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City of Lincoln
Lincoln Council reviews recreation plans, property acquisition
efforts
[June 11, 2026]
All members of the Lincoln City
Council were present for the Committee of the Whole meeting held
June 9 at Lincoln City Hall. Major topics included plans for
improvements to the city's fitness court and Eighth Street
recreation property, discussions regarding the acquisition of
nuisance properties through the tax sale process, maintenance needs
at the wastewater treatment plant and several community
announcements.
The meeting began with a presentation from Molly McCain, community
health consultant for Lincoln Memorial Hospital, regarding plans to
replace the artwork wrap at the fitness court located on the Eighth
Street property. McCain explained the original wrap, installed when
the fitness court opened in 2018, has deteriorated due to weather
and regular use.
Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation will cover the cost of the new
wrap, and the installer will also update worn equipment. The new
design was created in partnership with Double Oak Branding and LEAD
and is intended to provide a more welcoming appearance while
encouraging community wellness.
“We've partnered with Double Oak Branding here in Lincoln and LEAD
to put together a message that welcomes everyone and invites them to
participate in wellness,” McCain said.
Council members asked questions about durability, maintenance and
possible future improvements. The council also expressed support for
the updated design and authorized the project to move forward.
McCain presented a broader proposal to develop a master plan for the
Eighth Street property. Working with engineering firm Farnsworth,
Lincoln Memorial Hospital has offered to fund the planning process,
which would create a long-term vision for future recreational
improvements.
Potential additions discussed
during the presentation included a splash pad, playground equipment,
additional walking paths, shade structures, lighting, gathering
spaces and a pump track for bicycles and other recreational use.
McCain said the master plan would allow the city to phase projects
over time while also positioning Lincoln to pursue grant
opportunities for future development.
“Our goal will be to work with Farnsworth…to create a master plan so
that all the pieces fit together nicely,” McCain said.
Mayor Tracy Welch said the city has gradually added amenities to the
property over the years and would benefit from a comprehensive plan
rather than continuing to develop the area piece by piece.
“We've been kind of just piecemealing things on that property ever
since the dog park, so it'd be nice to have a plan,” Welch said.
Several aldermen voiced support for the concept, with alderman Kevin
Bateman expressing support for the possibility of adding a splash
pad and other family-oriented attractions.
“I don't know why we can't have those things in our town,” Bateman
said while discussing splash pads and pump tracks.
The council gave its support for McCain and Farnsworth to continue
developing the master plan, with future updates expected as the
project progresses.
Another lengthy discussion centered on two tax-delinquent properties
that Building and Safety Officer Wes Woodhall believes the city
should pursue through the county's tax sale process.
The first property, located at 417 N. Madison St., was described by
Woodhall as a long-standing nuisance that repeatedly accumulates
trash and debris despite multiple cleanup efforts by city crews.
Woodhall told the council that city employees were scheduled to
conduct another cleanup at the site and estimated the effort would
cost approximately $6,000. This has been done before due to a
repetition of this problem.
“This property itself has been nothing but a headache and eyesore
for as long as I've been in this position,” Woodhall said.
Woodhall said acquiring the property would allow the city to control
the site, prevent additional dumping and reduce repeating dumping
cycles.
“My concept is to at least, if we own it, if nothing else, we can
control it and say get off our property,” he said.
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The discussion led
to a broader conversation about recent changes in the tax sale
process. City Attorney John Hoblit explained that municipalities
must participate in the public bidding process for
tax-delinquent properties rather than automatically acquiring
certain parcels through the county trustee system.
Council members generally supported allowing Woodhall to move
forward with bidding on the property when it becomes available.
Woodhall also discussed the former Oasis property at 501 Pulaski
St., another tax-delinquent property scheduled for auction. He
described the building as structurally standing but in poor
condition internally due to years of deterioration, vandalism
and unauthorized entry.
“The inside is junk,” Woodhall said. “The shell itself is in
really good shape and supported and structurally sound.”
Mayor Tracy Welch said city officials have explored the
possibility of applying for a state demolition grant if the city
acquires the property. Under the program, the site would be
converted into green space following demolition.
Council members expressed interest in pursuing the property,
noting its prominent location and the ongoing public safety and
maintenance concerns associated with the building. No formal
action was taken, but the council gave Woodhall its support to
continue exploring acquisition options.
The council also reviewed a request from Wastewater Project
Manager Bud Mason to replace approximately 3,000 sludge tank
diffusers at the city's wastewater treatment plant. Mason
explained that the equipment is essential to the activated
sludge treatment process and helps prevent odors while
maintaining proper treatment operations.
“These diffusers are what keeps that sludge activated,” Mason
said. “We want to make sure that we're, you know, operating the
plant properly.”
The replacement project is expected to cost approximately
$29,250, with the possibility of additional freight costs. City
staff will be responsible for installation.
Council members agreed to place the item on a future regular
council agenda for formal consideration.
A request from Lincoln Christian Church to temporarily close a
portion of Pekin Street near Latham Park for a church picnic on
June 20 was also reviewed and forwarded to the consent agenda.
During announcements, council members discussed the upcoming
traffic changes on North Elm Street and whether residents should
receive direct notification when significant roadway changes are
proposed. The conversation stemmed from concerns raised by
residents who said they were unaware of the recent one-way
traffic discussion before council action was taken.
No policy changes were adopted, but
council members discussed the challenges of determining when public
notification should be required. City Attorney John Hoblit noted
that council agendas are publicly posted in advance, and residents
are encouraged to participate in local government discussions.
Alderman Sam Downs gave a short follow-up to what happened during
the annual Logan County Pride Festival.
“This past weekend we held the sixth annual Pride Fest downtown
Lincoln,” Downs said. “It was a fantastic success. We had a great
turnout downtown…everyone had a great time, there was zero trouble,
and I just want to thank everyone for coming out.”
The meeting adjourned at 7:03 p.m. after Alderwoman O’Donoghue made
a motion to adjourn.
[Sophia Larimore]
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