Lively Omaha is pleased to present its third Laurels Award to the volunteer Place Game Facilitators who have worked so hard to make the Place Game Workshops a success. These volunteers are in the vanguard of great place making for the city of Omaha.

They have spent countless hours learning and using the Place Game to foster lively, secure and distinctive places throughout Omaha. The Place Game focuses on people who know and use a place like a park or plaza to get input and brainstorm ways to make it a great space.

Last year these dedicated volunteers gave generously of their own time to conduct 8 Place Game Workshops for 5 neighborhood associations, the Missouri River Pedestrian Bridge Design Workshop, the Cultural Arts District and the Old Market Business Association working with 595 participants.

They have been a key element in implementing the process of great place making by leading members of the community in workshops designed to gather their input. Participants work with Place Game Facilitators to observe and record what they like and don't like about spaces in their own neighborhoods.

After looking and listening in the space they assist participants in a brainstorming session to find creative improvements that will enhance the community. Place Game Facilitators are currently working on follow-up strategies to help Place Game participants organize and prioritize their ideas for implementation.

By working with their fellow citizens the Place Game Facilitators are making Omaha more connected, smart, significant, sparkling and fun.

Connie Spellman, Director of Lively Omaha, said, "The Place Game Facilitators have been invaluable to the process of improving Omaha's neighborhoods and public spaces. Their hard work and dedication are our greatest asset and Lively Omaha is proud to have such committed and skillful volunteers. We are very grateful to each and every one of them."