The City of Fremont has been awarded $400,000 in grant funds through the Civic and Community Center Financing Fund (CCCFF).
The city’s Parks and Recreation Department partnered with the Fremont Creative District on an application for the construction of an amphitheater and permanent, ADA-accessible restrooms in John C. Fremont Park. Currently, the park is used to host a multitude of events including MainStreet of Fremont’s summer concerts in the park series, the John C. Fremont Days Festival, and the Hispanic Festival.
“I am extremely excited,” Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg said. “These improvements will help revitalize this area and improve the park experience for our residents and visitors. These funds were only made available because of the recent certification of the Fremont Creative District. I want to thank everyone involved who helped make this project and grant a reality.”
The amphitheater project was included as a goal of the Parks and Recreation Greenprint for Tomorrow Parks Master Plan and an action item of the Fremont Creative District strategic plan. Recent conceptual plans for a downtown urban design also incorporated the project. The estimated project total is $800,000. A required 50% grant match was budgeted by the Parks and Recreation Department last fall.
“I’m pleased the grant panelists saw the vision for this project. A dedicated event space will help showcase our traditions and highlight Fremont’s charm,” said Angie Olson, grant coordinator for the city.
Fremont Director of Parks and Recreation Nick Hansen said once contracts are signed, locating the best area within the park for the additions is the next step.
“Parks provide space for the public to gather, relax, and escape the hustle and bustle of life,” he said. “Continued enhancements to our parks, like this project, will help Fremont thrive and become even more vibrant.”
The CCCFF program is administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and provides grants of state aid for the development of public spaces and civic, community, and recreation centers, as well as historic buildings or districts.
CCCFF is funded through a turn-back of 30% of state sales tax generated by arenas and nearby retailers. To be eligible for grant assistance in 2024, municipalities were required to partner with a Nebraska Certified Creative District.
