Northeast Oklahoma City continues to inspire an energy and enthusiasm for community development through engagement and neighborhood involvement. A major step forward for the Northeast Renaissance Committee's goal to showcase the vibrant, economically and culturally rich vision of NEOKC's future is the "oNE OKC" outdoor event.

oNE OKC is taking place this Saturday, April 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Moses F. Miller football stadium at Douglass High School. The event is described by organizer and committee co-chair Quintin Hughes as "a  vibrant block party that merges the models of Better Block, H&8th, and the Arts Festival."

The free event will feature visual and performing arts, food trucks, pop-up vendors, a community mural and themed activities for the whole family including wellness and education.

The organizers of the oNE OKC event hope to inspire additional collaborative events in the area. Events like this highlight the positive energy and forward momentum taking place. As development continues to progress, interest increases from local and outside businesses as a potential spot for new locations. Continued community involvement shows further support for the improvements going into the area.

For more information on the oNE OKC event or volunteer for the event, please visit www.oneokc.net.

Most recently, Rebuilding Together OKC hosted a Rebuilding Day in the Culbertson's East Highland neighborhood of northeast Oklahoma City, in which more than 1,000 volunteers from various companies and organizations made repairs to 27 houses in the area. The project was a collaboration of Rebuilding Together OKC, Oklahoma City's Strong Neighborhoods Initiative, the Neighborhood Alliance of Central Oklahoma and the Culbertson's East Highland Neighborhood Association. Rehabilitation of existing homes adds much needed value for homeowners and the surrounding neighborhood.

Existing parks and public spaces are also being rehabilitated in Oklahoma City. Memorial Park at NW 36th Street and N. Classen Boulevard recently underwent an extensive renovation. Additions and improvements to the park included resurfaced tennis courts, new ADA accessible playground equipment, new picnic shelters, new walking paths, a new basketball court and renovations to the fountain, fountain plaza and the Shakespeare garden. This project was funded with 2007 general bond obligation funds. Several other parks and plazas are seeing renovation as well.

It is important to rehabilitate and maintain our existing homes, public spaces and other elements of existing neighborhoods as well as adding new construction. A healthy city appreciates and protects the value of both.