Redevelopment of Lincoln’s historic Wyuka Cemetery park is nearing it’s next milestone.
KLIN News got an update from Facilities Directors Greg Osborn, who has championed the project since talks began in 2017 among the Wyuka Board of Trustees.
When we last heard from Osborn back in April, Governor Jim Pillen had just approved additional funds for the renovation Wyuka’s pond, which sits in a storm-water run off zone responsible for draining 255 acres of land, with the installation of hard limestone sides. At that time the pond had been freshly dredged.
Wyuka Pond Update
Osborn says now those limestone sides are essentially complete, with the some remining work on the south end to be finished after the forebay is finished later this week. The pond’s transformation includes the installation of a solid layer of riprap, over which grout and sandstone are layered.
“The water level will be approximately three quarters of the way up the first stone. So there’ll be about 18 inches of stone sticking out so that everybody can see it,” said Osborn.
Additionally, the sidewalk on the east side has been completed, and work on the west side will follow after some grading adjustments. Other significant updates include the completion of the island in the center of the pond, where a new willow tree and a swan house have been established.
Despite some weather-related delays, the project remains on track, with Osborne hopeful about the timeline. “Hopefully by the end of the month, first week of September, they’ll be ready to put water in it,” he said.
Frequent rain fall this summer pushed the project back a couple weeks. Osborn said it takes 2-4 days to pump the water out of the work area, and a couple days to dry, before landscaping crews can resume work. “After that final wall is poured, then it doesn’t matter if it rains. The mechanics of the pond will function like it’s supposed to, even though it may not be as pretty as it’s going to be… Hopefully by the end of this week, maybe middle of next week, we’ll be there,” he added.
Pershing Mural
As for the highly anticipated reinstallation of Lincoln’s iconic Pershing Mural, formerly displayed on the now demolished Pershing Auditorium, Osborn says their still “shooting hard” for installation in the spring of 2025.
The project involves the construction of a landscape wall on the north end to serve as the murals foundation. The wall will be approximately 140 ft long and about 8 ft tall.
“We seem to be pretty on track of making things go together in late spring of 2025,” Osborn said. “By the time we’re done with the pond and the landscape wall, hopefully we’ll be ready to start on the mural structure.”
The Pershing Mural
Fundraising
A core component of the project has been securing the necessary funds to carry out these extensive redevelopments. Osborn personally appeared before the Nebraska Legislature’s Appropriations Committee in February to testify on the importance of maintaining the Wyuka facility — Lincoln’s first public park, established in 1869.
As it currently stands, out of the $4.1 million needed for the project, Osborn says they still have about $1.7 million left to raise.
“We’ve had lots people step up to help us and we still need some additional help with that. With the right people, we can make sure that we’re on track for starting in late spring for the mural,” he said.
Looking ahead, Osborne shared plans for an open house reveal event to showcase the completed project. Anticipated for mid-September, the open house will be an opportunity to thank the many individuals and organizations who played a role in securing funds and supporting the project.