The Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department says the Rock Island Trail Bridge over Salt Creek in Wilderness Park is now open. The bridge had been under renovations since May 2024 and now connects the Rock Island Trail at Densmore Park to Wilderness Park.
“This project was identified as a high priority in the 2021 Wilderness Master Plan, based on public input regarding park priorities and is truly an exciting enhancement for our park visitors,” says Allison Speicher, Trails and Natural Resources Coordinator. “The upgrades make Wilderness Park more welcoming and accessible for everyone and ensure that all visitors can enjoy a safer, more inclusive experience as they explore the beauty of the park.”
Improvements to the former railroad bridge in the center of Wilderness Park include new concrete decking and railings. The $621,000 project was funded by a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, and from the Great Plains Trail Network, the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District and the Run for the Bridges event.
Wilderness Park is Lincoln’s largest park extending south from Van Dorn Street to Saltillo Road between U.S. Highway 77 and the BNSF Railway in southwest Lincoln. Originally established for flood storage along Salt Creek, the park serves as a conservation area, home to a variety of plant and animal species, and features over 30 miles of multi-use trails.
(Photo: City of Lincoln)