Oliver Reservoir committee considers multiple improvements

Improvement concepts for Oliver Reservoir Recreation Area west of Kimball have become a big deal. Last week representatives from the National Park Service and Environmental Stewards joined local committee members and representatives of the South Platte Natural Resources District to discuss shelters, electricity and walking trails at the local recreation area.

"Right now they (SPNRD) are looking at enhancements. Currently the conditions are primitive camping and they are interested in creating electrical camping opportunities," said Holly Griesemer, a representative of National Park Services Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program. "We have designed maps that include RV camping with opportunities for families to camp together and designating different areas of the park for certain purposes."

Maps, created by Rachel Oestmann of the Environmental Stewards Conservation Legacy Program, show other enhancements including a tornado shelter and showers as well as a walking/hiking trail looping around the reservoir and connecting all the areas to one another.

Donations are accepted at the reservoir for those enjoying the park. According to SPNRD's Galen Wittrock, those are used primarily for improvements.

"One of the main improvements we have done this year, at a little over $6,000, and most of that went to the boat ramp," Wittrock said. "We are going to try to get a boat dock as well. We have a parking area, outlined with railroad ties."

Wittrock said that while the recreation area will likely never be fancy, the SPNRD is committed to maintaining and improving the area as money allows over the next several years. He added that the SPNRD is open to hearing suggestions from the public. Interested parties can call 308-254-2377.