Congressman Don Bacon championed the inclusion of the project in the House of Representatives’ annual Community Project Funding Program
BENNINGTON, Neb. (Apr. 23, 2024) – Less than a year after breaking ground on the OneStaff Medical Athletic Complex, Neumeyer Farm is gearing up to move forward with the next phase of development, thanks to a sizable grant from the federal government.
Congressman Don Bacon recently notified the city of Bennington that Neumeyer Farm was included in this year’s Consolidated Appropriations Act. The project will receive $2.1 million through the Community Project Funding Program included in the bill. These discretionary grants are awarded to projects that support the nation’s interest to “develop new centers of population growth and economic activity” as well as to provide for “better arrangement of residential, commercial, industrial, recreational, and other needed activity centers.”
Neumeyer Farm will significantly expand the parkland, trail system and youth athletic facilities in Bennington, Nebraska. The project takes advantage of land south of Big Papillion Creek, which is too low for the construction of housing or other permanent structures, and transforms the area into a vibrant community hub. Once fully developed, the complex will boast seven regulation-size athletic fields, parking for nearly 800 vehicles, and a large gathering space among other community amenities. It will be well connected to the community’s schools, housing subdivisions, downtown business district, parks, and eventually the greater Omaha area through a planned extension of a biking trail that follows the creek.
“I’m thrilled to have had a hand in securing funding for the Neumeyer Farm project,” said Congressman Don Bacon. “As one of Nebraska’s fastest growing communities, Bennington is in need of developments that not only provide new and enhanced amenities for its rapidly expanding population, but also ones that drive economic development. I believe Neumeyer Farm can be an important catalyst for much needed business growth in Bennington.”
The greater Bennington community more than doubled between 2010 and 2020, bringing the area’s population to nearly 16,000 people. The city of Bennington, meanwhile, has just 2,000 residents within its corporate boundaries and limited business development. Neumeyer Farm will not only generate near-term economic benefits by bringing thousands of athletes and spectators to Bennington for sporting events, it will also entice businesses to invest in Bennington.
Earlier this month, the Bennington Soccer Club, one of the participants in the Neumeyer Farm project, hosted its Spring Cup, which annually brings more than 1,300 athletes and coaches to Bennington over the course of the three-day tournament.
“These athletes and their families generate significant economic activity in Bennington during the weekend of the Spring Cup by eating at local restaurants and shopping at area businesses,” said Justin Hughes, Bennington Soccer Club President. “Neumeyer Farm will double the number of playing fields in Bennington, which will allow us to significantly expand participation in the tournament – and possibly even add additional tournaments throughout the year. That would be a win-win for our club and our community.”
Bennington Mayor Zac Johns echoed Hughes’ enthusiasm.
“We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Bacon for his belief in our community and in Neumeyer Farm,” he said. “This funding will move the project forward significantly – and more expeditiously – so Bennington can begin realizing the economic and community benefits sooner.”
The Community Project Funding grant will be used to advance Phase 2 of Neumeyer Farm Park & Athletic Complex with the development of additional athletic fields, expanded parking, and the continuation of trails and greenspaces over 10 acres. Phase 1, which included construction of the first athletic field and parking lot, began last June and will be completed this summer. The first phase was funded by community donations and a Shovel-Ready grant from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.
Those wishing to learn more about the project or those interested in making a donation are encouraged to visit www.neumeyerfarm.org.
About Neumeyer Farm
Neumeyer Farm is a 50-acre park and athletic complex being developed in the heart of Nebraska’s fastest growing community: Bennington, Nebraska. The project features seven high-quality, multipurpose athletic fields as well as accessible parking, biking and walking paths, and greenspace for farmers markets, outdoor concerts and the community’s annual Bennington Daze festival. The project will serve all ages in this suburban community of 16,000 in addition to sparking vital business development.
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