NorthFork Riverwalk Development Project

Learn what a volunteer group of passionate community leaders and volunteers are developing as a vision for Northeast Nebraska.

New blog established for the NorthFork Riverwalk Development Project.

Master Plan kick-off meeting (January 27, 2009) preparation is underway to include draft agenda (lunch, steering committee, river corridor tour, stakeholder/community presentation. Board of Directors approved the Logo Committee selection recommendation for the NorthFork Logo Contest. Current Steering Committee members were presented to board of directors along with recommended candidates. Preliminary Stakeholder listing was presented which will be used to prepare an invitation mailing for the Kick-off meeting with HDR Engineering Inc.

NorthFork Riverwalk effort voted third leading story for 2008 by Norfolk Daily News readership.

Master Plan Agreement Signed for Project, November 13, 2008, 5 PM, Prengers Restaurant, Norfolk, NE 68701. Master Plan contracting effort gets underway with the signing of the contract between the NorthFork Riverwalk Development Project and HDR Engineering, Inc.

Public forum presentation on the NorthFork River Project, August 26, 2008, 5 PM, Grace Community Church, 321 Norfolk Ave., Norfolk, NE 68701 (1.4MB PDF). Read the Norfolk Daily News article on the NorthFork Riverwalk Development Project and the Omaha World Herald Midland section article on the presentation to the public as well as the Siouxland's News Channel 4 KTIV coverage, Norfolk, NE Riverfront Could Be Developed.

Read more about the vision, who we are, what is this all about, where we are and where we are going, how you can be involved.

NorthFork Riverwalk Brochure, produced in partnership with Nebraska Life Magazine, Anthony Kuhlmann (737 KB PDF)

Board of Directors for the Greater Norfolk Economic Development Foundation NorthFork River Development Project:

Honorary Fund Raising Co-Chairmen
Web McNally • J. Paul McIntosh

Board of Directors
• Jim Miller, Chairman, Former Mayor of Norfolk
• Troy Strom, Market President, US Bank
• Lonn Atwood, Secretary, Project Manager
• Clark Froehlich, Treasurer, Bank First
• Michael Brogan, Brogan & Stafford, P.C.
• Chris Carlson, Lower Elkhorn NRD Board Member
• Sue Fuchtman, Day Companies
• Mark Hall, Tru Mark Athletic Field Marker
• Les Mann, Norfolk Daily News
• Webb McNally, Western Office Supply
• Darrel Novacek, Courtesy Ford
• Paula Pflueger, Edward Jones
• Tom Schommer, Telebeep Wireless
• John Stappert, Power Computing
• Dick Wozniak, Retired City Planner

Ex-Officio Members

• R.J. Baker, Elkhorn Valley Economic Development Council
• Dave Copple, Copple, Rockey & McKeever P.C.,L.L.O.
• Joe Ferguson, NECC Economic Development
• Tom Higginbotham, Northeast Nebraska Econ. Dev. Dist.
• Dan Mauk, Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce
• Roger Nadrchal, NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska
• Stan Staab, Lower Elkhorn NRD
• Norfolk Youth Leadership Council

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History and background:

[....More to Come....]

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Recent News:

Norfolk Daily News reported on November 19, 2008 the logo design contest.

Contest announced to produce a logo for the project.  Deadline is 5 Dec 08. The logo should have the words North Fork in the logo and can include an expanded tag line. Contest rules can be found at http://www.northforkne.com/logo_contest.pdf.

Here are some theme examples from the board of directors.

The word "river" should not be used in the logo and the word "riverwalk" restricts the vision of the overall project.

 Bridging Generations - The North Fork Riverpark!
Riverpointe Plaza - A Transformational Way of Life.
The Riverwalk - Connecting Tradition to the Future
North Fork Riverpointe Plaza - Traversing the Good Life
North Fork Riverpark - A Calm New Tradition

               North
               Fork
       Powering a Rebirth
For All Seasons ... For All Ages ... For All Times

The North Fork lettering would be part of the logo. The logo along with "Powering a Rebirth" would be the short version of the mission statement. The "For All ...." could be used to expand on the short version of the mission statement.
- Possibly use a curved line to go through logo, e.g., through letters starting down the slanted of the "N", under and around the "o" to the curve on the "r", through the cross in the "t" and over the hump on the "h", etc. through the Fork.
- Lonn's version of the symbol of scrolling/spiral circles making up the two "o" in North and Fork and connecting the two words.
- This symbol provides the image where we don't need to include the word "river" in the logo.

Mark personally likes this version, similar to River Point, it is short and sweet, it is significantly different from River Point yet allows for a logical and visual "connection".  For example, ".... On the North Fork", " ... At the North Fork", "'Restaurant' on the North Fork", "'Living' on the North Fork", "Shopping on the North Fork", "Meeting on the North Fork".
This will give us licensing authority similar to what the Norfolk Parking District has done for River Point.

Other options that I came up with (based on an earlier input from Lonn)

North Fork .... Powering a Rebirth

North Fork River
Endless Possibilities

NorthFork Riverwalk
Powering a Rebirth

I'm a little concerned that when we use "Riverwalk" that people's idea will be a sidewalk along the river versus the much larger vision we have.

North Fork River
Rebirth for Tomorrow

North Fork River
Future Connections

North Fork River
Rebirth for Power

North Fork River
More Than a Namesake

U.S. Representative Jeff Fortenberry, while holding constituent meetings in Norfolk, NE, 08/12/08, was interviewed by Norfolk Daily News staff reporter Grace Petersen. The following comments were made. Some of those attending the Norfolk session discussed the proposed river walk project involving the North Fork River that runs through the city. Representative Fortenberry, who has experience in urban planning and economic development stated, "I just would greatly encourage the Norfolk people to proceed in that direction. I think that's a huge resource that can really create a sense of place in a community, and create a celebratory atmosphere for families, and to preserve a nice portion of Norfolk that is very beautiful."

Jim Miller, Chaiman NorthFork Riverwalk Development Project, along with J. Paul MacIntosh, Dan Mauk, and Mark Hall, make presentations at the Norfolk City Finance Committee meeting calling on monetary support for effort. 07/14/08. Norfolk Daily News and a letter to the editor also highlighting the request for support now. A letter requesting support was forwarded by the Norfolk Youth Leadership Council. An email was sent to the Norfolk City Council members asking for their support.

Blackbridge Booge Trail Ride, Elkhorn Valley Trials Network, Norfolk, NE 06/21/08

Four members of board of directors were in attendance to help kickoff the 8 AM Black Bridge Booge trail ride on the Cowboy Trail starting at the trail head in Ta Ha Zouka Park. Over 60 people were on hand to visit with the board members, review the 4-page vinyl display banners and pickup brochures. Darrel Novacek, Chairman of the Financial Campaign, spoke with a former long term resident visiting the area with property along the North Fork. The former resident said this was great to see and stated, "let me know how I can help."

Dinkel Implement Customer Appreciation Dinner, Norfolk, NE 06/20/08.

Over 1200 attendees had an opportunity to learn more about the NorthFork Riverwalk Development Project as four printed vinyl panel were on display while people waited in line to serve themselves. This every other year event was held for the first time at the Divot's DeVents Center. This year loyal customers and friends heard from Carl Pelini, Nebraska Defense Coordinator, Mike Flood, Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature, Gary Morgan, New Holland Sales Manager, and Allen Rider, retired New Holland executive, discussed the nationwide effort for 25/25, producing 25% of our energy needs from renewable energy sources by 2025.

Johnny Carson Theater, Norfolk, NE 06/17/08, NorthFork Riverwalk Introduced at First Event.

Three board of directors were on-hand to discuss and hand-out brochures to attendees at the Great American Comedy Festival, Amateur Night. With 750 in attendence over 120 brochures were passed out. Four 3.5' x 4.5' printed vinyl panels of the brochure pages were hung on display for easy reading and eye catching appeal.

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What has been published in the area media outlets: Links to Norfolk Daily News, Chamber, etc.

KTIV, Channel 4, Souix City, IA

Norfolk, NE Riverfront Could Be Developed, 2008-08-28

Norfolk, NE Leaders Consider 'Riverwalk', 2007-08-24

Video interview of community meeting

When Norfolk, Nebraska, was first settled the first families centered their homes and business along the north fork of the Elkhorn River. Now, some folks are working on an idea that will take the community back to its roots through a "riverwalk."

Norfolk Daily News, Norfolk, NE

City Council supports the Northfork Riverwalk Development Project with a resolution, however does not provide any direct funding support as part of the 2008-2009 City Budget.

Two letters to the editor, (1) Make Necessary Decisions (08/08/08) and (2) Be Proud Once Again (08/13/08), asking for support for the NorthFork Riverwalk Development Project.

Two letters to the editor, (1) Fund All Requests and (2) Poised to Prosper, 08/07/08, Asking for support for all requests and the future business and professional opportunities that the NorthFork Riverwalk Development Project will offer.

Groups Vows to Press on with RiverWalk Plans, 08/06/08, Special to the Daily News. Board of Directors meet to discuss community meeting scheduled for August 23rd and approaching City Council members for support on the project

21st Century Planning, 08/06/08, Norfolk Daily News Letter to the Editor. Local citizen and member of the board of directors provides background on taxes in support of economic and community development and what other communities are spending for quality of life services.

 Make or Break for River Walk, 07/23/08,   Without the support of the city, any plans for river development in Norfolk will be dead in the water. 

RIVER WALK SUPPORTERS SAY CITY'S ENDORSEMENT PROJECT CRUCIAL, 2/7/2008
Development of the river corridor through Norfolk will never happen without the blessing of city officials. ...

RIVER WALK SUPPORTERS CONTINUE SEEK CITY SUPPORT, 1/23/2008,
Winning support from hesitant city government officials is one of the currently goals of the of the NorthFork Development Foundation. ...

VISION RIVER WALK DANCING HEADS, 10/20/2007
Housing developments. An entertainment district. Office space. Year-round recreation. ...

NORTH FORK PROJECT GETS $25 000 PLANNING, 12/19/2007,
A proposed master plan for a development project in Norfolk received a financial boost from the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District. ...

RIVERWALK VIABLE TIME AROUND PLANNING LEADERSHIP EMERGE, 10/19/2007,
Everything old is new again.In 1974, an idea for a river walk and outdoor recreation development near the North Fork River was causing excitement in Norfolk. ...

RIVERWALK GROUP PONDERING FINANCES, 10/19/2007,
Now that the idea of a river walk in Norfolk is again receiving support, one of the big questions to be answered is how will it be paid for? ...

WHAT CITIES HAVE DONE?, 10/18/2007,
Lonn Atwood isn't looking to reinvent the wheel - just bring it closer to home. ...

COWBOY TRAIL HEAD RIVER WALK DEVELOPMENT, 10/18/2007,
River walk plans have been in the works for a long time in Norfolk.But now it's time to make that reality, supporters say.

FLOOD CONTROL CHANNEL KEEPS FLOW CONSISTENT TOWN, 10/17/2007,
For the most part, flooding threats to Norfolk from the North Fork of the Elkhorn River ended in 1968. ...

RIVER PROVES BEAUTIFUL TRANQUIL, 10/17/2007,
Les Mann is a mountain man stuck in an office world.He has a bushy mustache and could grow a beard within a week. He also likes to chop wood, plant trees and build things - all good mountain man qualities. ...

1970S PROJECT ENVISIONED CIVIC CENTER AMPHITHEATER, 10/16/2007,
The Norfolkans currently involved in the North Fork Development Project aren't the first to recognize the recreational and commercial potential in the Elkhorn and North Fork rivers. ..

TALK 'DIRTY RIVER' LEADS EXPLORATION WATER, 10/16/2007,
Mention the North Fork River, and a lot of thoughts come to mind. ...

RIVER WALK NORFOLK ITS OWN DESTINATION, 10/15/2007,
Instead of people from Norfolk going to Omaha or Sioux City for fun and entertainment, Lonn Atwood would like to see people from those communities drive here. ...

NEW GENERATIONS RIDE WAVE BENEFITS RIVER, 10/15/2007,
When Norfolk was settled in the 1860s, the first inhabitants who moved from Wisconsin were attracted, at least in part, by water. ...

River walk supporters look for big wave of support, 8/24/2007,
Norfolk received a pep talk Thursday evening. About 50 people who attended a forum at the Knights of Columbus Hall to get an update on the much-discussed downtown river walk proposal were told the dream could become a reality. ...

'Living and then working', 8/17/2007
R.J. Baker, director of the Elkhorn Valley Economic Development Council in Norfolk, said quality of life means three things: education, institutions - church and civic - and community festivities.
Places like Norfolk need to find that "fun" aspect to draw in younger crowds but still keep middle-age families and aging couples in mind.
To Baker, it's about finding something for each group to participate in and things that all can enjoy together.
"If all these things are present - higher levels of entertainment for the age 30 group, family activities and community interaction for the older generation - then it becomes truly intergenerational, and that's what you want," Baker said.
What this could mean is moving ahead with things such as a water park and or a riverwalk project in Norfolk.

Norfolk: San Antonio of the north?, 5/25/2007,
With the North Fork of the Elkhorn River flowing through the heart of Norfolk, could the city some day become known as the San Antonio of the north? ...
http://www.norfolkdailynews.com/SiteImages/Article/4240a.jpg

Ideas abound for downtown, 3/9/2007,
The Rev. Greg Lawhorn of Norfolk used to live in Monterey, Calif. Former Norfolkan Roger Fritz now lives in the Dallas area. Mary Zachmeyer of Norfolk has been a frequent traveler. In Cologne, Germany, the riverwalk was filled with bicyclists, pedestrians, shops and buildings with flower boxes and cafes. In front of the cathedral, there were always artists drawing chalk pictures.

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Review a picture album of past, existing, and potential images of the North Fork

Images from early 20th Century

Images of communities with a riverwalk

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Meeting minutes from the board meetings:

Meeting minutes from the campaign finance committee