LEWISTON, NE — The students and families of Lewiston Public Schools getting acquainted with their new track Monday afternoon.

"It's really great to see it come to fruition," Lewiston Consolidated School Superintendent Rick Kentfield said. "It's been something that's been in the talks and in the works for two to three years now."

Lewiston’s annual elementary track and field day allowed the district to show off its new track and football field. It’s the school’s first event at the track, which was completed May last year.

So far though it had only hosted track practices as the district doesn’t have all the equipment to host a full-blown meet. It also doesn’t yet have stands, a press box, a concession stand, restrooms or lights. Lewiston superintendent Rick Kentfield says the district is in talks with architects to get that done this summer.

Kentfield also says the district has already ordered new equipment to be able to host track meets. 

The district's goal is to be able to host football games at the new facility in the fall and track meets in spring of 2024. 

The funding for the $1.5 million track and football facility was donated anonymously and organized through the Nebraska Community Foundation.

"The anonymous donor working through the Nebraska Community Foundation wanted to do something for the long term legacy of the district," Kentfield said. "Be able to host district meets, conference meets and just have a quality, cream-of-the-crop type track in order to do that for the kids at Lewiston."

That donation came with a condition though. The district had to complete a project of its own. Lewiston went with a new ag building. The goal is to have it ready for next school year. It will replace the district's current ag building, which Kentfield estimates to be around 50-60 years old.

"Agriculture is extremely important to our patrons, families, parents and kids and to keep ag alive and in the forefront and in our course offerings is very important for us,"

Kentfield says both will benefit students for decades to come.

"It's certainly something to see," He said. "If you're around and in the area, make sure to swing by and see the track."