City approves lighting package for Johnson Park

NORFOLK, Neb. -- The City of Norfolk approved another construction package for its Johnson Park project.

The item approved Monday night was focused on lighting for the new park renovations and freezing units. 

Lighting would be placed along the planned trail inside of the park, the planned basketball court/hockey rink, and other needed locations.

In addition to lighting for the basketball court/hockey rink, a freezing unit would be installed to freeze ice on the court.

In total, the construction package would cost $656,710.82, which is under the $690,489 project cost. 

However, some area residents had concerns about the proposal. Some who lived in the area spoke Monday, questioning if the new lighting and sound of the freezing unit would cause problems for local residents. 

"I am stunned that over half a million dollars is going to be put into this park for lighting," Paula Pennington said. "If you're planning on putting in all this electrical business, how is that going to affect our area? We're a residential area, we don't and have not wanted an amusement park, and that's what this appears to be." 

The city stated that the lights would be turned off when the park is closed. They also said the lighting is being pointed down at the ground and wouldn't cause annoyance to residents.

Parks Director Nathan Powell also stated the freezing units would only be turned on at the beginning or end of the ice rink season. Powell said the majority of the time the units would be turned off.

The city council unanimously approved the package in a 6-0 vote.