The village of Adams is currently in the second phase of the Master Park Plan.
Adams is a growing community with a current population of 604 residents. The community offers a K-12 school district, thriving main street and business district, active volunteer fire and rescue departments, a park, a community center, a post office, churches, day cares, a fitness facility, a community library, a retirement center and several community organizations.
In December of 2018, the Adams Park Plan was created by the Adams Village Board and a Lincoln firm. Under the direction of the five-person Village Board, the Growing Adams Park Advisory Board was created to see the plan become a reality.
Village Clerk Kendra Jantzen said this phase will include completion of several items from the plan.
“We will be completing the trail around the entire park,” she said. “They will also put in sports courts that will include two tennis and two pickleball courts, four basketball hoops, a third softball and baseball field, as well as a small restroom.”
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She noted that the project really started in 2014, when the board started with a concession stand with ADA restrooms. The first phase was completed in 2022.
Jantzen said the hope is that all generations will be served.
“The village continues to provide enhancements and improvements to the park with the hope that it will serve all generations. It’s really a place that community members can gather and utilize the facilities,” she said.
Adams has a 5.5% Nebraska sales tax but has never had a sales tax in the village, unlike many other communities. A sunset sales tax of 1% was enacted to provide funds for the park plan. The tax will be eliminated at the end of 20 years or when the final payments for the park improvements are made.
The park advisory board also continues with fundraising efforts and was a part of Big Give Gage.
Jantzen said the use of the park has notably increased.
“The number of teams and participants using the ball fields has increased, for sure. The school uses some of the facilities, too. It’s a central location for the community to use,” she said.
The village hopes to complete the second phase by August or in time for the Adams Community Days.
Adams host many social activities including local high school athletics, a Fourth of July celebration, Community Days, an annual tractor pull, a Santa Claus event, summer ball and many other activities throughout the year.
For more information on the park, go to the www.villageofadamsnebraska.com or to the GAP Project Facebook page.
