With the unofficial end of summer upon us, some may be thinking of summer’s end, though this weekend marked a new beginning for one outdoor attraction.

For Albert Rodriguez and family from Lincoln, a gentle float down the Elkhorn River is the perfect way to relax.

"We get a chance to hang out with friends and family, the kids really enjoy it, the weather's perfect, it's just an opportunity for us to get together with friends and family."

Steve Evers, who runs tanks down the Elkhorn, remembers when Elkhorn Crossing Park at 252nd Street and Bennington Road had a different look.

"The trees over here, it was just so solid you couldn't see, it was flooded, there was lots of mosquitoes, really couldn't get any breeze back here.” In fact, the park had bigger problems than that.

"We had some difficulty with drinking and drugs in the area and because it was so secluded, that was the intent of the NRD to open it up," says Natural Resources District board member Rich Tesar.

"We've got law enforcement now coming out on a regular basis and we are alcohol-free and glass-free, which is unique."

The park was closed in 2008 because of flooding. A watermark on one tree shows just how high the water was, but since that time there has been a massive renovation.

A $600,000 project included the removal of 1,700 trees, the addition of new camping areas, picnic benches and grills. The park reopened just last Friday.

"It's kind of the end of the season, but they've been working really hard to get it open and it will really be great for next year," says Evers.

Outdoor enthusiasts hope they can wave goodbye to the park’s past and enjoy what lies ahead.

Camping remains free at Elkhorn Crossing Park, which will remain open until November 1st. The park is open to registered campers only from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m.