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Four elementary students are attempting to kick a white soccer ball on a green field.

LPS unveils Outdoor Spaces and Exterior Amenities Plan

Lincoln Public Schools

June 24, 2026

During the June 23 Board of Education meeting, Lincoln Public Schools staff presented an Outdoor Spaces and Exterior Amenities plan to the Lincoln Board of Education. The plan was developed after staff and the Board Planning Committee reviewed and inventoried outdoor amenities at each elementary, middle and high school along with district athletic and activity facilities.

As part of the review process, school sites were compared to each other across the district along with peer schools, and industry and prevailing practice to gain in sight into the baseline expectations for outdoor spaces. A needs-based analysis was compiled and a plan was developed to begin to address gap areas.

Elementary School Outdoor Spaces

At the elementary level, the analysis looked at overall capacity, safety, active play areas (like walking tracks, fields and paved play areas), inclusivity and accessibility, and the variety of play available on site.

There are currently 40 elementary sites, and a 10-year plan creates a rotation for when playground spaces will be modified at each school. This will ensure there will be adequate LPS staff available to work on the projects, and allows community partners to plan fundraising timelines to assist in offsetting district costs. The district analysis will guide the work with input from the school on each update. 

The rotation will be as follows:

  • 2027: Belmont, Kooser, Elliott, West Lincoln

  • 2028: Norwood Park, Randolph, Fredstrom, Brownell

  • 2029: Lakeview, Campbell, McPhee, Calvert

  • 2030: Arnold, Holmes, Eastridge, Hartley

  • 2031: Pershing, Saratoga, Meadow Lane, Huntington

  • 2032: Riley, Wysong, Clinton, Morley

  • 2033: Pyrtle, Humann, Kahoa, Roper

  • 2034: Everett, Hill, Adams, Maxey

  • 2035: Sheridan, Robinson, Rousseau, Kloefkorn

  • 2036: Prescott, Beattie, Cavett, Zeman

Middle School Outdoor Spaces

Lincoln Public Schools is unique in offering lunch recess at the middle school level and the outdoor spaces are primarily used for this purpose. During the study, middle school staff expressed a need for investments in student seating including picnic tables and benches.

LPS Operations staff will work with each middle school to develop a plan for increasing seating elements during the 2026-2027 school year and throughout the summer of 2027.  

High School Outdoor Spaces

LPS staff worked with Clark & Enersen to analyze and evaluate the outdoor spaces at district athletic and activity complexes and the eight high school sites. The goal of the study was to establish baseline conditions and a benchmark to ensure competitiveness not only in Lincoln, but within the athletic conference and state competition. This analysis provides clarity for future investments and partnerships.

The study did find that LPS excels in providing consistent primary fields, tracks and tennis facilities at every high school site. However, there is significant disparity between campuses when it comes to baseball and softball facilities. Some of the limitations are because of where the schools are located in an ever-growing city. 

The analysis also found that LPS district-level facilities are exceptional when compared to the Heartland Athletic Conference, Omaha metro districts and peer out-of-state institutions.

Recommended improvements at LPS high schools include:

  • Install field lighting at all high school primary fields to increase the hours fields can be available throughout the year. 

  • At Standing Bear, increase the primary field seat quantity to a minimum of 350 seats.

  • Install a second discus throwing ring and cage at East High School.

  • Modify spectator seating area to be ADA accessible at all high school tennis courts. 

  • For baseball, install or replace overhead structures on dugouts along with modifying spectator seating to be ADA accessible at each high school. Also install a second bull pen at Northeast High School and install batting cages at Standing Bear High School. 

  • Research redesign solutions for the baseball field at Southeast High School.

  • For softball, install or replace overhead structures on dugouts along with modifying spectator seating to be ADA accessible at each high school. In addition, install two bull pens at East, Northeast, North Star and Southeast high schools. Staff also will review the Lincoln High site to assess feasibility for a new softball field, and research redesign solutions for Southeast High School softball. 

Recommended improvements at LPS district athletic and activity facilities include:

  • Install a video board at Beechner Athletic Complex.

  • For tennis, modify the spectator seating area to be ADA accessible. 

  • For baseball, install permanent overhead shade structures to dugouts and permanent seating at the Northwest Activities Complex.

  • For softball, installing permanent overhead shade structures for dugouts at all fields located at the Southeast Activities Complex near Standing Bear High School. 

Staff recommended the next steps for high school facilities will be to refine the recommendations and develop an initial list of projects. Then staff and the Board can determine funding streams that include a combination of district funds, outside funding and community partnerships. Finally, a schedule will be developed based on the projects identified and funding available.