Floating The Good Life • Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 29
Public Amenities
Public amenities should meet the anticipated level of use for the site with what the project budget
can bear. While all amenities add to the user experience and pubic impression of the site, there is no
specific standard of what is required to provide. Amenities should consider the long-term operation and
maintenance requirements needed.
At the top of the list of desired amenities are restrooms. Project location will determine whether
sanitary sewer services are possible or whether a vault containment structure is required. Project budget
and stakeholder preference will determine the ability to provide either a fabricated vault toilet structure
or portable toilet units. This may be a phasing opportunity if the initial project budget is not sufficient to
provide a permanent restroom structure and begin with a portable option until subsequent funding can
be secured. As many access locations are within floodplains, a septic system with leach field will likely
not be a permissible alternative due to ground and surface water contamination potential.
Seating and shade shelter are additional day-use amenities that add to the experience for the user.
While many visitors to the site will spend little time in the day use area as they ready to go out on the
water, anticipate that as a public site, there will be visitors that come to picnic and spend time next to
the water rather than launching for a float. Additionally, an access point with day use amenities may also
serve as a waypoint for paddlers taking in a longer excursion who wish to pull off for the restroom or
picnic. Either way, a level of accommodation will consistently enhance the experience of the public use
area.
Trash receptacles are an essential provision. They will reduce litter and retain an image of a clean site,
whether the site provides only basic amenities for parking or includes activities of picnicking, fishing,
overnight camping, or other uses. A regular maintenance interval will be required to haul away trash and
should be incorporated into your operations and maintenance plan.
