Battle Creek is developing a master plan for the city park that will include a focus on enhancing recreation and accessibility of the swimming pool, ball diamonds, tennis and basketball courts, soccer fields and picnic areas. The clubhouse and the park’s playgrounds also will be assessed.

Battle Creek to use $15,000 in grant funding for park master planning

(Special to the Daily News  Apr 28, 2025)

Battle Creek was recently awarded $15,000 in grant funding for the completion of a park master plan.

Battle Creek, in partnership with the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District and Norfolk Area Economic Development, applied to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development for funds under the civic and community center financing fund (CCCFF).

This funding is utilized to support community facility projects across Nebraska that contribute to a higher quality of life and promote economic opportunity.

“Parks and recreational spaces are not just amenities, they’re essential infrastructure that enhances our quality of life and economic competitiveness,” said Battle Creek Mayor Heath Mettler. “This $15,000 grant will help us develop a strategic vision for Battle Creek Park that maximizes its potential as both a community gathering place and an important amenity for attracting families and businesses.

“We’re grateful to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development for the support and excited about the possibilities this planning process will unlock.”

Battle Creek will match the grant award 1:1 to fund preliminary planning efforts that will include a focus on enhancing recreation and accessibility of key amenities such as the swimming pool, ball diamonds, tennis and basketball courts, soccer fields and picnic areas. It also will assess the clubhouse and the park’s playgrounds. The scope of services will include a project kickoff meeting, data collection, inventory assessment, alternative conceptual design and substantial community engagement.

“Placemaking investments like parks are vital to economic development — they help attract and retain residents, support workforce recruitment and create the kind of vibrant communities where people want to live and do business,” said Candice Alder, economic development director for the Norfolk Area Economic Development Council. “This planning grant is an important first step in shaping a community asset that will benefit Battle Creek for years to come.”

Once the planning process is complete, Battle Creek may apply for a future CCCFF grant cycle as a capital construction project. These funds then could be used to renovate and improve Battle Creek’s community facilities. The completion of this preliminary master planning process will contribute to the likelihood of success when applying for future capital construction funds from CCCFF or other opportunities.