OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The start of construction for the first phase of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s $35 million “venture parks” project is contingent on the signing of contracts in coming weeks.
Commission parks director Jim Swenson said Friday the goal is to welcome a new generation of park attendees and get families outside together by combining nature-based learning activities with exciting adventures.
“Today’s park visitor wants variety and a bit of tradition blended with a dose of new and diverse fun,” Swenson said. “They want exhilaration and excitement. They want to learn by discovering and experiencing the outdoors. And they want family time and opportunities to build treasured memories and lifelong traditions.”
The projects will occur at Mahoney and Platte River State Parks and Louisville and Schramm Park State Recreation Areas, the Omaha World-Herald (https://bit.ly/2pQu7z7 ) reported. Some of the features include treehouse classrooms, obstacle courses and “glamor camping” cabins.
“This promises to be one of the most important things we’ve ever done in our state parks,” Swenson said of the project. “Our parks are gateways to the outdoors.”
About 80 percent of the project’s cost is being raised privately. The rest will come from park fees.
“We are fortunate to have generous people who believe in our mission and the value we provide the public we serve,” commission assistant director Roger Kuhn said.
Most of the features are expected to be completed by spring 2018.
“We have a big economic impact, but we also have a big quality of life impact to families and visitors all over the state,” Kuhn said. “The park system is really the backbone of tourism statewide.”
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Information from: Omaha World-Herald, https://www.omaha.com
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