A historic Boy Scouts camp in the heart of Nebraska is poised for a new lease on life, set to become the state's ninth official park in a move hailed as "transformational" for the local community.
From Scouts to State Park: The Journey of Camp Augustine
Camp Augustine, a 156-acre site along the Platte River that first opened to Boy Scouts in 1956, has been given a definitive future. The Grand Island City Council voted unanimously last week to transfer the property to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The city had purchased the camp for $2 million in 2023 after the organisation, now known as Scouting America, sold it amid financial pressures.
For two years, the camp's fate hung in the balance. Its operation had been running at a loss for several years prior to the sale, struggling due to its proximity to three similar camps within a five-hour drive and a national decline in youth membership for Scouting America. The local boys' camp activities have since moved to the nearby Mormon State Recreation Area.
A $45 Million Vision for Outdoor Recreation
The state's acquisition, which will be finalised next summer, unlocks an ambitious $45 million development plan for the site. Jim Swenson, a representative for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, assured the council that the approach would be "very tasteful," blending conservation with new public amenities.
The vision includes conserving parts of the natural landscape while developing campgrounds, 'day-use' facilities, and overnight lodgings. Plans also feature expanded hiking and biking trails, improved river access, an archery and pellet gun range, and a dedicated dog park.
While Councillor Doug Lanfear expressed concerns about overdevelopment, Swenson emphasised that local opinions would be integral to the planning process. The final sale price to the state will be based on a currently undetermined appraised value.
A Lasting Economic and Recreational Boost for Grand Island
Local officials are celebrating the decision as a monumental win for the city of 53,000 residents. Councillor Jack Shread told the Daily Mail the park would "positively impact Grand Island forever," drawing tourists who plan vacations around state park destinations.
"People from all over make vacation plans around state parks. They encourage people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors. Having that right here is special," Shread said. Mayor Roger Steele echoed the sentiment, stating the new park would not have been possible without the city's initial purchase and calling it "truly transformational."
The park is expected to provide a significant economic boost to Grand Island, a city with a rich railroad history dating back to 1866. The transformation of Camp Augustine, gifted originally by the Ernest Augustine family in 1945, marks the start of a new chapter, turning a cherished piece of local scouting history into a public asset for generations to come.
