Planning the Future of Ralston’s Parks

The City is seeking input from Ralston citizens and businesses about the future of Ralston’s parks.

A parks master plan is being developed to guide City Council spending in Ralston’s eight parks. Retired Lincoln Parks and Recreation Directors Lynn Johnson was hired by Council to develop the master plan. Johnson made recommendations for improvements at every Ralston park and suggested alternatives for potential new amenities, such as a dog park, pickleball, and additional park shelters.

Rick Hoppe, the Ralston City Administrator, says the City is already moving forward on one recommendation. The plan calls for “yard games” to be made available for the public to use in Ralston parks. Ralston library card holders will be able to check out the games at the Baright Library.

The plan addresses the future of Orval Smith field. Ralston High School is building a new on campus baseball and softball complex. High school baseball and softball age kids will compete primarily at the new complex, calling into question what’s next at Orval Smith. The field needs expensive repairs to continue as a baseball field. The public engagement portion of the plan seeks to find out if the public prefers to maintain Orval Smith as a baseball field or develop new park amenities for the community.

People can make their thoughts known on the parks plan and what they would like to see.  Mayor Groesser and the City Council want to hear what you think before moving forward with changes to Ralston’s parks.

If you were not able to attend the in-person open house click here to give us your feedback: Online Open House