Local news- Press Release
Columbus Nebraska - Upgrades coming to Centennial Park 29 December 2023 ( news )
Columbus , state Nebraska ( By Press Release office)
Dec 29,2023
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Centennial Park will be getting some improvements in the near future .
The Columbus City Council during its regular meeting on Dec . 18 , 2023 , voted 6 - 1 in favor of approving a resolution that called for electing a design - build delivery system for a new restroom and concession building at Centennial Park and designating City Engineer Rick Bogus to serve as performance criteria developer .
It passed with a motion from First Ward Councilman Charlie Bahr and was seconded by Third Ward Councilman Ron Schilling . Fourth Ward Councilman J . Prent Roth voted against the resolution , noting he felt a new restroom is needed at Sunset Park and how he recently witnessed a person walk from that park to a temporary restroom facility outside the Fieldhouse because there wasn ' t one there .
"I believe this restroom would be better served at Sunset Park , " Roth said during the meeting , noting he felt the existing restroom and concession stand at Centennial could potentially last another year before making updates . "With the completion of the new Fieldhouse , we need to do something at Sunset Park to make it more amenable to the Fieldhouse . . . "
Roth indicated he would like for a restroom to be built at Sunset Park after a master plan for it is developed . Located near the intersection of 38th Street and 41st Avenue on the north end of Columbus in close proximity to Columbus Community Hospital and the Columbus Wellness Center and Fieldhouse , Sunset Park boasts a walking/jogging trail . a playground and parking while offering fishing opportunities thanks to the nearby Lake Esther .
The Council talked about the number of people who use Centennial and Sunset parks , with it being noted Centennial gets really busy during baseball season , before the plan was ultimately approved . The resolution was approved 6 - 1 because there was a vacant First Ward City Council seat . Former Council President Beth Augustine Schulte resigned from her post in November 2023 because she moved out of the district she represented . Mayor Jim Bulkley earlier this month announced resident Cynthia Alarcón was appointed to fill that seat . Alarcón will be sworn in during the Council ' s next meeting beginning at 6 p . m . Tuesday , Jan . 2 , 2024 . To learn more about her , click
here
.
City staff earlier this year opted to create a master plan for Centennial Park in - house to save on expenses , collecting public feedback along the way . It ultimately got the approval of the Columbus City Council . You can view the full plan by clicking
hereand then clicking ‘Centennial Park Master Plan” on the left .
“Rejuvenate Centennial Park into a vibrant , inclusive , and modern destination that caters to the diverse needs and desires of our community members . Enhance the park’s facilities and services to ensure a welcoming and safe environment for everyone , ” the plan’s vision statement reads . “Accomplishing this by providing a modern concessions , restroom , and maintenance facility . Revitalize facilities to breathe life into under - utilized recreational amenities . Improve parking and lighting for pedestrian safety while maintaining easy access for all users . All with the vision of transforming this park into a vibrant , inviting , and modern destination that unites our community and ensures its usage and safety for the future . ”
The Master Plan calls for ballfield and play equipment improvements , additional parking , picnic tables , and a splash pad , as well as better concessions , restrooms and more .
Centennial is a 20 - acre park located in southeast Columbus that features:
- Three diamonds for baseball youth leagues - lighted until 11 p . m .
- two tennis courts - lighted until 11 p . m .
- a playground area
- outdoor archery range
- handball court
- batting cage
- restrooms - only open during scheduled activities
- concession stand
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