|
|
|
|
|
|
(pdf file - requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) (developed by the Scottsbluff/Gering Chamber of Commerce & TCD) (developed by the Scottsbluff/Gering Chamber of Commerce, TCD, & the City of Scottsbluff)
|
|
PARKS
Centennial Park - Scottsbluff Sculpture by David Young
Park systems, including their natural resources and recreation amenities, represent a valuable resource for the community. Parks assist in defining the community and add value to neighboring properties, as well as to the overall living experience in the community. Park systems also provide an amenity that can serve as a valuable economic development tool for the community.
Scottsbluff's park and recreation system consists primarily of public recreational facilities, but also incorporates numerous nonprofit organizations that sponsor recreation or leisure activities.
The City of Scottsbluff park system is comprised of 22 recreational sites and three pathways that encompass approximately 338 acres of land.
This figure includes future cemetary expansion land and school grounds maintained by the parks department. The
Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Scottsbluff
is responsible for the maintenance and improvement of the city's
parks system, including the city's two swimming pools
and the administration of a year-around recreation program.
CITY PARK LOCATION MAP:
Riverside Park & Zoo provide a unique recreational and economic resource for the community. Riverside Zoo is the only accredited zoo within 200 miles, and one of only 22 in the eight western plains states. The zoo and adjacent park are located next to the North Platte River and the Monument Valley Pathway System.
The YMCA and Trails West Camp are also located adjacent to the Monument Valley Pathway System.
Trails West Camp Under Construction Summer 2004
Most
parks are open during daylight hours. Contact
Parks and Recreation Director Kari Happold at (308) 630-6235 for more
information.
Gering:
The City of Gering boasts one of the finest park systems in the State of Nebraska. Gering
is committed to providing a clean, safe, and fun environment for enjoyment.
The "U" Street Pathway in Gering starts on 10th Street and continues west on "U" Street to the top of the Scotts Bluff National Monument.
This 1.3 mile long walking trail consists of 1/2 Native Landscape and 1/2 Traditional Landscape.
Scotts Bluff National Monument - Gering:
Scotts Bluff National Monument is located 3 miles west of Gering on Nebraska Highway 92. Open year-round, with weekly films during the summer. Permanent exhibits about the Westward movement. Four different hiking trails that vary in length & difficulty. Paved
road to the top of the monument. For more information, call (308) 436-4340 or visit their web site at www.nps.gov/scbl. Scotts Bluff National Monument was established in 1919 by Presidential Proclamation primarily for its historical significance and unique geological features. The Monument lies within the western Great Plains in an area that was once almost continuous mixed and short grass prairie. The area is now largely utilized for farming and ranching. The Monument encompasses two large, cliff-rimmed bluffs. Most of the land within the boundaries is native mixed-grass prairie, with some previously disturbed areas harboring a variety of non-native vegetation. There is also an area of mostly barren badlands between the north base of the Monument and the North Platte River. The landscape at the beginning of the Oregon-California Trail time period was primarily "natural" and largely "undisturbed." Immigrants arriving during the mid-nineteenth century found a landscape that was richer in wildlife and more sparsely wooded than it is today; however, the essential features of the area, the imposing bluffs rising from the plains, are relatively unchanged. The effects the immigrants had on the landscape was significant, but the landscape that evolved was still primarily "natural." The expansive plains, prominent bluffs, and the dominant prairie vegetation made up the primary elements of the landscape. The plains and bluffs suffered immediate, but relatively little long-term disturbance from the passing of the immigrants. The vegetation near the trail was probably heavily affected by the concentration of both human traffic and large numbers of livestock. The vegetation probably regenerated in a short time due to the extensive root systems of the native plants and the nearby seed sources available on the surrounding undisturbed lands, and because the natural ecosystem processes remained intact. The region's landscape and that of the Monument are very different now than they were 150 years ago. The plains and bluffs remain, but are now dotted with buildings, roads, trails, canals, and trees. A large portion of the prairie vegetation has been disturbed, resembling a "patch-work" pattern of multiple disturbance events of various levels of intensity, size, and recovery. A significant portion of the lands surrounding the Monument have been converted to farmland or residential areas; therefore, nearby native seed sources are scarce. Many of the natural processes that helped shape the landscape, such as grazing by bison and other native fauna, as well as naturally ignited fires, are now gone or severely limited. Climactic influences and erosion still occur, but in some places the natural erosion rate may be accelerated by human-caused impacts.
Wildcat Hills State Area - Gering:
One thousand acres of rugged terrain with hiking trails, picnic facilities, & cross country skiing. Nature Center offers a chance to learn about the ecology & history of the area. See
“Museums & Historical Attractions” for more information,
or call (308) 436-3777. Terrytown:
Terrytown
is nestled between the twin cities of Scottsbluff and Gering, just south
of the North Platte River.
Bayard:
Bayard offers 4 parks, two with covered picnic shelters and one with an indoor recreation hall/ meeting room. Two parks have playgrounds with standard equipment. For more information, call (308) 586-1121.
Awarded
“Tree City USA" For the 9th Straight Year! Bridgeport: Bridgeport State Recreation Area Morrill County
The area was obtained by the Game and Parks Commission for development as a recreation area in 1952. Picnicking, fishing, swimming and camping are favoriate activities at the area. Facilities include picnic tables, shelters, fire grates, drinking water, trailer dump station and vault toilets. There is also a playground for the youngsters. Camping is primitive, with no designated sites. However, about 50 units can be accommodated on the area. All boats are permitted on Center Lake; however, boat traffic must travel in a counter-clockwise direction, and speeds are limited to 5 mph in the large bay at the southwest end of Center Lake. The smaller lakes are limited to non-powered vessels and those powered by conventional electric outboard motors. Swimming is allowed at the designated beach area, but it is unsupervised. Swimmers should always use extreme care and stay in the designated area. Anglers will find ample variety, with catchable size rainbow trout stocked in the northwest lake. Other species available include walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch and channel catfish. Rifles and pistols are prohibited at all times at Bridgeport. One of the earliest developments by the Commission was the planting of numerous trees and shrubs, which have now matured to provide ample shade. Visitors will find cottonwood, pine, sand cherry, plum, Nanking cherry, quail bush, chokecherry and Chineses elm predominant on the area. Overnight AccommodationsCamping Facilities: Contact Information:
Mitchell:
Mitchell
City Parks;
Copyright © 2002-2003 Twin Cities Development Association, Inc. |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
