Looking Back on Four Decades of Platte River Trails

​​In 1982, the Platte River Parkway Trust was incorporated as a 501(c)3 with a mission to construct a non-motorized trail along the North Platte River while also maintaining and preserving the natural and historic value of the outdoor space. 40 years later, this citizen-led organization is as vibrant and energetic as ever.

Throughout the past 40 years, the work completed by our volunteer board cannot be understated. After working diligently to implement the Trust’s original Masterplan, the network of trails now encompasses over 11 miles of River Trails, two miles of Casper Mountain Road Trail, about three and a half miles of Rail Trail, plus several additional miles of neighborhood and drainage trails.
 
In the past four decades, several projects outside of trail expansion have been completed, including the renovation of the Pumphouse in 2009. The Tate Pumphouse Trail Center presently houses the Platte River Trails office and serves as a popular event venue. Amoco Park, the first park created along the Platte River Trail system, was also rehabilitated in 2015 and included the creation of the Bart Rea Learning Circle.
 
The goal of these projects, and other enhancements was to create a community trail linking great public spaces and community venues, to serve traditional users such as cyclists, runners and walkers as well as artists, birders and nature enthusiasts. Art inspired by nature found along the Platte River Trails has stimulated various events through the years like Art for the Pathway: an art show and sale of work inspired by the river corridor, Art For the Trails, a temporary art instillation along the river trail, and this year’s Art on the Go Plein Air Painting Day, as well monumental works of public art such as the historic Derrick, The Book Arch and the upcoming Wind Cathedral.
 
Platte River Trails has also developed signature community events that people have come to love and look forward to year after year. The Spring Clean Up is held annually in late spring to prepare the trails for summer use. 2022 was also a celebratory year for Riverfest, the 30th beloved event was held at Crossroads Park, bringing trail supporters together to raise critical funds for trail expansion and maintenance.
 
Providing an up to date map of our community trail system has been a long standing objective of the organization. The 2022 Trail Map was rolled out this year featuring new trail connections, such as the Morad to Mountain Plaza connection completed in 2021. We’re also proud of PRTT’s feature in the Fall 2022 Rails to Trails Conservancy periodical highlighting “Casper’s Journey from Trail Town to Oil Town and Back Again.”
 
While it’s amazing to look back at all that’s been accomplished these past 40 years, Platte River Trails is excited to announce new trail projects in the works including:

• River Trail expansion westward to Robertson Road via a new bridge across the North Platte River
• Extending the Rail Trail to Edness Kimball Wilkens State Park
• Connecting a neighborhood trail to a major arterial street (2nd Street) and the Rail Trail
• Future plans for trail expansion to the Rim Rock recreation area west of Casper

 
Casper’s trails are unique and provide our community a non-motorized transportation network as well as ample opportunity to explore and recreate in Casper’s open spaces. With all these efforts, accomplishments, and expansions, the Platte River Trails Board recognizes that none of it could be done without the great support of the Casper community including sponsors, donors, partners, and trail users.
 
For the past 40 years PRTT has relied upon individuals, businesses, foundations, and local and state agencies and partners to continue our work to bring trails to you. Our Annual Giving Campaign is on now, which helps provide critical funding for future trail projects and maintenance of our current system. Your support means the Platte River Trails Trust can continue pursuing our mission to link our community through trails and preserve our outdoor spaces. Donate today and help keep Casper trails growing for the next 40 years!
 
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