The first function of this neighborhood improvement organization was to survey the community to determine what people liked about the area and what improvements might be made. The articles of incorporation and the by-laws were written in 1982. Since that time, suggestions made by Keystone residents have been a catalogue of work for the Task Force. Park development, neighborhood beautification and
public works projects have been completed. The Task Force was instrumental in the development of the Keystone Trail, the main artery of a planned 120 miles of trails. The first segment was a 3½ mile stretch between Democracy and Roberts Parks that opened twelve summers ago. Keystone Task Force focuses on the area between N. 90th Street on the west, Fort Street and Military Avenue on the north, North 72nd Street on the east, and Maple street on the south. Within these boundaries, twenty-eight sub-blocks have been designated and each of these is headed by a block worker. The block worker distributes the quarterly newsletter and acts as a liaison between the residents of their sub-block and the Keystone Task Force. The most important asset of the Keystone Community is you, the residents of Keystone. The last survey indicated that the friendliness of the residents was a most important ingredient in making Keystone an especially nice place to live. Only with the support of the Keystone residents is it possible for the Task Force to make progress. The work and organizational efforts put forth by all previous members of the Keystone Task Force Board of Directors has played a very important role in the success of this organization. Members of the Board serve a three-year term with annual elections of the new Board and officers each April. In addition, there is a senior representative, youth(s), representative(s) and area school representatives. Everyone who lives within the designated boundaries of the Keystone Community Task Force is automatically a member and welcome to attend the monthly meetings held from September to May. There are no membership dues. Since 1970, the Task Force has crowned the King and/or Queen of Keystone which now takes place at the Annual Spring Fling in April. Also, over 130 people have been named Keystoner-of-the-month since 1977. The Spring Cleanup has been held annually since 1971. In 1980, the Task Force received first place in community development and third place in 1981 and 1982 for park development. In 1991, honorable mention was received in Cox Cable's Neighborhood Salute Program. Since 1994, Keystone Task Force has submitted numerous project reports to the Urban Community Improvement Program affiliated with the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. October, 1998, awards were received in Culture and Recreational Development, Youth Involvement and Neighborhood Excellence categories. In October, 2000, an award was received in Youth Involvement and Development. The purpose of the Keystone Community Task Force is to identify and provide leadership for the solution of community needs and problems of residents who live within the area. The Task Force directs its efforts toward maintaining the area and making Keystone an even better place to live.
