NORFOLK, Neb. — The Norfolk City Council has approved the Parks and Recreation Department to move forward with issuing a Request for Proposal for the construction of a mini pitch soccer court at Liberty Bell Park, a project aimed at expanding recreational opportunities for local youth.
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The planned mini pitch would function as a compact soccer arena featuring six goals and 12-foot netting, creating a self-contained space designed specifically for skill development and fast-paced play.
Norfolk Recreation & Parks Director Nathan Powell said the facility will provide an important training environment for young athletes.
"It's a self-contained area for kids to practice soccer. It helps soccer players move faster so they can learn their footwork a lot quicker. It will be going where the old swimming pool was at Liberty Bell Park and this will be part donation and part of a grant and also some in-kind contributions towards the project," Powell said.
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City officials estimate the total cost of the project at $1 million. Funding will be split evenly, with 50% coming from local keno funds and the remaining 50% provided through the federal Land Conservation Fund Grant.
Once constructed, the mini pitch is expected to enhance Liberty Bell Park by repurposing the site of the former swimming pool into an active recreation space. Parks officials say the project aligns with broader efforts to modernize city parks, promote youth sports participation and improve access to organized athletic facilities.
The approval to issue an RFP marks the next step in the process, allowing the city to solicit bids from contractors and move toward final design and construction timelines. City officials have not yet announced when construction is expected to begin.
Originally reported by Hanky Q. Hazelton in News Channel Nebraska Platte Valley.
