32 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission • 2016 Annual Report
STATE
PARKS
P A R K S A R E G A T E W A Y S F O R O U T D O O R R E C R E A T I O N A N D E D U C A T I O N
Parks across the state have responded to visitor expectations of providing memorable
experiences by offering a variety of new programming opportunities. In addition to the
naturalists and outdoor education specialists already working throughout the state, Game
and Parks added new seasonal naturalist positions at Fremont Lakes State Recreation
Area (SRA), Lake McConaughy SRA, and Fort Kearny State Historical Park (SHP). This
resulted in in 90 new programs attended by more than 6,000 people in 16 park areas.
October, now one of the busiest months of the year for parks, provides visitors with
opportunities such as the Heritage Days festival at Fort Atkinson SHP and birding walks
and nature journaling at Lake McConaughy SRA. More than 10,000 people participated
in a Boy Scout Jubilee at Eugene T. Mahoney SP. Parks hosted more than 25 Halloween
events, each of which enjoyed a record numbers of visitors. Other programming included
Toast Nebraska at Mahoney State Park (SP), outdoor movies at Calamus SRA and Fort
Hartsuff SHP, a regional gathering of historical reenactors at Fort Atkinson SHP, and a
Native American cultural event, at Indian Cave SP. Red Willow SRA held a kids essay
contest wherein the first prize winner received a kayak donated by a sponsor.
FORT
ROBINSON
STATE
PARK.
HORSE
TRAIL
RIDES
TO
TOP
OF
RED
CLOUD
BUTTES.
FAMILY
TENT
CAMPING
SITE
AT
FREMONT
LAKES
STATE
RECREATION
AREA
