Lincoln residents are being urged to use caution when visiting parks and trails after Wednesday’s storms left standing water, mud, debris and water damage. Several locations are temporarily closed or impassable, and Lincoln Parks and Recreation Public Information Officer Kat Schlueter told KLIN News floodwater could conceal additional hazards.
“We’re not sure if there’s anything that’s washed out, and we just want to make sure everyone is safe,” Schlueter said. Visitors should respect closure signs and turn around rather than travel through flooded areas.
The large-dog run at Roper East Park near Ninth and Adams streets is closed while crews repair a damaged fence. Schlueter said the dog run will remain closed until repairs are completed, with no firm reopening date provided.
Underpasses along the Billy Wolff Trail near Antelope Creek and the Salt Creek Levee Trail near Salt Creek are impassable. Portions of Wilderness Park and the Bison Trail between the Salt Creek Levee Trail and Coddington Avenue are also affected by flooding.
Holmes Lake Park has flooding on roads and trails, and the dog run at Mahoney Park is flooded. Schlueter said during the interview that the Mahoney dog run remained open, but visitors should expect muddy conditions and avoid flooded sections.
The Stransky Dog Run at Peterson Park is another available option, Schlueter said, although conditions there may also be muddy. Residents should use caution even in areas that remain open.
Residents looking for alternative routes can use the city’s interactive trail map, which Schlueter recommended for finding paved commuter trails. Visitors should still follow posted restrictions and avoid any route covered by water or debris.
Parks crews are working to clear debris from trails and pathways and repair storm damage. Schlueter said closed areas will reopen as soon as they are safe for public use.