Fairgrounds facelift?

It's been two years since the first discussion of a new and improved fairgrounds in Sidney, according to Connie Hancock, a UNL extension educator in Sidney.

On Tuesday night at the Blue Rooster Cafe's art gallery, about two dozen people got a peek at the first site plan of the proposed new fairgrounds and discuss the possibilities of new facilities.

The Cheyenne County Fund was created when those who were actively involved with the fairgrounds realized that many updates and repairs were needed to make the fairgrounds a multi-purpose area for the community.

In the summer of 2014, the extension staff and a group of volunteers, who referred to themselves as the "Dream Team," created a survey asking the community what they wanted and needed to improve the current fairgrounds.

Barry Swanson of Baker & Associates presented the preliminary site plan Tuesday night that included the survey feedback from the community.

"We want to maintain the farm and ranch part of the fairgrounds and improve it," Swanson said. "We are also looking to expand it and incorporate more of the community."

The rough draft site plan included: a new livestock building, a half-mile horse race track, a banquet style community center north of the race track, a playground, craft fair booth, new restrooms, picnic shelter and stage. On the east side of the new community center are locations for a possible community garden and greenhouse with a dog park. A dirt bike track was also discussed as an alternative to the horse track.

Another concern for the fairgrounds is making it ADA accessible. Currently, it's not wheelchair accessible. The preliminary plan shows new sidewalks connecting the rodeo area, main building and show arenas. The playground would also have ADA access.

Because of popular activities that bring many people to Sidney such as Oktoberfest, the Cheyenne County Fair and 4-H many locals were concerned about the building changes and the parking areas needed to accommodate everyone who attends.

Funding was also discussed because it will mostly be coming from community fundraising.

Swanson said the new roof over the existing pavilion would cost an estimated $600,000, the new community center building would run about $800,000, and $40,000 in new sidewalks would be built.

It was agreed that going forward with this project would not work unless the community works together.

"Fundraising within the community and grant dollars will get these facilities created," Hancock said.

Three volunteers are still needed to take on a leadership role by working with Swanson to make adjustments to the rough draft and come up with the final master plan. The volunteers would act as project manager community leaders to get feedback from the community and those who would be impacted by the changes in order to make revisions on the site plan.