All news
Spring 2011
Things have gone very well for OCPS during 2010 thanks to our many supporters.
After three years, we have finally completed the necessary studies and analyses to allow us to thoroughly understand what needs to be done in the cemetery, both in the long and short time frames. The formation of the Master Development Plan was the result of those endeavors. Now it is the time to look forward and to make the plan become reality.
In February of this year, the OCPS board held a brainstorming session facilitated by Judy Williams, President of Williams Creative Group. The results of that session gave the board the necessary planning tools to allow it to approach the community and various governmental entities to raise the capital funds needed to accomplish our goals. The plan calls for a three-year effort by OCPS to raise approximately $442,000.
We realize that this endeavor will require creative methods of raising funds due to the needs of many competing non-profits and other organizations during these times, but we are confident that it can be done. We will need your support.
CPS was recently invited by Mayor Glover to be a member of the Shreveport Commons Advisory Committee. The goal of this committee is to create a Design/Plan that will rejuvenate the nine-block area that surrounds the Central Fire Station. The planning process, funded by a $100,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, will include a master plan to include space use, public art, programming, retail, and future development for the area.
Oakland Cemetery is an integral part of this area of our city, and OCPS is thrilled to be a part of this effort. We believe that it will be a boon to this portion of our city and the cemetery. We look forward to participating in this exciting project.
As noted last year, Oakland Cemetery has been working with the city to acquire and renovate an historic house on Sprague Street. After many delays, I am pleased to announce that the way has been cleared on this important project, and the house should be renovated this year. I would also like to thank Slack/Alost Architects, Inc. for volunteering to help OCPS define the specifications for the renovation and produce construction drawings for the project.
In conclusion, OCPS is poised to begin work this year toward accomplishing our ultimate goals. I would like to thank those of you who have generously donated funds to the OCPS. Your support has allowed us to approach our task in a professional, well conceived manner that will guarantee success. Please join/renew your membership this month.