Frequently Asked Questions​

Recreation

Who do I contact for recreation area questions or concerns in the Omaha metro?

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Recreation areas throughout the Omaha metro are operated and maintained by the jurisdiction in which they are located.

City of Omaha Parks and Recreation (402-444-5900)
  • Flanagan Lake and Recreation Area
  • Ed Zorinsky Lake and Recreation Area
  • Standing Bear Lake
  • Glenn Cunningham Lake
Papio NRD (402-444-6222)
  • Wehrspann Lake and Chalco Hills Recreation Area
  • Prairie View Recreation Area
  • Elkhorn River Access Parks (Elkhorn Crossing Recreation Area, West Maple Road Access Park, and Graske Crossing)
  • Platte River Landing Recreation Area
Papillion Parks and Recreation (402-597-2026)
  • Prairie Queen Recreation Area
  • Walnut Creek Recreation Area
  • Big Elk Recreation Area
  • Portal Recreation Area
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (402-471-0641)
  • Nebraska State Parks
  • Nebraska State Recreation Areas
  • Nebraska State Historical Parks
How do I find out if a river access park is closed?

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You can find the status of Elkhorn and Platte river access parks here.

Where can I find what trails are closed in the Omaha metro?

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The majority of Omaha’s trails are operated and maintained by the City of Omaha. The Papio NRD only manages the trails at Chalco Hills Recreation Area and Prairie View Recreation Area.

You can find trail system updates on the City of Omaha’s website.

Where can I get a map that shows all the trails in the metro area?

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You can download the Metro Omaha Trails System map here.

Park/Camping Reservations

Can you reserve a picnic shelter at Chalco Hills Recreation Area?

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Yes. Our group shelter accommodates approximately 100 people and is available for reservation.

Can you make a camping reservation at Elkhorn Crossing?

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No. Camping at Elkhorn Crossing is first-come, first-served.

Fish Stocking

Where can I find out what fish have been stocked at Omaha area lakes?

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The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission stocks Nebraska waters with millions of fish and dozens of species. Easily search its fish stocking database

Park Emergency/Non-emergency Contact

Who do I contact if I have an emergency or non-emergency situation (car break in, etc.) at Chalco Hills Recreation Area?

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  • For a park user emergency, call 911.
  • For a non-emergency, call the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office at (402) 593-2288.

Projects

Where can I learn more about upcoming flood mitigation reservoir/recreation area projects?

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The Papio NRD has many projects underway.

Rural Water Systems

I have an emergency question about my water service. Who do I contact during evenings, weekends, or holidays?

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For emergency service in the evening, on a weekend or holiday, please call:

  • Washington County: 402-669-4826 or 402-505-0000
  • Thurston County: 712-253-9014 or 712-898-9635 or 712-635-5754
  • Dakota County: 712-898-5333 or 712-266-5882
I have a non-emergency question about my water service, who do I contact?

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For questions during business hours, please call 402-444-6222.
How can I pay my water bill?

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You can easily pay your water bill online here.

Who can help me with a billing question?

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During business hours, please call 402-444-6222 or email our accounting department.

Tree Programs

Can I buy trees from the Papio NRD?

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We offer two tree programs:

The Conservation Tree Program is an option for homeowners, acreage owners, producers, and operators to purchase low-cost bare-root tree and shrub seedlings to plant on their private land.

The Celebrate Trees Grant Program encourages and assists communities with tree-planting projects for community benefit on public land such as parks, cemeteries, tribal lands, libraries, and rural villages.