Parks and Facilities
With over 6,000 acres of parks and natural land, 7 recreation centers, 128 miles of trails, 10 public pools and 5 city golf courses, Parks and Recreation really is
FUNdamental to our quality of life in Lincoln.
Our goal is to have a park area within one-half mile walking distance of each residence in the community. We enjoy 125
parks in Lincoln with more than half of them identified as neighborhood and mini-parks.
Sherman Field and
Centennial Mall have been selected as upcoming renovation projects.
Every spring, Lincoln’s Sunken Gardens comes to life with thousands of annual flowers. The Hamann Rose Garden and Rotary Strolling Garden at Antelope Park blooms in an array of colors thanks to the many Hybrid Tea, Grandiflora and Floribunda roses. Veteran's Garden is the site of many events throughout the year honoring our military. There are also public gardens at the Pioneers Park Nature Center.
A variety of fitness, leisure interest, human service and youth development programs are offered at Lincoln’s five
recreation centers. We also provide therapeutic recreation programs to youth and adults.
For amost 50 years the
Pioneers Park Nature Center has been helping children and families discover nature. The 668-acre site includes 440 acres of native tallgrass prairie, eight miles of hiking trails, outdoor exhibit animals, several gardens and
two buildings with hands-on and small animal exhibits. The recent addition to the Prairie Building freatures "green" building techniques, prairie murals by Mark Marcuson, and a children's corner. Programming is offered for all ages, and includes a nature-based pre-school program during the school year and day camps during the summer months.
Each year about one million “treks” happen on Lincoln’s 128 miles of
trails. There are hiker/biker trails in many parks as well as commuter/recreation trails for those going the distance.
Looking to make a splash? Visit one of our 9 outdoor public
pools this summer, sign up for swim lessons or join a swim and dive team.
Lincoln Parks and Recreation offers 5 well-maintained public
golf courses, each providing a unique experience. Whether you like tree-lined fairways and water hazards or links style, we’ve got a course that’s sure to challenge you.
Get your friends, neighbors and coworkers together to play! Parks and Recreation provides opportunities for both youth and adults to be a part of organized
team sports all year round. You can now reserve athletic fields on-line!
At
Hyde Observatory, gaze at the night sky through three powerful telescopes, enjoy two programs about astronomy or space exploration that change monthly, and interact with knowledgeable volunteers.
The
Saline Wetlands Conservation Partnership was initiated in 2003 to preserve nearly 4,000 acres of land associated with the unique eastern saline wetlands in northern Lancaster County. Since its inception, the partnership has purchased nearly 710 acres of saline wetlands and other associated upland habitat, initiated educational activities, participated in saline wetland restoration projects, and provided for operation and maintenance of these areas.
Public art has the power to energize our public spaces, arouse our thinking, and transform the places where we live, work, and play into more welcoming and beautiful environments that invite interaction. There are over 60 pieces of public art in Lincoln’s parks including sculptures, fountains and monuments.
