Parks

LINCOLN, Neb. – Kick off the summer with some fun family activities at Platte River State Park and Louisville State Recreation Area. — The Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex at Platte River SP will have an open house May 26 from 4-8 p.m. Come to the shooting range for an evening of fun, with most of the activities free. — Students who have completed the online hunter education certification can take a Hunt Safe Session at Platte River …

LINCOLN, Neb. – From June through August, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officers, in conjunction with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and the Nebraska State Patrol, will conduct special enforcement patrols focusing on state recreation areas (SRA) and other Commission-managed property in Lancaster County. The special patrols will focus on reducing the potential for alcohol-related vehicle and boat accidents around Branched Oak SRA, Pawnee SRA, Bluestem SRA, Wagon Train SRA, Stagecoach SRA and Wildwood Wildlife Management Area. The efforts …

CHADRON – As many as 45 disc golfers are expected to compete Saturday, May 27, in the first Chadron State Park Gateway 3-disc Challenge, a tournament set at the park’s popular course which was recently expanded from nine to 18 holes with many new baskets and the addition of concrete tee boxes. Tournament organizer Jesse Ottman of Alliance said 33 players had signed up by Monday morning, already exceeding his expectations for turnout. He said many players are bringing campers …

CHADRON – Three Nebraska Game and Parks Commission attractions in the Panhandle are planning special activities for Free Park Entry and Fishing Day on Saturday, May 20. Free Park Entry and Fishing Day is an annual event in which the Commission provides an opportunity for people to experience the state’s diverse park areas and fishing resources free of charge. Following is a list of special activities. Chadron State Park near Chadron — The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The postponed boat-launch facility construction at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area’s Main Landing is scheduled to begin this fall. Reservoir water levels are two vertical feet lower this spring to facilitate the boat ramp and rock breakwater construction to begin later this year. When the project begins, breakwater construction will continue into late September as the reservoir refills. The public should be aware of construction activity and stay clear of the work area and construction equipment entering …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is accepting Recreational Trail Program grant applications for fiscal year 2017 funding. The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a grant program through the Federal Highway Administration that reimburses political subdivisions, such as communities, counties and natural resources districts, up to 80 percent of project costs for trail acquisition, development, renovation and support facilities. Applicants must have the financial means to undertake and maintain the project and all funding should be on …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Free Fishing and Park Entry Day in Nebraska is May 20. It is the annual opportunity for families to enjoy a Saturday of fishing or state park activities without the need of buying a fishing or park entry permit for the day. Free Fishing and Park Entry Day, held in Nebraska on the Saturday preceding Memorial Day weekend, means anyone can explore outdoor opportunities at any Nebraska state park, state recreation area or state historical park. Anglers …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Crawdad Creek, a series of five shallow, interactive ponds that flows picturesquely into Jenny Newman Lake, has opened at Platte River State Park. Crawdad Creek is the first feature completed as part of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Venture Parks Complex, which calls for greatly expanded activities and amenities designed to meet the needs of a new generation of visitors at four parks – Platte River State Park, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, and Schramm Park …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has upgraded electrical campsite offerings, replaced aging water systems and other infrastructure, and upgraded or replaced shower houses and restrooms at dozens of state parks and recreation areas across Nebraska. Additionally, new features at state parks including lodging, an aquatic center, an interactive stream and more will provide park visitors with new experiences. Since 2014, Nebraska Game and Parks has made improvements at parks statewide, including:  Upgrading or replacing restrooms …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The popular Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium at Schramm Park State Recreation Area (SRA) will close temporarily for renovation beginning May 23. Construction is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2018. The remainder of the SRA, including trails, canyon ponds, picnic areas, playground and fossil exhibit, will remain open. A temporary office will be established at the park, within the current visitor center parking lot, to accommodate guests who wish to obtain park information or purchase permits. The renovation, …