March 6, 2005

Bellevue plans new riverfront development

ack to the River fever is spreading throughout the metro area as Bellevue plans for their own riverfront development.

The city council unanimously agreed this week to pledge $1.25 million for the project. The Papio-Missouri Natural Resources District has already said they are considering a donation of

	Draft of Bellevue's Haworth Park North Land Use Plan

another $1.25 million to develop a riverfront park that will adjoin Haworth Park in Bellevue. Both donations would be paid over a four year span, however, the NRD must still approve their contribution.

The plan calls for developing a Frisbee golf course, a water playground and an 11-acre festival and concert site with the Missouri River as a backdrop on 101 acres where the Kramer Power Plant once stood. The city hopes to take ownership of the land from the Nebraska Public Power District in April.

Bellevue has already been granted $400,000 from the Nebraska Environmental Trust to build environmental kiosks along trails in the northern 40 acres of the site. The remaining land would be used for the new development.

One obstacle still remains, the city's sewage plant. The city council agreed to study a plan that would involve using Omaha's Papillion Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant east of La Platte instead. This would allow for the elimination of the sewage plant if necessary. The land use plan shows ball fields where the plant is now.

Big Muddy Workshop developed the draft plan at the request of the city. Although it is still a draft, a plan was needed in order for the city to apply for grants and acquire other necessary funding.

When completed, the development will join the 155 acres that make up Haworth Park. Current features of the park include camping, a playground, tennis court and ice rink. Bellevue Marina, which has 200 boat slips, a launch ramp, gas & ice sales plus other amenities is located just to the south.