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/923510
Construction on these Phase I Venture Parks projects is currently underway, and many of these features will be open for use in 2018. Other projects, including the ones below, will follow. At Schramm Park State Recreation Area, a treehouse classroom will overlook an interactive stream and a rock-skipping station. Current hiking trails will also be updated for mountain bike use, and a Captn' Jim's Pirate Rafts attraction, which is a raft building activity, will be located on one of the existing hatchery ponds. Less than 15 minutes away, Platte River State Park will boast an obstacle course, small zipline and ropes course for younger participants, and improved river access for canoes and kayaks. Also, a natural playground and rock wall will help visitors fi nd their own wild side. Finally, visitors will also have the opportunity to use 49 full-service RV campground sites. At nearby Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, a lazy river attraction and zorbing will be created at the Family Aquatic Center, a "Mudville" area will lure those not shy of getting dirty, and an interactive trail system will welcome hikers and bikers looking for excitement while walking and riding through the park. Down the road at Louisville State Recreation Area, fi shing enhancements, trail development and interpretation, and a King of the Hill attraction will welcome all ages. Jim Abel, Chairman of the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation, believes the Venture Parks initiative is an exciting project and is proud that the Foundation's efforts will benefi t Nebraskans and those visiting our state who are interested in the outdoor experience. Abel, along with the Foundation's Board of Directors, feels the varied attractions at the four Venture Parks will encourage people to visit each of the parks. "Given the proximity of the four parks to one another, parkgoers will easily be able to experience each location's unique activities and attractions," said Abel. "The Foundation envisions a new connection and purpose for visiting these four parks located in the Platte Valley. These newly developed features will appeal to our existing park visitors and attract a new generation of parkgoers. This will be a major Nebraska tourist destination. The Nebraska Outdoor Venture Parks will be something very special." These four Platte River parks will also answer the questions from Douglas and his staff of "Who are we and what do we want to become?" But they will accomplish even more for Douglas. "The most exciting parts for me about the Venture Parks complex is meeting the needs and wishes of the next generation of parkgoers in a way that leads to a greater appreciation for the outdoors," Douglas said, "and watching the combined enthusiasm of all the people that are making this happen." F U T U R E D E V E L O P M E N T S Nebraska's Outdoor Venture Parks was written by Jeff Kurrus, and printed in the January-February 2018 issue of NEBRASKAland Magazine, published by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. NEBRASKAland Magazine • VENTURE PARKS