A report in the Columbus Telegram newspaper says that construction work on the expansion of the Nebraskan city's Pawnee Plunge Water Park now won't begin before the spring of 2014, months behind schedule.

The city council awarded US$330,600 (£203,000) in April for design and construction management services on the project, with a preliminary plan that included the addition of a swimming pool, diving area, rock climbing wall, ship-themed play structure and other features being approved in July.

At that time, city officials hoped to have the project completed before the water park opens in May next year. However, public property director, Doug Moore, said last month that he could only guarantee it would be done before 2015.

It is reported that the water park - which opened in May 2006 and features a lazy river and four main waterslides - will remain open when construction begins.