City advances sports complex, Fast Pitch Softball reports progress

NEBRASKA CITY – The Nebraska City City Council approved an engineering study for the proposed sports complex at 19^th Street and approved replacement of a backstop at the softball complex.

The sports complex earlier received a $30,000 grant from keno funds for the study.

City Administrator Lou Leone and Parks Commissioner Patrick Wehling said the study will provide more details on amenities for the sports complex and how to phase in work. Wehling said soccer has the greatest need, so the soccer fields would be first.

Leone: “If what we had before was the 30,000-foot aerial view, this will give us a look at ground level.”

The city proposes going out for bids or a site plan, rough grading and probable construction costs.

The complex would include four fields for softball, as well as soccer fields and supporting amenities.

The city approved replacement of the backstop at Field 3 of the softball complex with a netting system.

Nebraska City Fastpitch Softball presented to the council Monday on recent improvements to Field 3.

Outfield grade for improved drainage

• irrigation system – infield and outfield

• Outfield sod

• Warning track with drain tile

• French drain system on infield – accelerates recovery time after heavy rain

• New chain link on dugouts and foul territory fence

• New scoreboard with protective netting

• All improvements 100% grant funded – no tax dollars

 

In other action, commissioners approved a library grant that would help make the library a sort of “welcome wagon” for people new to the community.

CHI Health St. Mary’s proposal for banners in the median of Grundman Boulevard was tabled. Commissioners discussed whether advertisements will be placed on public poles.