(l-r) Mayor Nancy Tyra-Lukens, Heritage Preservation Commission Chair Steve Olson and Heritage Preservation Award recipient Jim Clark.

At the May 16 City Council meeting, the 2017 Heritage Preservation Award was presented to Jim Clark for going above and beyond to promote Eden Prairie's heritage.

The goal of the Heritage Preservation Award is to recognize an individual, family or business who has made an outstanding contribution to the preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and use of Eden Prairie's heritage resources.

Clark has deep roots in Eden Prairie. His ancestors arrived from Ireland in the 1880s and settled on farmland that today is where the City's iconic water tower is located. One of his grandfathers was the township's first constable and the other its first city clerk.

Clark graduated from Eden Prairie High School in 1968 before becoming one of Eden Prairie’s first police officers, and then its police chief for more than 13 years. He started the City’s first community service officer program in the early 1970s. Since then he has contributed to his community in many ways, serving as an election judge and saving the historic gym at the original Consolidate School. He also served on the Eden Prairie Historical Society board where he has was involved with its remodeling, updating computer hardware and software, and volunteering at the History Museum.

Nominations for Heritage Preservation Awards can be made by persons on behalf of themselves or others. One award is given each year. For the next award process, nomination materials will be available in early 2018 and the award presented at a May City Council meeting, in conjunction with National Historic Preservation Month.