The gates to Prairie Queen Recreation Area will swing open Tuesday, March 31st. 

The multi-use water based outdoor recreation area/flood control reservoir is located near 132nd St and Highway 370 in Sarpy County. The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District began construction of the park in the fall of 2012 and it is the latest NRD flood control reservoir that also serves as an outstanding family-oriented recreational park. "This park opening has been much-anticipated by the public and we are looking forward to offering a wonderful outdoor experience," said John Winkler, NRD general manager. "Most importantly, the reservoir will help protect lives and property downstream along the West Branch Papillion Creek, including the cities of Papillion and Bellevue," he said.
The park features a 135-acre lake, double boat ramp, no-wake boating, picnic shelters, wildlife viewing and a 4- mile hiking/biking trail. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has stocked the reservoir with largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, redear sunfish and black crappie. The Commission has also made a special effort to incorporate numerous aquatic habitat measures to enhance the fishing experience and ensure a quality fishery.

The dam at the Prairie Queen Recreation Area holds back potential flood water during heavy rainfall, providing greater flood protection for Papillion and Bellevue-area residents and businesses downstream of the lake. It is a key part of the overall flood protection and water quality improvement plan developed by the NRD along with the Papillion Creek Watershed Partnership. The partnership includes representatives from Omaha, Papillion, Bellevue, Gretna, Boys Town, Ralston, LaVista, Sarpy County and the Natural Resources District. "Construction of this reservoir is a result of many years of coordination between the NRD and our Papillion Creek Watershed partners, said Winkler. "We're working diligently to find real and accomplishable solutions for water quality and flood control challenges," he added.

The construction also included upstream water quality structures to protect the lake from sedimentation and a Lincoln Rd. extension and bridge.

All Papio-Missouri River NRD recreations areas are free to the public. No park entry permits are required.

Additional information on the park is available at the NRD web site www.papionrd.org

Note to media: NRD personnel will be available for interviews at the boat ramp the morning of the 31st from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

News Release
For Immediate Release March 13, 2015
Contact: John Winkler, General Manager 
Cell Phone 402-616-2457

Emmett J Egr, APR
Information/Education Coordinator
Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District
8901 S 154th St, Omaha, NE 68138
402-315-1708 
eegr [at] papionrd.org 
www.papionrd.org