A new unique water playground will be proposed as part of a new master plan for Trago Park near 22nd and U streets.

Beginning in June, construction of the new Antelope Creek flood channel will be extended into the park south of Vine Street. The expanded park will include that channel and a new trail parallel to it along with a water playground and additional park improvements.

"The Antelope Valley Project gives us a great opportunity to improve this historic park in central Lincoln," Mayor Coleen Seng said in a news release.

She thanked Councilwoman Annette McRoy and a steering committee that developed the plans.

City Parks and Recreation Director Lynn Johnson said the plans include a new concept for water recreation in Lincoln. An interactive sprayground water feature will be developed in conjunction with a relocated playground east of the park shelter.

The sprayground features will be activated by a sensor and open to the community free of charge.

Other improvements include renovation of the basketball courts, a new play field, areas for public art and information on the history of the Malone neighborhood, expanded parking and additional landscaping.

The first phase of the playground relocation is scheduled to begin this summer, and the sprayground and playground are expected to be completed by summer 2008.

The estimated cost of the project is $625,000, with $500,000 coming from the parks capital improvement fund. The remaining $125,000 would be raised through private contributions.