Keith County First Impressions
Keith County Area Development (KCAD) is leading a collaborative effort with local stakeholders – artists, downtown business owners, volunteers, and non-profit organizations – to improve our community's First Impressions. First Impressions – or our community’s “Curb Appeal” – was identified as a top priority for Keith County during the 2020 Community Vision Planning sessions, which were facilitated by KCAD and the Keith County Foundation Fund (KCFF).
PAXTON
The Village of Paxton is proud to announce a project that will improve safety, accessibility, and comfort for all who enjoy the beloved Paxton Park. This year, fundraising efforts are focused on two much-needed updates: replacing the public sidewalks within the park and renovating/replacing the public restrooms to better serve residents and visitors. Paxton Park is a gathering place for families, community events, and summer recreation and our annual Labor Day Celebration. However, time and weather have taken a toll on the sidewalks, creating uneven surfaces that pose safety hazards—especially for seniors, young children, and individuals with limited mobility. Likewise, the public restrooms have not seen significant updates in decades and are in need of modernization to meet current standards of cleanliness, accessibility, and usability. Whether it’s for a family picnic, a child’s first bike ride, or a visitor passing through town, these improvements will ensure that Paxton Park continues to serve as a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable space for years to come.
BRULE
Brule community volunteers worked together to develop projects that bring color and music to Barton Park! Brule was the recipient of the 2023 Keith County First Impressions Mural Project. To complement the beautifully painted mural, a Free Notes Harmony Park Starter Ensemble for all ages will be installed. This public musical playground set will include: tuned drums, a low notes metallophone and an aluminum and fiber glass Marimba installed on a freshly poured concrete pad near the mural site.
OGALLALA
Ogallala is blooming—thanks to the support of our generous community and the success of past beautification efforts. This year, we hope to keep the momentum going by investing in both sustainability and expansion of the projects that have helped revitalize our downtown and public spaces. Our goals this year are twofold: Add 10 new trash receptacles throughout Ogallala to keep our streets and sidewalks clean and welcoming for both residents and the thousands of visitors we host each year. These high-quality, weather-resistant bins cost approximately $7,000 total, and will be strategically placed in high-traffic areas to support public cleanliness and pride in our town. Sustain and enhance the beautification features you’ve come to love, including the vibrant hanging flower baskets, cheerful horse tank planters, and lush city bump-outs. These floral touches not only brighten our community but also support tourism, local business traffic, and civic pride. Funds will help cover plant replacements, soil amendments, and seasonal upgrades that keep Ogallala looking its best all year long. Finally, for a BIG picture project, First Impressions wants to liven up the City of Ogallala parking lot located North of Hwy 30 and East of West A St. by adding green space. Like the other two City owned parking lots, trees, plants and shrubs will be added to help beautify the area.
WAYFINDING
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Keith County First Impressions continues to work on a county-wide wayfinding and updated signage effort. Updated signage will include the newly developed logos created in 2023 by Omaha’s Smith Kroeger.
KCAD continues to lead the project with community stakeholders and wayfinding/interpretive sign developers Inherent Character from Lakewood, CO. The first step was county-wide community branding, now we are moving into the next phase of this expansive project. Physical updates will be visible in early 2026. |
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