Communications Office
Recreation Improvements
Project Overview:
The City of Norfolk has identified a number of recreation improvements, some of which have been received through citizen surveys. An indoor aquatic center is being proposed for Winter Park as well as renovations to Ta-Ha-Zouka Park. The improvements would add year round recreation opportunities with the indoor aquatic center, creating a leisure destination for citizens and guests, and bring visitors to the community via potential sporting events hosted at the new facilities. All existing facilities at Ta-Ha-Zouka's sports complex are in need of renovations, and parking needs to be improved for safety and convenience.
The improvements include:
- A 54,000 square foot indoor aquatic center with a 12,000 square foot competition pool and a 12,000 square foot recreation pool is proposed for Winter Park.
- The recreation pool will have slides and other play features with a current channel open all year round.
- A large lobby area will incorporate a rock climbing wall for guests.
- A 10,000 square foot mezzanine is planned for spectator seating during swim meets seating up to 600 people.
- In Ta-Ha-Zouka Park, a four plex softball complex is proposed with renovation of all current fields.
- New T-ball fields will be constructed and a new full size baseball field is set to replace the current Field 4.
- Four full size soccer fields and Two futsal fields will be added.
- Improvements to the locker rooms and the umpire changing area.
- Expanded camping and recreation opportunities.
- A proposed BMX bike track.
- A recreation court complex to accommodate pickleball, horse shoes, tennis courts, and basketball.
- Improved parking for 1,100 vehicles with roadway safety enhancements for both pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
Concept Videos:
Project Funding:
Project funding would stem from a local option sales tax subject to Norfolk voter approval in November 2022. Norfolk's current sales tax is 1 1/2% and the proposal up to the Norfolk voters is to raise it to 2%. Nebraska has a state sales tax of 5.5% , and allows local governments to collect a local option sales tax of up to 2%. Sales tax projected to support debt service on par amount of bonds of $67 million to $78 million depending on interest rates and sales tax growth. Preliminary costs estimates are: $8.5 million for the police facility expansion, $12 million for street improvements, $32 million for an indoor aquatic center, and $15 million for Ta-Ha-Zouka improvements.
Contact for Further Information:
Parks & Recreation Director
402-844-2250