JPA expands scope of endowment with Lincoln Parks and Recreation Foundation to cover plaza and bridge infrastructure

The West Haymarket Joint Public Agency approved a restated and amended agreement with the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Foundation to expand permissible uses of a JPA-funded endowment, and the motion carried 3‑0.

Staff said the amendment broadens the endowment’s allowable uses to include projects, repairs and maintenance within the West Haymarket footprint, and specifically identifies the plaza outside Pinnacle Bank Arena and the pedestrian bridge. Chris Connolly (City Law Department) and board members discussed drafting clarifications to ensure the language covered structural bridge repairs and not only decorative elements. Caleb and other staff previously proposed language edits in paragraph 3 to clarify coverage (for example, “historic locomotive engine 710 and tender car, signage, pedestrian bridge structure and elements”).

Board members emphasized the purpose of the fund was to maintain and preserve JPA assets, not to subsidize unrelated city park maintenance. One board member said the amendment makes the endowment “more encompassing and it enables us to use the money, which is what it was set up for in the first place.” Another asked staff to adjust commas and word order so the provision clearly includes bridge structural repairs as well as decorative elements; staff agreed to make the minor edits and return the document for signature.

After no public comments, the board moved and seconded approval. Staff said the JPA will send the revised language to the Parks Foundation for their consideration and signature.