Access digital copies of guides and regulations publications from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Issue link: http://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1342594
22 2020 Annual Report • State Parks State Parks P A R K P L A N N E R S W O R K T O K E E P P A C E W I T H R E C R E A T I O N I N D U S T R Y T R E N D S While great outdoor traditions must be preserved, new recreation trends cannot be ignored. The Commission remains sensitive to an ever-changing recreation industry, as well as the shifting public demographic and new, diverse public expectations. We are responding proactively to the growing need for more RV campsites, enhancing existing or developing new sites statewide as allowed by available funding or partnership opportunity. In recent years, the agency has produced more than 500 new or enhanced camping opportunities statewide, including a state-of-the- art, full-service campground with adjoining dog-park at Platte River State Park; this effort will continue. Park guests expect variety and, with each visit, they bring a growing appetite for new recreational activities, including educational and interpretation programming. Shooting range facilities exist at various park locations, and the Venture Park project offers trending outdoor recreation activities, bringing visitors from distant locations. The latest offerings include a large-scale natural playground/challenge course and a 4.25-mile mountain bike venture trail to accommodate riders of all skill sets, with 24 challenge features for riders to test. Educational campuses now exist at key locations in the state: Ponca State Park, Schramm Park and Wildcat Hills, each with a staff that can extend educational programming regionally. Planning processes, inclusive of public forums, are underway for several parks to update operational plans and prescribe wise and financially responsible development options for the future. The need for more water trail opportunities upon the state's streams and various agency water bodies is rapidly becoming an item in need of attention. Reliable information is key to planning processes. A system-wide park user survey is planned for 2021 to gather data and improve our understanding of guest expectations. Likewise, a more robust communication exchange, from our agency to the public, will create more informed park visitors, a heighten awareness, and ideally stronger supporters. ERIC FOWLER, NEBRASKALAND MAGAZINE Experiencing Nebraska's great outdoors supports physical and mental health and overall well-being.