Changes coming to Holmes Lake

Holmes Lake is a place that many know well. It is sometimes a place to get some sun or take a break from the stresses of life. And it’s now under new management.

Previously owned by the city of Lincoln, Holmes Lake and its surrounding land has recently been purchased by a private organization. Dr. Watson, the new CEO and a wealthy writer, plans on making many changes in coming years.

Watson has been slowly building a local business for over a couple decades. After years buying buildings across the state, he now has a series of bookstores throughout Nebraska, with three in Lincoln alone. Watson just recently decided to invest in the local community by purchasing the Holmes Lake.

With the new purchase comes changes to the property. First, Holmes Lake will not be known as Holmes Lake anymore. It is receiving a name change which will go into effect on April 10. The name has yet to be announced but is theorized to be of European origin. Along with the name change, there will also be a tea and coffee shop built on park grounds. The shop is reportedly called Bakers Street. It will be opened sometime around the date of the name change.

There is also a list of rules that many must follow in order to enjoy the park. According to Watson in a public announcement, “There will not be people parked late at night in the park. There will also be a reduced number of open hours.”

One of the biggest changes is that the Hyde Observatory will be open to the public again after several years of being closed. Watson stated that “This is one of the few things that I do not want to keep from the public. This should be made available.”

One thing that won’t change is the ability to fish. According to the Lincoln Registry of Game, fishing and sports must be made available to the public in order to keep park status. Watson does plan to have new basketball courts and volleyball courts built. There will also be improved dog parks and biking trails.

Watson decided to purchase the land due to a lack of transformation. The importance of change and improvement is something that he wants to emphasize in Lincoln. In a recent press conference he stated, “The land and the park have been the same so let’s change it up.”

By TJ Pittenger