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Monday 8am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm Thursday 8am - 4:30pm Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Lincoln Parks & Recreation

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Lincoln Parks & Recreation

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This page is a public record and subject to public records statutes. lincoln.ne.gov/social. Official of Lincoln Government account.

Information on this site is a public record and subject to public records statutes. Terms of use: http://lincoln.ne.gov/social.

10/30/2026

Come volunteer and help us Put the Beds to Bed on November 7, at 8:30 a.m. at the Sunken Gardens. We’ll have gloves, shovels, and coffee! Sign up today and don’t forget to bring a friend. We’ll see you on November 7th to put the beds to bed. 🌷💚

Visit the event webpage for information about the event and to email your RSVP:
https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Calendar-and-Events/Put-the-Beds-to-Bed

10/30/2026

We’ve dug up some relics of parks past. 💚📸

💚Photo 1: People walking in the rock garden in the 1930s, now known as Sunken Gardens.
💚Photo 2: People dancing the night away in Auld Pavillion in 1933.
💚Photo 3: People working on a Navy Corsair Fighter Plane in Antelope Park in February of 1959.
💚Photo 4: The rocket playground in Belmont Park in the 1970s.

Enjoy these antique pictures of the parks from the past.

10/29/2026

We’re celebrating National Cat Day BIG! 🐱💚

Our very own working cats Haines and Harris have had an excellent first year.

🐱 Number of Rodents Relocated:
The official count remains classified under the department's Top Secret Rodent Abatement Program. The cats have also reported a couple of successful vole encounters. Rodents throughout the Southwest District are now believed to be updating their résumés and exploring relocation opportunities.

🐱 Special Recognition: Wildlife Relocation Support:
In addition to their regular duties, Haines and Harris have contributed to several notable wildlife management operations. They provided valuable assistance in cornering and relocating a 2-foot Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer and a 6-foot Bullsnake from the maintenance shop area to more appropriate locations along the park perimeter. These operations demonstrate that their responsibilities extend beyond routine pest management into the broader field of wildlife awareness and perimeter security. The snakes were successfully relocated, the shop regained its peace and quiet, and the cats presumably returned to their regularly scheduled naps.

🐱 Occurrence of Zoomies:
Sporadic, unannounced, and difficult to audit.

🐱 Number of Naps Taken on Equipment:
Distinguished achievement in workplace comfort.

🐱 Smiles Brought to Workers’ Faces:
Off the charts! People smile everyday now.

🏆 Final Recommendation: Approve the Merit Increase!
Following a comprehensive review of their performance, management recommends that both Haines and Harris receive a merit increase consisting of one Churu treat per week.
Congratulations, Haines and Harris! Keep the mice nervous, the squirrels under surveillance, the purrs running, and the staff smiling.
Your next Churu is well deserved. 🐱🐾

10/29/2026

Celebrate the day by visiting the Yizhaq with Cat statue. 🐱💚

💚Yizhaq with Cat
Located in the southern area of the Hamann Rose Garden.
The sculpture depicts a standing male figure, Yizhaq, with a cat perched beside him, exemplifying themes of calm, connection, and timeless human presence in nature. The statue is a striking stone sculpture that captures the essence of Vaadia’s celebrated work—layered figures carved from bluestone and bronze, rooted in ancient traditions while embracing contemporary sensibilities.

10/29/2026

Join us for the Wild Fall Festival at Pioneers Park Nature Center! 💚🦬
Celebrate the changing seasons and National Bison Day with us 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, November 7.

Bring the whole family for a day full of FREE hands-on activities and fall fun, including:
💚Nature workshops featuring bison, prairies, and nature
💚Wagon rides ($5/person, ages 3+)
💚Meet-and-greet with turtles, snakes, other Nature Center education animals.
💚Preschool nature play, games, and story times
💚Guided nature exploration
💚Tours of historic buildings

Pioneers Park Nature Center welcomes the following special guests and presentations as part of our Wild Fall Festival and Bison Day.
💚10:30 a.m. - Lakota Song and Dance with Jerome Kill Smalls, free
💚12:30 p.m. - Raptor Conservation Alliance live raptor presentation, free
💚12:30 p.m. - Indigenous prairie cuisine tasting and presentation with Chef Anthony Warrior, $18/person. Advanced registration required. Registration is now open for the ticketed tasting and presentation with Chef Anthony Warrior. Register online today at https://secure.rec1.com/NE/lincoln-ne/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQ1NTM2ODk=

The event provides a unique chance for visitors to connect with the prairie landscape and learn about the role of bison in Nebraska’s natural heritage. With activities suited for families, children, and adults, the festival encourages community members to celebrate fall outdoors.

We can't wait to see you at the Wild Fall Festival! 💚🦬
For more information about the Wild Fall Festival visit, lincoln.ne.gov/WildFallFestival
For more information about Lincoln Parks and Recreation visit, lincoln.ne.gov/Parks

10/26/2026

Looking for a unique Halloween costume? Don’t worry, Lincoln Parks and Recreation has you covered with the cutest and spookiest Halloween Costumes. 👻🎃💚

10/26/2026

UPDATE:
We've added a map for visualization of the Beal Slough Trail Extension and how it will connect the trail network for multiple neighborhoods.

Lincoln Parks and Recreation is excited to announce the upcoming construction of the Beal Slough Trail Extension.

This upcoming project will expand the city’s shared‑use trail network and improve connectivity in southeast Lincoln. Construction is scheduled to begin November 16, 2026, with substantial completion expected by September 2027, weather permitting.

The project will extend the Helen Boosalis Trail from South 56th Street and London Road, continue southeast through the Beal Slough greenway to Pine Lake Road, and then proceed to South 70th Street and Yankee Hill Road. The new segment will enhance access to nearby neighborhoods, provide additional recreation opportunities, and strengthen the community’s trail system.

80% of funding for the Beal Slough Trail project is provided through the federal Transportation Alternatives Program, with 20% matching funds supplied by Impact Fees. The Beal Slough corridor is an important link in our trail network, and this project will help improve mobility and access to nature-based recreation for people of all ages and abilities.

For more information about the project, visit lincoln.ne.gov/trails. For more information about Parks and Recreation, visit parks.incoln.ne.gov.

10/23/2026

We’d like to give an immense thank you to Lincoln Animal Control Officer Wimes and Officer Steen for making sure Lincoln’s furry cohabitants are safe.

Thank you for your hard work! We hope you enjoy your boxes of foxes. 💚🦊

Address

3131 O Street, Suite 300
Lincoln, NE
68510

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8am - 4:30pm
Friday	8am - 4:30pm

Website

http://parks.lincoln.ne.gov/

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