State Parks
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2020 Annual Report 25
E X C I T I N G P L A N S F O R T H E 2 0 2 1 P A R K S
C E N T E N N I A L C E L E B R A T I O N
Nebraska will celebrate the centennial of the first state park in 2021. Nebraska can boast a
tremendous public park system that includes 76 park areas, many of which were developed
through partnerships and public investment. Therefore the centennial theme "Your Memories,
Your Adventures, Your Parks" was selected to pay tribute to the public's ownership and the great
American tradition of weekend outings to visit parks with family and friends. A diverse menu
of events will encourage new ventures into parks across Nebraska, building memories for the
next generation of park guests. The agency has been working toward partnerships around the
state that will make the centennial unique, including with NET Nebraska, Nebraska Lottery,
Nebraska Tourism, a wine company, and others. A video on state historical parks was developed
in partnership with NET Nebraska; it was filmed in 2020 and is in production for release in
spring of 2021. Parks educators are developing teacher training materials and online training
opportunities with relation to state parks education. State park areas across the state have been
developing events for the centennial year. Celebrations will be highlighted at three signature
events, including the first state park (Chadron), first state recreation area (Victoria Springs) and
first state historical park (Arbor Lodge). Events are planned for all seasons.
Paddleboating at Victoria Springs State
Recreation Area.
The mansion at Arbor Lodge State
Historical Park.
ERIC
FOWLER,
NEBRASKALAND
MAGAZINE
ERIC
FOWLER,
NEBRASKALAND
MAGAZINE
