Exmark Manufacturing made a $20,000 donation to Main Street Beatrice, specifically for the beautification of downtown Beatrice’s Charles Park. The donation was part of Exmark’s Community Giving Program, an initiative designed to give back to the communities in which Exmark employees reside.
Thanks to Exmark’s donation, Main Street Beatrice was able to install a Toro irrigation system and benches throughout Charles Park. A portion of Exmark’s funding will also be put toward the park’s various operating expenses.
“Main Street Beatrice has been trying to renovate Charles Park for more than 10 years, and a lack of funding was a major reason no progress was made,” said Bob Nootz, chairman of Main Street Beatrice’s special projects committee. “Exmark’s donation has allowed us to move forward with our goal of revitalizing this gem in downtown Beatrice. We are extremely appreciative of Exmark and their participation in this project.”
Main Street Beatrice, a 501C3 organization, is a downtown economic development and historical preservation program. Its goal is to promote a positive image of downtown Beatrice. Charles Park was created in 1914 and is one of the oldest deliberately-made downtown green spaces in the entire state of Nebraska. Main Street Beatrice hopes the Charles Park enhancements will broaden the park’s educational and entertaining programs via a new outdoor classroom, an “Arts in the Park” event and an expanded Farmer’s Market.