Milander donation a big boost to Coleridge park project
COLERIDGE — The Coleridge Area Fund (CAF) recently received a generous donation of $22,000 in memory of David Milander and Kristen Milander for the Coleridge Village Park Improvement Project.
The thoughtful donation will support the inclusion of musical play pieces, including a large xylophone, chimes and drums.
The contribution also provides an interactive large-scale electronic game that is powered by people and can be played independently or with a group. This donation brings the project to within $35,000 of the necessary funding for completion in the spring of 2024.
This project would not be possible without the people who have provided support, Fund organizers said.
“The folks who live in the Coleridge area work together to get things done and this is just one example of how their dedication will result in a great project. It is great to see the Park Improvement Project reaching the bidding and construction phases,” CAF member Mary Biltoft said. “It will be fun to see kids of all ages playing on the new equipment in 2024.”
The Village of Coleridge has been awarded grant dollars in support of the Park Improvement Project, including a federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The Sherwood Foundation has also provided a sizeable grant to CAF to be used toward items that are accessible for diverse abilities. The Cedar County Tourism Board also provided funds for signage. The Village of Coleridge will install Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalks and parking.
On Nov. 27, members of the Coleridge Village Committee will open sealed bids for the Coleridge Park Improvement Project. The contract for construction is planned to be awarded at the Dec. 11 village meeting, with construction anticipated for 2024.
CAF is seeking match funding of the recent contribution to bring the project across the finish line. Additional funding is needed to meet the total project needs, which include the cost for benches, sand diggers, an accessible platform that expands access and other components.
The end of the year is a great time to consider a tax-deductible donation to the Coleridge Area Fund, a subsidiary of the Nebraska Community Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization. You can choose to support the Park Improvement Project or to make a donation to the Unrestricted Endowment fund. Donations to either fund may be made online at www.nebcommfound.org/ give/coleridge-area-fund or directly to Mary Biltoft, CAF Treasurer, P.O. Box 3, Coleridge, NE 68727 or any CAF member.
CAF is working to grow the Unrestricted Endowment, which supports long-term activities and projects in the Coleridge area. Annual grants are made to local entities to improve the community through large or small projects. As the base principal balance of the fund increases, larger grants will be made available to complete more extensive projects to enhance and grow the community.