A Chronological History of the Platte River Parkway

The concept of the Platte River Parkway trail system began in earnest in 1982 when the City of Casper appropriated funds to hire a consultant to develop a Master Plan. Below is a chronological history of the development of the Platte River Parkway.

1981 The City of Casper appointed a Riverfront Steering Committee to work with consultants on a Masterplan for the Platte River Parkway concept. Mr. Tom Stroock, a current Parkway Board Director, Rob Hurless, former Publisher of the Casper Star Tribune and Larry Harms, current City of Casper Parks Manager were members of that original Steering Committee.
1982 AMOCO donates 8.105 acres of land on the site of the current Amoco Park; Parkway Trust attains 501-C3 status and 1% #8 sales tax funds approved for development of Amoco Park.
1985 Amoco Park design approved replete with a replica drilling derrick as a monument to oil industry. Group of local kayaking enthusiasts present a letter of interest in including a kayak course at Amoco Park.
1986 Phases I and II of construction of Amoco Park was let to 71 Construction
1987 Preliminary planning started for the derrick.
1988 1 % tax funding for the Parkway approved, Amoco performs a river clean up.
1989 Completion of the Poplar Street bridge underpass and the 1st Street through Burlington Northern Park to the Parkway Plaza hotel section of the Parkway.
1990 Construction began on the Derrick and voters approve 1% #9 tax funding for the First Street Underpass and Crossroads to North Casper ball fields segment of pathway
1991 Completion of the pathway section from the Holiday Inn to Crossroads Park.
1992 Parkway Board develops a 10 year plan to extend the Parkway westward from Morad Park to Paradise Valley Park
1993 The Derrick and the First Street Underpass completed
1994 1% #10 funding approved to construct a pedestrian bridge at the North Casper Soccer complex and pathway to Bryan Stock Trail
1995 Construction of the pathway from the pedestrian bridge site to Bryan Stock Trail completed, 1st Annual "Autumn Fest" along the river behind the Holiday Inn held
1996 I 25/F Street Underpass completed, Fort Casper to Morad Park section completed and 2nd Annual Fall Festival held
1997 Memorial Grove planted and dedicated, pathway through Morad Park completed, boat ramp at Bryan Stock Trail constructed, 1st Annual Brewfest held
1998 Pedestrian Bridge installed and dedicated
1999 Received WYDOT funding for construction of 2 sections of pathway, installed Mile Markers along Parkway, completed JTL Ponds site plan
2000 Completed WOTCO section of path, held long term planning sessions for Parkway Board to establish future goals
2001 Completed1st Street Park to W. 1st Street section of path, accepted to Wyoming Community Foundation/Kresge Challenge to create an endowment fund
2002 Completed 2 sections of path 1) Amoco Park to Mills and 2) Morad Park to Magnolia Road
2003 Whitewater Park completed and dedicated, Magnolia to Paradise Valley Park segment of trail completed

 

Mission Statement


The mission of the Platte River Parkway Trust is to develop and construct a river corridor that will function as a recreation and transportation trail providing users with the opportunity to enjoy the river environment and facilitate exercise for health and well being. The goal of the Trust is to bring together public and private funding sources to design and develop trail segments along the North Platte River through the Casper community. To achieve this goal the Trust Board seeks to gather citizen and community group input. Below are specific objectives identified in the 1982 CH2MHill Platte River Parkway Masterplan.

  • Develop the North Platte River as a focal point of the community, putting people in touch with the river
  • Maximize open-space opportunities along the river between Robertson Road and Bryan Stock Trail
  • Preserve and protect the scenic, natural, physical and historic value of the river
  • Encourage maximum involvement and support of citizens, governments, and community organizations in planning and developing the Platte River Parkway
  • Facilitate efficient and consistent development of the River corridor that is both diverse and appropriate
  • Finance the Parkway with a blend of public and private sources
  • Create a Parkway trail system that is clean and safe

 


PLATTE RIVER PARKWAY TRUST
P.O Box 1228
Casper, WY 82602

307.577.1206

E-Mail Platte River Parkway Trust

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