NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — North Platte residents can look forward to a state-of-the-art recreation center featuring a pool-based NinjaCross obstacle course, a modern climbing wall, and a range of new amenities aimed at attracting visitors and providing winter activities for the community.
Mayor Brandon Kelliher discussed the upcoming facility during a recent city council recap, highlighting both the innovative features and the community partnerships that helped make the project possible.
“The NinjaCross System is basically an obstacle course suspended above the pool,” Kelliher said. “It’s fully customizable, with two lanes so one side can be for novices and the other for experts. When users fall, they safely land in the pool, just like on the TV shows.”
Kelliher said the Ninja course is expected to draw heavy usage, particularly on weekends, and could eventually host competitions complete with scoreboards. Officials believe it will be the first facility of its kind in Nebraska.
In addition to the Ninja course, the recreation center will feature a modern climbing wall with multiple configurations. The wall includes both traditional vertical climbs and new modular structures, allowing up to six climbers to use the space at once. Automatic tether systems will ensure safety while offering a more challenging experience for advanced climbers.
“These amenities are designed to be fun and accessible,” Kelliher said. “We want people from around the region to come and enjoy the facilities, especially during the winter months when there are fewer options for recreation in North Platte.”
The project has been supported by significant private contributions which helped fund essential work such as dirt grading and piping in the pool area. Kelliher emphasized the importance of community involvement in bringing the facility to fruition.
The recreation center will also maintain traditional offerings, including basketball and volleyball courts, ensuring that residents have a variety of options for fitness and leisure. Construction is expected to continue over the next nine to twelve months, with officials aiming to open the center in late 2026.
Bob Barr, director of the rec center, has studied similar facilities in other states to optimize both safety and user experience. Volunteers with climbing expertise are already lined up to help instruct participants once the wall opens.
Kelliher said the center is part of a broader effort to make North Platte a hub for both community engagement and regional visitors, boosting local economic activity while providing safe, family-friendly entertainment. This initiative stems from an effort to create more community activities during the winter months.
“We’re building a facility that brings people together, supports healthy activity, and enhances the quality of life in our city,” Kelliher said.