WAYNE, Neb. -- Several years ago, Wayne’s old lagoon on the southeast side of town was cleaned out.

“We sat down and decided we wanted to put a lake down here and more ball fields, soccer fields, and a new park and rec building," said Lowell Heggemeyer, Wayne parks and recreation director.
 
The Prairie Park Project is 40% complete and will bring camper spots, connect walking trails, and add to a growing part of Wayne.
 
“It’s transformational for Wayne in this part of town," said Wes Blecke, city administrator of Wayne. "It will enhance the living in the entire community but especially down in this area.”
 
Blecke said in small towns like Wayne, it's crucial for the city to provide incentives that encourage residents to remain within the community.
 
“A lot of jobs anymore are going remote so you can live wherever you want," Blecke said. "We’ve got to give people a reason to live in Wayne.”
 
The LENRD gave the city a helping hand, providing $150,000 towards the project, given out over the next three years.
 
Those funds will go towards the shower house and bathroom facility.
 
Due to the phased-style of project, Blecke said phase I and II are in the process of being completed.
 
The next step of the process is connecting the trail and bridge work around the lake.
 
Having been with the city for over 20 years, Heggemeyer said he has enjoyed seeing the project develop for the people of Wayne.
 
“To be able to ride your bike and actually come down and throw a pole in and fish right in town would be a great benefit for the kids and family," Heggemeyer said.
 
A town hall on Thursday will review citizen’s input and Blecke said the answers will help go after more grants for the project.