16 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission • 2018 Annual Report
STATE PARKS
alf a decade ago, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
began to imagine what Nebraska's state park system could
be. Nebraska's state parks have long provided places to
camp, fish and enjoy nature. But what if they also fostered
excitement about the outdoors? What if they offered unique
activities not found elsewhere in Nebraska? What if they offered
experiences far beyond what most people think of when they hear
the words "state parks"?
After years of discussions, planning and fundraising, new features
came to four of Nebraska's state parks – Platte River State Park,
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Schramm State Recreation Area and
Louisville State Recreation Area – in 2018. Known as Nebraska's
Venture Parks, these four areas feature amenities such as a treetop
ropes course, luxurious glamping cabins, a floating playground, a
state-of-the-art climbing wall and much more that provide guests
with unique, unforgettable experiences against the backdrop of
Nebraska's beautiful outdoors. Venture Parks are also unique in that
they are funded largely through private donations from individuals
and organizations who value outdoor recreation and access for all.
New Venture Parks features are explained in more detail later on in
this section.
Parks maintenance and other revitalization efforts took place
throughout the state in 2018, with dozens of projects completed,
including the addition of new restrooms and shower houses,
improvements to cabins, enhanced camping facilities, replacement
of aging septic systems and other infrastructure and much more.
These important and much-needed upgrades, too, are explained in
more detail later in this section.
In short 2018 was a big year for Nebraska's state parks – one of
planning for the future and making sure our parks system is vibrant,
well-maintained and relevant for years to come.
H
PART
OF
THE
OUTDOOR
VENTURE
PARK
INITIATIVE,
GLAMPING
CABINS
AT
PLATTE
RIVER
STATE
PARK.IN
CASS
COUNTY
