OutdoorNebraska

62 2 0 2 1 – 2 0 2 5 S TAT E W I D E C O M P R E H E N S I V E O U T D O O R R E C R E AT I O N P L A N Importance of Outdoor Recreation and Additional Recreation Opportunities Figures 4.7 and 4.8 show the outdoor recreational facilities important to Nebraskans. Aside from trails, the level of importance of top amenities has changed since 2014. For example, picnic areas are an amenity that's of higher importance to general Nebraskans that participated in the 2018 survey. It's important for communities to be aware of this and evaluate opportunities that are valued by respondents. Expanding more picnic facilities could be a way to meet the demand of specific demographics within the state. Offering picnic facilities in park areas where large gatherings take place could provide more opportunities for families to have social gatherings. For example, Hispanic populations are a demographic that continues to increase in many SCORP regions, and offering additional picnic facilities for their extended-family gatherings would be one way to meet the needs of this user group. The results from 2014 to 2018 amenities the public would like to see added or expanded are illustrated in Table 4.4. Even with the state's extensive network of trails, hiking trails along with recreational infrastructure continue to be the top two amenities Nebraskans would like to see expanded. These data characterize the need for time and resources in developing additional trails and infrastructure (e.g., roads, signs, restrooms, showers, etc.). Adventure activities such as zip- lining and rock climbing were an amenity the public would like to see added to outdoor recreation areas. Local providers indicated on the Community Outdoor Recreation Questionnaire that they would support allocating resources to adventure activities, which further supports the notion that this would be a good investment for communities and recreation professionals to make. Source: "Nebraska Outdoor Recreation Survey." Conducted by UNL-BOSR. (2018). Lincoln, NE. Source: "Nebraska Outdoor Recreation Survey." Conducted by UNL-BOSR. (2018). Lincoln, NE. Hiking trails and recreational infrastructure continue to be the top two amenities Nebraskans would like to see more of on the landscape. Figure 4.7: Statewide Important to Have in 2014 Figure 4.8: Statewide Important to Have in 2018 Trails 21.6% 15.3% 15.2% 14.8% 14.7% Fishing Access Campsites Outdoor Swimming and Beach Areas Playground in Park Walking Trails 42.8% 33.0% 28.2% 25.2% 24.4% Playground in Park Picnic Areas Outdoor Swimming and Beach Areas Wildlife Observation Areas

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