NORFOLK, Neb. -- Johnson Park held their official ribbon cutting on Thursday.

This marks the completion of the improvements to Johnson Park and the North Fork White Water Park.

The ceremony was accompanied by many local and state officials, as well as the donors who helped bring this project to fruition.

Norfolk Mayor Josh Moenning reflects on the process from the very beginning. 

“I spent a lot of time down here visioning, dreaming, thinking about what it could be,” Moenning said. “It’s better than what I ever could have imagined.”

Moenning touched on what it could do for the town of Norfolk. 

“We’ve never really, on a broad wide scale, had an opportunity to introduce tourism as a major part of our local economy and now we do,” Moenning said. “I think there are ripple effects that come with that.”

The whitewater park opened earlier this year. It is a 3-mile stretch that includes 7 drop-off points.

It is free for the public to use whenever the weather is right. It stretches across the downtown district area on the North Fork of the Elkhorn River. 

"I think our part in this was trying to help fund this through dollars,” said Tory Uhlir, Madison County Commissioner. “We were able to come up with $250,000 towards the project, and we looked at this as an investment in the community in Madison County. Kind of saw the big picture of it and what it could do to help spur growth."

Other enhancements included an updated trail system, an ice rink, playgrounds, and more.

The park will also feature an amphitheater for concerts and performances.