Developments in Kearney, NE, to Bring Positive Affects

Local projects enhance the Kearney region’s quality of life and spur development.

By Teree Caruthers on January 17, 2024

Courtesy of KWK Architects

Structural growth in a community is vital when it comes to enhancing the quality of life of residents, and let’s just say Kearney is on the ball. In fact, several projects are underway and primed to have wide-ranging positive effects on various aspects of daily life. Ahead, read about a few developments in Kearney, NE, that are expected to have a big impact on the region.

SportsPlex in Kearney, NE

The 210,000-square-foot Kearney SportsPlex is currently under construction. The facility, which will feature eight basketball courts, 12 volleyball courts, turf fields, a three-lane track and four stand-alone pickleball courts, will allow residents to recreate year-round. The Kearney SportsPlex will attract local, regional and national youth and adult sports tournaments and events, and when not being used for those purposes, it will host youth and adult recreational activities. 

“This creates a premier facility that serves as an economic asset for tourism growth, facilitates access to recreational/sports programming and space, and enhances the quality of life for Kearney residents,” says Lauren Brandt, SportsPlex manager for the City of Kearney. “The SportsPlex will provide a fun, safe environment for users of all levels to play, compete and develop social skills, while accessing state-of-the-art indoor recreational and sporting amenities.” 

Brandt also notes that the SportsPlex will have a positive impact on the city’s economy. 

“As most residents know, access to a facility of similar size to the SportsPlex would require long-distance travel away from Kearney. Having a facility of this magnitude in our own backyard benefits the local community in so many ways,” she says. “Because we can offer more events to our community, the facility will no doubt directly enhance tourism to Kearney.” 

SportsPlex users and guests may choose to stay the night at one of the region’s hospitality facilities, dine at local restaurants or eateries, shop its specialty retail stores, or attend a local art, cultural or entertainment event, Brandt says. 

“This can only be a win-win situation for our community,” she says. 

Brandt says the diversity of recreational options in Kearney shows the city’s dedication to the health and well-being of its residents. 

“Whether joining the celebratory festivities of Yanney Park Heritage Days, taking part in the multiday annual Community Olympics, watching a vintage baseball game or participating in the Storybook Walk in Harmon Park, there is always an experience offered throughout Kearney,” Brandt says. 

UNK Communications

Projects at UNK in Kearney, NE

Projects at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) are also expected to benefit the city and its residents. 

Construction on a 52,000-square-foot Regional Engagement Center is scheduled to be completed in 2024. The center will support entrepreneurship in multiple ways, as it will feature upscale, technology-rich office and meeting spaces that will attract new companies to Kearney as well as complement the university’s academic activities. 

“The Regional Engagement Center is another example of the cooperative spirit that exists in Kearney between the private sector and university. The building will be a key gathering place for UNK and companies, businesses and organizations that are visionary and have a common goal of bringing new business opportunities to Kearney and rural Nebraska,” says Todd Gottula, senior director of communications and marketing at UNK. 

The university is also enhancing its fraternity and sorority housing. The $32.65 million project will replace current fraternity and sorority housing – University Residence North and University Residence South – through a combination of new construction and the renovation of Martin Hall. 

Kelly Bartling, UNK vice chancellor for enrollment management and marketing, says the visibility of these attractive buildings and the vibrant activities happening there excite prospective students and families. 

“The Martin Hall renovation and new sorority building place our fraternity and sorority organizations in the heart of campus in a brand-new space that appeals to and strengthens this community,” she says. “UNK’s fraternity and sorority members are often our most engaged and effective campus leaders during their time on campus and then in their careers. That’s a positive influence on student recruitment and retention, which benefits the Kearney community.”