Norris Park: The next generation

Norris Park -- before.

Where once a long line of mature trees stood in Norris Park, a new generation has sprouted.

A total of about 40 trees have been removed from the park since last year, after city staff and an arborist hired by the city determined the trees were in poor condition due to age.

With the last of the stately trees removed in January, the park was looking a little bare. But as the trees were removed, new trees have been planted, with eight put into place Thursday.

About 28 trees were planted since last year, said Kyle Potthoff, Public Works director, with about 13 left to go. All but two were donated, he said.

"The response has been unbelievable," said Kyle Potthoff, Public Works Director, of the amount of people taking a vested interest in the park. "They're doing it not only for the present but for future generations. "

Although the new trees won't provide much shade for awhile, with trunck diameters measuring about three inches, the potential is there.

Norris Park -- after.

Trees planted Wednesday were five burr oaks and five maples, Potthoff said. Types of trees that have been planted so far include hackberry, Kentucky Coffee, swamp white oak, Austrian pine, fruitless crab apple, and disease resistant elm, all trees recommended to be hardy for this area.

Enhancements to Norris park won't stop with the trees. New playground equipment is expected to be in place by this summer, Potthoff said, after specifications are approved by the McCook City Council.

The equipment will not be the typical platform slide kind, Potthoff said, but will include plenty of climbing and balance features.

Plus, the park will sport new sidewalks by the beginning the summer. Sidewalk replacement and widening will begin in mid April and is estimated to be completed by the end of May, Potthoff said.

Sidewalks 6 feet wide will be installed inside and around the park, he said; currently sidewalks are 5 feet on the outside and 6 feet on the inside.

Even the bandshell is slated for some revamping. Built in 1917, city staff in 2008 identified serious internal and external damage and recommended the structure be evaluated. Potthoff said an architectural firm will soon be submitting their findings to the city council for consideration

With new fountains in Barnett Park and upgrades at Norris park, recreational areas in McCook are looking good.

"We've got some nice parks in the city," Potthoff agreed. "My hope is that we can continue to improve them."