Omaha plans to build a floating trail at Standing Bear Lake as part of improvements to connect to the 144th Street trail in the northwest portion of the city.

The City of Omaha said it will provide a safe alternative to the 144th Street shoulder on the west side of Standing Bear Lake. A new concrete trail will lead to the floating trail, and a street gangway will connect the segments.

“We are always looking for opportunities to enhance outdoor recreation in our parks,” Parks Director Brook Bench said in a news release. “Our goal is to bring more people to our parks. The floating trail will make Standing Bear even more fun for everyone.”

Donations will pay for the bridge and installation, as the city otherwise face budgetary uncertainty due to the coronavirus, which could keep pools, libraries and other public amenities closed indefinitely.

The city and Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District are each contributing $150,000 for the construction of the concrete trail.

“We are fortunate to have generous donors who make it possible for Omaha to have beautiful parks for everyone to enjoy,” Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert said. “This is a great addition to our park and trail system in Omaha.”

The floating trail will be 8 feet wide and span 975 feet, and it will accommodate walkers, joggers and bicycle riders. The trail will also include an accessible canoe and kayak launch.

The city purchased the floating trail from EZ Dock. It will be anchored into the lakebed and will fluctuate with the water level. The new trail is expected to open later this summer.