Maple Creek Recreation Area

Maple Creek Recreation Area is part of the original Maple Creek Watershed project.  In 2000, the Village Board of Leigh requested that the LENRD reconsider this structure.  Feasibility studies by Olsson Associates were favorable and funding was obtained from Nebraska Department of Natural Resources Development Fund (NRDF), Motorboat Access Fund through Game & Parks Commission and Nebraska Department of Roads for Highway 91.

Cost:

  • Total cost of over 8 million dollars.

  • Construction cost of $3.7 million includes dam, Highway 91, two sediment dams, mitigation work and 2 county roads

  • 55% cost share from Nebraska Resources Development Fund (NRDF)

  • $500,000 grant from Sport Fish Restoration, Motorboat Access Program administered by Nebraska Game and Parks

Dam Has:

  • 270,000 cubic yards fill

  • 2,800 tons of rip rap and 7,000 tons of recycled concrete from old Scribner Air Base

  • 36” principal spillway pipe

  • 24’ drawdown

  • 51’ height of dam

  • Normal pool is 160 surface acres (296 acre surface flood pool)

  • Maximum depth of the permanent pool is 30 – 35 feet

  • 1,179 acre feet of permanent pool

Highway 91:

  • Department of Roads reimbursed $176,000 for construction of Highway 91

  • Road raised a maximum of 16’ above previous elevation

  • 190,000 cubic yards of fill in Highway 91 improvements

  • Created a 60 acre sediment trap at elevation of 1,614

Fisheries:

  • 47,000 cubic yards fill and rip rap for structures to improve fish habitat, fisherman access and protecting shoreline from erosion

  • Nebraska Game and Parks Commission stocked the lake with Large-Mouth Bass, Blue Gill & Channel Catfish in the spring of 2010 and will manage the fishery

  • 404 Permit from US Army Corps of Engineers requires wetland and stream mitigation

Recreation:

  • 50, 50/30/20 amp RV camping sites and 10 primitive tent sites

  • Shower house and restrooms

  • Swimming beach

  • Hiking, biking and horseback riding trails - 2.36 miles

  • 2 boat ramps

  • Picnic and playground equipment

Project Has:

  • 6,800 acres of drainage in the watershed

  • 75% of land surface has conservation practices installed

  • LENRD owns 557 total acres in the project area

Camper Fee

  • Tent camping (not on camping pads) $10 per tent

  • All Electric pads-50/30/20 amp $25

  • Overflow camping in north lots $10

Click here for a map of the project