I was going to post a reply to Fletch's comment in another thread, but this is a slightly different train of thought than the other blog post, so I'll start fresh. To refresh your memory, last night I questioned the name of Lincoln's newest park, Union Plaza. It's a curious name selection, considering there happens to already be a fairly well-known Union Plaza on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus, just to the north. That Union Plaza has been around for decades. (Granted, I think its official name is Nebraska Union Plaza, but everybody calls it Union Plaza.)
So why cause confusion by creating a new -- and completely unrelated -- Union Plaza just a few blocks to the south? The "Union" half of the answer comes from the donor of $1.5 million toward the construction of the new park. Union Bank is a local bank that does a good job being involved in various ways throughout the community. In fact, their local involvement is one of the reasons I am a customer. They should be commended for their donation, as Fletch noted.
But none of that is a reason for the duplicate name. It could have been Union Park, Union Mall, Union Place, Union Square, Union Station, Union Center, and so on. In the long run, the duplicate names will likely be little more than an annoyance. Still, it's an annoyance that should have been avoided.
Comments
See what your friends and neighbors have to say about this.
Maybe go with Broyhill Plaza for the University of Nebraska location? Or possibly Willa Cather Plaza? This might be a neat opportunity for the University to dedicate a popular spot on campus to someone worthy.
I always thought it was called Broyhill Plaza for some reason. I haven’t been to that spot on campus for forever.
I think, with the proximity to the Depot, that Union Square or Station would be clever. I like Union Square a lot.
I don’t think the mix-up is that big of an issue, nor would I care if they changed the name of the new plaza, or the one at the UNL Union.
My point was simply at a time we all question the $ that are spent in this city and what’s useful and not useful and where it should all come from, I give props to someone for ponying up $1.5 million.
Even though I am a proud Union Bank customer, I would love this to be the first of many such gifts. We could have a Wells Fargo this or a US Bank that or a Pfizer something and a Kawasaki thing or an ITI whatever. The list could be fairly long. Hello, Ameritas? Assurity/Security/Whatever your name is? Allied? Duncan?
I was also pleased that there was some naming restraint and it wasn’t Union Bank Plaza, but simply Union Plaza. I have no idea who chose “Plaza” to go with “Union” - the bank? the city? some consultant? I think some of Mr. W’s names are better than plaza anyway.
Fletch, I believe it used to be known as Broyhill Plaza back when the old Broyhill Fountain was there.
Also, I’ll second your point about corporate sponsorship of parks and things. I’m not against having corporations or individuals slap their name on things they fund.
It beats “lincoln’s central park” by a long shot..
Share your thoughts with the community.
Commenting is no longer permitted on this post.