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As a community, Kearney has always focused on building our infrastructure for the future. Our past leaders planned for growth and opportunity in the Kearney area and gave thought to who the Kearney area would become 10 - 20 - and even 50 years down the road. A lot of these projects fell under a Chamber of Commerce led committee of community leaders known as Kearney Tomorrow. These leaders included economic development, city officials, Chamber leaders, legislators, and citizens with an invested interest in growing Kearney.
Kearney Tomorrow is largely to thank for several community projects that we are able to utilize today that make our lives (and access to our community) much simpler. Here are a few examples that Kearney Tomorrow completed:
+30 years ago a discussion was had about the 30th Avenue overpass. It was built and gave access from Highway 30 to 11th Avenue. Today this is a heavily traveled road for students heading to Kearney High School and Central Community College as well as professionals heading to work all over south Kearney.
+Hike and Bike trails
+Yanney Heritage Park
Both of these entities were planned for and discussed within Kearney Tomorrow visionary meetings. In 1998, Yanney Heritage Park Foundation, created plans for a park and in 2001 for a 12 acre lake, water features, wetlands, and a canal system. In 2002 and 2003 the tower, buildings, waterpad, and other features were added. In 2010 the Peterson Activity Center was constructed. Yanney Heritage Park continues to build and be the epicenter for many community events and activities.
+Kearney Area Community Foundation
1996 marked the year the Chamber leadership created the Kearney Area Community Foundation. The formation of this nonprofit, charitable entity meant that generous donors now had a tax deductible organization which they could provide with donations. The Foundation has established a number of community funds, scholarships and grant programs. Today the organization is thriving under the leadership of Executive Director Judi Sickler.
A list of other notable Kearney Tomorrow projects:
+Improved Air Service
+KAAPA
+Kearney Community Theater
+Kearney Family YMCA
+Recycling System
+Downtown Revitalization
+Children's Museum
We are grateful for the efforts of our past leaders for their ingenuity and forethought.