By AARON SANDERFORD
Nebraska Examiner
OMAHA — The City of Norfolk is set to break ground Aug. 2 on a $14 million riverfront project that aims to bring more recreation to the north fork of the Elkhorn River. The changes aim to make the river more accessible to the public.
The 10 a.m. ceremony will celebrate plans to rebuild Johnson Park, along the river, and the river itself. Eight 18-inch whitewater rapids-style drops will be added between the First Street railroad bridge and the Norfolk Avenue bridge.
Changes will provide more ways to enjoy the water, whether by kayak or at a beach being created. Norfolk’s Parks and Recreation director, Nate Powell, said the city wants to create a “great place” for residents and “a new destination” for visitors.
Norfolk’s North Fork Riverfront Project, much like Omaha’s Missouri River effort, includes plans for an amphitheater with a permanent stage, festival space and entertainment spaces for young people, including playground-style equipment.
“I am excited to see the efforts of so many come together and bring this project forward to the Norfolk community,” Powell said. “These are exciting times for Norfolk, and I am happy to be a small part of the project.”
Federal highway funds will cover about $3.8 million of the riverfront project’s costs, for bridge work. Private donors and funds will cover about $3.5 million. Federal coronavirus relief funds will cover about $1.4 million.
More than $1 million apiece will come from Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District funds; grants; water, sewer and sanitary funds; and city KENO funds.