dreadful shape and need improvement. We would also like to add a pickleball court.”

Thrive in Thayer County

“You are never too young to be involved in your community.” - Laken Wiedel. TCEDA echoes Wiedel’s words and thanks the Youth Action Committee for their dedication, tireless efforts, and diligent work. Parks are where all generations gather making it even more important for the youth to be involved in the growth, evolution, and improvements of our dedicated green spaces. Join us in appreciating our local Youth Action Committee for their role in what makes Thayer County so great. We applaud every community in Thayer County making their parks and recreation a focus for all to enjoy.

TCEDA along with the Bruning community invites you to join the park renovation celebration on Friday July 26th at 6:30 pm for a ribbon cutting at the Splash Pad. Click here for the event list so you don’t miss a chance to enjoy all the fun planned that evening as we gather together at the park.