NEBRASKA CITY - The Nebraska City Parks and Recreation Department is proposing a $268,000 overhaul to harmonize the playground section of Steinhart Park with the handicap accessibility of the nearby aquatic center.

The city is expected to seek grants to install a sidewalk connecting to streets leading into the park, a new park shelter and a playground that is more compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The city’s aquatic center is ADA compliant, but users note barriers to the playground and outdoor drinking fountains. The sidewalks that connect the high school, Lied Lodge and Conference Center and Central Avenue walkways currently do not extend into the playground area.

 

The project is proposed in two phases with the $198,000 playground in phase 2.

In 2000 the city received a $5,000 grant from the Peter Kiewit Foundation for playground equipment. Meeting information says A $4,000 donation has been pledged toward the playground equipment.

Amy Allgood of Nebraska City Tourism and Commerce said much of the playground equipment is still in good shape, but the area is not ADA friendly. She said some of the equipment could be relocated to other parks.