Donor
Opportunities
Wilderness Park instantly connects to the hearts of those who traverse its trails and bridges. It invites them to escape, to connect, to explore, and to belong; it’s truly something for everyone.
When our world changed due to the pandemic, Lincoln’s parks and recreation facilities were used in record numbers. The Lincoln community found refuge, peace and safety in our parks and on our trails. Now more than ever, we can make the case that Lincoln’s parks, recreation facilities and trails are critical to the resilience and sustainability of our community.
With support from the City and our community partners, we believe this project will have strong appeal to some of our most faithful and generous park donors. We are excited about our strategy that provides opportunities for lead donors as well as users and park lovers in our community.
Lincoln Parks Foundation and Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department are seeking $2.1 million to enhance the public’s accessibility, usage, enjoyment, and appreciation of Wilderness Park, now and in the future.
EPWORTH PARK SOCIETY—BRIDGE AND TRAILHEAD
$200,000 with on-site donor recognition.
The Epworth Park Society gives donors an opportunity to be recognized in two critical and prominent locations: a bridge and a trailhead in Wilderness Park. Providing improvements in these areas creates a safe and welcoming experience for park users.
Our campaign includes seven bridges and channel crossings and eight trailheads. Trailhead improvements include informational kiosks (map, park regulations, trail etiquette, interpretative stories, history of the area, emergency info and more), new bollards, seasonal portable restrooms, grading and new rock in parking lots, solar lights and picnic tables.
Few cities have an accessible wilderness expanse that provides opportunities for recreation and flood control. Wilderness Park is also an added attraction for families seeking to live and work in Lincoln, providing year-round activities. Lincoln Parks Foundation is excited to lead this effort.
EPWORTH ARCHES AND TRAILHEAD
$125,000 with on-site donor recognition.
Located at 1st and Calvert, the Epworth Arches represents the historical epicenter of Wilderness Park. Improvements include masonry restoration work on the arches, interpretive signage sharing the history of Epworth Park, donor recognition and a new picnic area. Donors will be recognized at the arches and at the adjacent trailhead.
Wilderness Park provides Lincoln a quiet place full of peace and solace. We are so lucky to have such a diverse and large park in our city, which I believe can help relieve some of the stress and anxieties we face in our modern world.
Trailhead Builder
$100,000 with on-site donor recognition opportunities.
Enhancements to the Wilderness Park Trailheads are needed to provide visitors a safe and welcoming experience and useful information about the area they are about to explore. Improvements to existing trailheads include kiosks (with maps, trail etiquette, history and description of the area), wayfinding signage, seasonal portable restrooms where possible, additional picnic tables, programmable solar lighting, parking lot grading, parking bollards and concrete pads for ADA parking.
When this city dweller needs to head into the wild, she knows there is a place on the edge of Lincoln only minutes away … Wilderness Park, an almost magical space where she can rediscover peace, solace – and her soul.
Fitness Loop
$75,000 with on-site donor recognition opportunities.
Located in the north end of the park, the fitness loop is in need of replacement. Improvements will provide park users with 10 fitness stations and an opportunity to enjoy this area once known as Lincoln Park and Electric Park, as well as the Boy Scout Camp jamboree.
The trails of Wilderness Park are a gem for users big and small. There is something for everyone in the Park whether you’re a runner, nature nut, or cyclist. The diversity of its plants and animals is only rivaled by the number and type of user.
News and events
- Editorial
- July 20, 2021
Lincoln Parks Foundation, Friends of Wilderness Park, and City of Lincoln campaign to keep Wilderness wild
Imagine strolling on what may have been trails forged by Native Americans, experiencing the golden light from a Nebraska sunrise through the treetops of massive bur oaks and cottonwoods bordering the rushing waters of Salt Creek.
- Editorial
- June 28, 2021
Salt Creek Flooding & Wilderness Park
Flooding along Salt Creek has and will continue to be an issue of concern for the City of Lincoln, especially in light of impacts from our changing climate and development in south Lincoln.
- Future
- June 28, 2021
A Plan for the Park: A Pandemic, Signage and the Future
The Wilderness Park experience has perhaps never been as important and welcomed as during this current pandemic.