Fundraising campaign begins for Stolley Park enhancements

A $3 million project will make Stolley Park in Grand Island an even better place to visit and make memories.

The All Aboard for Stolley Park campaign seeks to raise $750,000 toward that total with the hopes the City of Grand Island would provide the remaining funds. The Wolbach Foundation has kicked off fundraising with a $100,000 gift. The campaign has raised just over $270,000 in all at this point.

“It was with a sense of pride we helped the community work together to create Kids Kingdom in 2003,” said Becky Gdowski, a co-chair of the campaign committee. “Now, 20 years later we’re ready to enhance the train experience for families. With the community of Grand Island supporting our All Aboard campaign we will have one of the most family-friendly, fun-filled parks in the state of Nebraska.”

Stolley Park is Grand Island’s largest park with attractions such as its flower gardens, soccer fields, disc golf and picnic pavilions attracting visitors for decades, up to 200,000 each year. Recent additions include pickleball courts, a splash pad and a new entrance.

“Stolley Park has hosted numerous enjoyable memories for our family,” Gdowski said. “From youth baseball and soccer games to the building of Kids Kingdom, afternoon jogs through the park to family picnics, it has been a constant source of joy - not to mention riding the train with our grandkids.” 

Among the park’s best-known amenities are the Kids Kingdom playground and the Stolley Park Railroad, which draws more than 12,000 passengers per year. When Kids Kingdom was built in 2003, a second phase was intended to address the area inside the train tracks. 

While the train itself — with its unique sights, sounds and motion — holds a special place in the hearts of Grand Island residents, the experience can be made even more memorable with:

• Additional train features such as tunnels and signals
• Inclusive play mounds and structures
• Clear paths for walking
• Textured biking pump tracks
• Beautification and seating

“Stolley Park means a lot to many people in Grand Island. I took my kids to Kids Kingdom and the Stolley Park train when they were little, as have many, many families over the years,” said Jack Sheard, city councilman and All Aboard for Stolley Park committee member. “This project will enhance the experience for even more families into the next generation. The area inside the tracks adds a truly unique opportunity for Grand Island’s largest and most visited park.”

The campaign is being run through the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation. With giving levels from $20 to $100,000, supporters of all economic levels can participate in raising the remaining $480,000. 

To donate or learn more, visit www.gicf.org/all-aboard.