NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/654753
58 NEBRASKAland • APRIL 2016 Wildcat Hills Projects Bring Excitement By Justin Haag The Panhandle park has a new shooting complex and is undergoing an expansion to its nature center. CONCEPTUAL ARTWORK BY STUDIO 120 B ig developments are underway at the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area and Nature Center south of Gering. Not only is there a new shooting complex at the park along Highway 71 south of Gering, but the nature center is in the m idst of a large expansion to its building. Both are expected to be a big draw for the park, which already attracts thousands of visitors each year. The new shooting complex boasts a range to sight in high-power rifles, as well as stations for target shooting with .22 caliber rifles and archery equipment. Also included is a five- stand shotgun range and a building that houses an indoor air rifle range. It is opening to the public on a fee- based system, as well as providing a safe and comfortable place for educational programs. It has been designed with youth groups and families with children in mind, expanding capacity in the region for learning programs and competitions. The expansion to the Wildcat Hills Nature Center, which serves as headquarters for the Game and Parks Commission's educational programs in the region and the 700-acre Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area, is expected to be complete late this summer or fall. It will add 8,720 square feet, more than doubling the size of the existing 5,300-square-foot structure. Highlighting the nature center expansion, when staff moves back into the building from their temporary location at the park's shop to the south, will be exhibit space and a large multipurpose room, both of which are sure to be a popular venue for many events and educational activities. In addition to providing a more adequate area for the array of nature education programs at the center, groups will be allowed to rent the facility for a variety of events such as meetings, conferences and weddings. An upper level will be added to the building, featuring an observation deck for visitors to fully enjoy the spectacular view of the rugged evergreen-studded park and the North Platte Valley below. The exhibit spaces will highlight the region's rich wildlife and plant resources, including displays that interpret the region's unique geology and paleontological history. The new displays will complement the center's existing trove of educational resource material and will entice guests to experience the park's extensive trail system. Mounted bird and mammal displays, an outdoor bird viewing area and an offering of some live amphibians and reptiles entertain many school groups and other visitors each year. ■ The projects were made possible with capital development funds appropriated to the Game and Parks Commission, along with a wealth of matching partner funds provided from donations. Construction at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center is more than doubling the size of the existing structure and providing space for many uses, including exhibits.