New Bellevue Park?

[Coyote]

Former plant site could become park

It's easier to see 101 acres at the Missouri River in Bellevue as a future park, now that the Kramer Power Plant no longer dominates the skyline.

Bellevue city leaders believe they are weeks away from gaining ownership of the site and furthering its conversion to a city park.

The Nebraska Public Power District will turn over the land when all of the legalities are decided, City Administrator Gary Troutman said. He hopes that will be done by January.

The city also hopes to start requesting proposals to develop a concept plan for the site, said Troutman and City Engineer Dave Goedeken.

A 40-acre area of the park closest to Fontenelle Forest will remain in its natural state. Workers will start putting in kiosks and displays there.

In other sections, athletic fields and other features - including some unique to the area - will be added.

Work has been going on for a year to demolish and dismantle the seven-story plant, which NPPD decided was too old and inefficient in the late 1980s. The city has paid for that work.