For years, the North Fork Elkhorn River was an underused and largely forgotten asset in Norfolk, Nebraska—a waterway with a rich past but limited public access or recreational value. When the City of Norfolk set out in 2017 to restore this connection, JEO Consulting Group, alongside Riverwise Engineering and Big Muddy Workshop, partnered with the city to help transform the area into a vibrant riverfront destination that blends recreation, safety, history, and environmental restoration.

Our work began with rebuilding critical infrastructure that would reconnect residents to the river and Johnson Park. This included replacing the aging 1st Street bridge and improving surrounding roadways. In the river, we removed the deteriorating mill dam and replaced it with seven whitewater drop structures designed to stabilize the channel, restore fish passage, and create Nebraska’s first engineered whitewater and river surfing experience. Paired with restored riverbanks, upgraded trails, and a fully reimagined Johnson Park—with amenities like a splash pad, amphitheater, and festival grounds—the project created an accessible and modern community space.

A major innovation of this effort was our team’s ability to repurpose the existing U.S. Army Corps flood diversion system to help regulate flows through the new whitewater features. By combining advanced hydraulic modeling with legacy infrastructure, we developed a system that maintains reliable recreational flows while supporting ecological function. Delivering this required a high level of precision—using GPS-guided equipment, hand-placed rockwork, and specialized construction techniques—all coordinated across complex permitting, funding, and environmental constraints.

Since the riverfront opened in 2024, the impact has been immediate and significant. More than 70,000 people visited in the first year, with thousands kayaking, surfing, and exploring the revitalized shoreline. Local businesses, outfitters, and downtown partners have already seen increased activity, while families and visitors are embracing Johnson Park as a year-round gathering place. Preserving historic elements—such as the mill features and relocated railroad trestle—ensured the site’s heritage remains a meaningful part of the new experience.

The North Fork Riverfront Development represents what is possible when engineering, environmental restoration, and community partnership come together with a shared vision. By helping Norfolk reconnect with the river that shaped its history, this project delivers long-term ecological, recreational, cultural, and economic benefits—and serves as a model for communities looking to revitalize their own riverfronts.