Venture Parks
The idea for Venture Parks began in 2014 when Nebraska Game and Parks Director Jim
Douglas asked his colleagues, "Who are we, and what do we want to become?" Despite
offering numerous activities in Nebraska's 76 state parks and recreation areas, the
team wanted to offer more. Douglas and his staff wanted to provide a series of outdoor
experiences that inspired users to go outside. "We want children to look farther," he said.
"And our parks are natural gateways for exploring the outdoors." Education, adventure,
relaxation and being part of the "wildness" that nature can offer were central themes to
the Venture Parks concept.
Through an innovative private/public partnership, nearly $40 million would be re-invested
to the state park system for this concept. Five years since Douglas' first question, Game
and Parks – with the aid of the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation and other private
donors – has just completed the first phase of its Venture Parks concept.
Platte River State Park's Crawdad Creek. Mahoney State Park's GoApe ropes course.
Louisville State Recreation Area's floating
playground.
Glamping cabins at Platte River State Park.
June 2019 • Nebraskaland 33
