On Monday, April 23, 2018, the Bellevue City Council passed a resolution to approve a request by Mayor Rita Sanders to name the entrance road into America Heroes Park in honor of the service of former Mayor Jerry Ryan. The City of Bellevue will host a ceremony to mark the naming of this road as "Jerry Ryan Plaza" on Friday, May 4, 2018 at 10:00am at the entrance to American Heroes Park.
City of Bellevue ordinances allow for the naming of a street or public facility, "...when such person or entity has made a significant contribution to the City by enhancing the quality of life and well-being of the city and its citizens...". This describes the service of Mayor Ryan and naming this road is especially appropriate due to his efforts to move American Heroes Park from an idea to reality.
Jerry Ryan served as Mayor of Bellevue from 1998 until 2006. During Mayor Ryan's tenure, the city was able to enter into an agreement with the Nebraska Public Power District that provided for the removal of the former power station on the property and begin the process of developing a master plan for the redevelopment of the area as a regional park which, in part, would be dedicated in honor of the American Heroes of our community. In addition, Mayor Ryan led the process for the installation of the wrought iron fencing around the Bellevue Cemetery; worked to bring the hospital, which is now Nebraska Medical, to Bellevue; and, partnered with the State of Nebraska for the Veteran's Home which was constructed on what was then city owned property.
The public is invited to attend this ceremony and honor the contributions Mayor Ryan made to the Bellevue Community.