New aquatic facility opens at Fort Robinson
Fort Robinson State Park is ushering in what is sure to be among its most popular summertime attractions this week. The park introduced its new state-of-the-art aquatic facility with a “soft open” this past weekend, and it is expected to be a busy place during Crawford’s upcoming annual Fourth of July celebration.
"After the rough start of the summer we've had, it's nice to have something so positive and exciting to talk about," said Nebraska Game and Parks Commission regional superintendent Mike Morava, with reference to the recent 40,000-acre South Fork Fire that burned over most of the park. "This facility will be a popular way for visitors of all ages to cool off and will serve as a real showpiece for western Nebraska."
Located on the west side of the park’s main complex, it won’t be hard for visitors to find. Rising about 40 feet above a 6-foot-deep zero-entry pool is a 310-foot-long dual-track racing waterslide.
The new facility plays upon Fort Robinson’s Old West heritage, with features such as a small stagecoach slide, horseshoe bubblers for toddlers and a spray feature modeled after one of the park’s many longhorn cattle. A dump bucket resembles Fort Robinson’s familiar water towers.
A new bathhouse and shade features complete the design. The bathhouse’s ranch-style architecture resembles a number of other historical buildings at the park, including the Mare Barn Complex, a recently refurbished structure that is among the places visitors can board their horses. In addition to restroom and shower facilities, it offers lockers for people to store items.
The new aquatic facility replaces a 46-year-old covered swimming pool that was in need of substantial repairs. The park attracts about 350,000 visitors each year, many of whom are taking part in family reunions.
The aquatic facility is open daily noon to 7 p.m. The cost is $8 for adults and $6 for children with season passes available. Vehicles entering Fort Robinson must have a Nebraska park entry permit, available at the park headquarters or at OutdoorNebraska.gov.
The project was funded by the Land and Water Conservation Fund with matching dollars from the Nebraska Game and Parks Capital Maintenance Fund, the Robert B. Daugherty Foundation and an anonymous donor.
