In 1992, representatives of the Lower Platte South Natural Resource District, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the City of Lincoln
came together to discuss challenges of mutual interest in the area east of downtown Lincoln and the UNL City Campus-transportation, floodplain
management, and community revitalization. Lincoln's largest public infrastructure project to date, the Antelope Valley Project, emerged out of these discussions.
During more than 1000 community meetings the vision for the project was developed. Among the goals of the Antelope Valley Project
were connection of Lincoln's trails network by a new trail along the length of the redefined Antelope Creek channel from "J" Street to Salt Creek and enhanced community
recreation opportunities including Union Plaza as a new high amenity urban park and festival area extending along the creek channel from "O" Street and "R" Street.