By Allison Peck
Families visiting Cody Park this summer will soon have a new way to enjoy the amusement rides.
The North Platte City Council approved a new $10 unlimited daily ride wristband Tuesday night, giving visitors another ticket option for the remainder of the 2026 season. If successful, the program could become a permanent offering in future years.
Mayor Brandon Kelliher said the idea wasn't the result of months of planning or public requests. Instead, it came from one of the city's newer employees, who suggested simplifying the experience for families spending several hours at the park.
"There are a lot of times families come there, and they end up staying for a couple hours," Kelliher said. "We thought, well, it might be easier on the kids if they didn't have to go get tickets all the time, so let's just do a wristband option."
Rather than purchasing individual ride tickets throughout the day, families can choose the unlimited option and see how it works during the second half of the season.
"It was really just an idea by one of our newer employees," Kelliher said. "We'll see how it works. We'll see if it comes back next year."
The new option is expected to be available beginning this weekend, just in time for North Platte's America 250 celebration at Cody Park, where visitors can also purchase a hot dog and a Coke for $2.50 during the event.