OutdoorNebraska

2016 Annual Report • Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 35 I M P R O V E M E N T S E N H A N C E V I S I T O R S ' P A R K E X P E R I E N C E Game and Parks completed several important park projects in 2016, thanks to the deferred maintenance funding secured during the 2014 legislative session. These improvements will enhance visitors' park experiences as they create lifelong memories with friends and families. Ponca State Park's (SP) new family aquatic center, which will accommodate up to 250 visitors, includes a pool, waterslide, spray features, and a climbing wall. The roads at Indian Cave SP have been resurfaced or stabilized, with funds used from the Recreational Road Program. A new kiosk was also built at the park entrance to provide arriving visitors a positive experience at the park. A substantial addition has been built at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area (SRA) Nature Center. The Nature Center will house the main office, expanded meeting facilities, classrooms and interpretive exhibits. The renovated Nature Center will open in the spring of 2017. Platte River SP's Jenny Newman Lake has received a number of improvements. A new water control structure, accessible fishing piers and a boat ramp were installed. An interpretive stream was created and flows through a series of shallow ponds in which children can play as they discover the biology riparian and pond environments have to offer. The water system was updated with a water tower, increased pressure and flow rates, and an improved rural water connection. These improvements provide a quality infrastructure to better serve the public and provide for fire suppression. Campground electrical upgrades from 30 amps to 50 amps were completed at the Southwest Reservoirs, Calamus SRA, Merritt SRA and Maloney SRA. Modern, all-concrete shower buildings were added to five state recreation areas and 14 vault toilets were added to park areas. Wastewater systems have been designed for Platte River SP, Fremont Lakes SRA and Two Rivers SRA, and a water supply system was designed for Indian Cave SP. PONCA STATE PARK AQUATIC CENTER WAS BUILT IN 2016

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