Hooper Park campground sees late opening, but now has camp host

Hooper Park, had a delayed opening this year due to maintenance issues, but the park's camp host position has been filled for the first time in about three years, said Lincoln Parks Board chairman Nyle Howsmon.

The bathrooms at Hooper Park, which reopened last summer after a two-and-a-half-year closure, needed repairs this year and caused a delay in the park's seasonal opening this year.

"We actually missed Memorial Day," said Howsmon. "There were a couple of repairs from the outfit that built the bathroom that needed taken care of. Parts are hard to get because of the virus."

Additionally, Howsmon noted that when the water lines were blown out last fall, some problems with the process caused damage to the lines inside the mechanical room over the winter, and those needed to be repaired too.

Meanwhile, Richard Flor has taken on the position as Hooper Park camp host.

Flors taking care of cleaning the bathrooms and testing the water, which must be done every day, and collecting fees, said Howsmon.

"This is just such a beautiful spot. It's neat to see how many people come in and picnic," said Flor.

The park hasn't been very busy yet, according to Howsmon, but that may change with the Fourth of July. "It's generally really busy for the Fourth. Fireworks are allowed, but only in the ball fields," he said.

The park board is still looking for another member to fill the five-person board. Howsmon said until last week, when Victor Johnson joined the board, there have only been three members. The other board members are Ernie Lundberg and Ezra Schwalm. Howsmon said anyone interested in joining the board can apply online through Lewis and Clark County.

"I don't mind being on the board," Howsmon said, "but a lot of the heavy lifting I can't do any more. I don't mind mowing and stuff. The biggest problem is we don't have any young bucks that want to be on the board."