OutdoorNebraska

28 2020 Annual Report • State Parks M A J O R R E N O V A T I O N S A N D O N G O I N G M A I N T E N A N C E P R O J E C T S A T F O R T A T K I N S O N Fort Atkinson State Historical Park continues to move forward with implementation of the goals identified in its 2017 Master Plan. The Fort Atkinson Foundation recently completed fundraising to renovate the interpretive display areas and the theatre in the Harold W. Anderson Visitor Center. This project will replace the outdated and deteriorated displays with state-of-the-art interactive displays at an estimated cost of $635,000. Project design and construction is scheduled to begin in 2021. Following several community planning events, Game and Parks is partnering with the City of Fort Calhoun to develop a new entrance to Fort Atkinson. The city, Game and Parks, and the Nebraska Department of Transportation are designing and constructing a connection road from Monroe Street to the current visitor center parking lot. Design work also has begun on the existing parking lot and public entrance to the visitor center. This new entrance road and parking lot design will allow visitors to begin their park experience at the visitor center. In 2016, BVH Architecture was retained by Game and Parks to perform a condition survey of selected log structures at Fort Atkinson, including the fort's outer side walls and surrounding outbuildings. With funding from the Capital Maintenance Fund, a contract was awarded in 2020 to begin work on log repair and replacement on the fort's west wall. This is slated for completion in the spring of 2021. The Fort Atkinson Foundation recently received $270,000 from the Helmsley Foundation to continue log replacement on the fort's north wall. Construction will begin in 2021. U N I V E R S A L T R A I L S I G N A G E G U I D E F O R P A R K T R A I L S F O S T E R S C O N S I S T E N C Y The Universal Trail Signage Guide provides a user-friendly format for implementation of cohesive trail signage in the State Park system. This consistency gives users a sense of familiarity, and it also aids first responders in locating a trail user in cases of emergency. The guide discusses the types of trails within State Parks, considerations when planning signage, sign templates, sign material considerations, and action steps. Having a consistent, flexible trail signage system allows park superintendents to share resources on current trail offerings and set goals for the future of the trails in State Parks.

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