When you think of the Public Properties Department, the first thing that comes to mind is likely our City parks. In addition to maintaining the parks, our department is responsible for the maintenance of many public places and amenities in Beatrice. Many of these spaces can be reserved for events, gatherings, and family reunions. Reservations for places, such as ball fields and picnic shelters, can be obtained online. Go to the City of Beatrice website at website and select Parks. Choose Facility Reservations on the left-hand side of the page. Choose Facility Reservation Request. There are four calendars available to view the schedules. Once you determine the site is available for your time and place, fill out the form and click submit. A response will be sent to you within 24 business hours.
You may be wondering what is being done with the City Auditorium space recently vacated by the Fire Department. It is currently being utilized by other departments as inside parking for vehicles and equipment storage. Renovations are currently underway in the kitchen and office areas to relocate the Community Food Pantry from St. John Lutheran Church to the lower level of the City Auditorium. This new location will better suit the needs of the food pantry and allow for safe, efficient food distribution.
Another amenity our department maintains is campgrounds. Chautauqua Park and Riverside Park have a combined total of 28 RV camping sites. Spots are first come first served with no reservations available. Riverside Park has eight sites designated as short-term, with a maximum of a 7-day stay, for $20 a night. Chautauqua has four sites designated as short-term, with a maximum of a 14-day stay, for $20 a night. Chautauqua also has 16 sites designated as long-term stays which can be paid $20 a day or $500 paid monthly. The demand for RV camping has increased and these sites are usually full.
Chautauqua Park has received some improvements this summer. They include newly completed Pickleball courts now open to the public. Also, new disc golf baskets were donated and installed at Chautauqua Park’s disk golf course by a private group.
The Gage County Foundation Trail Depot has seen many improvements this summer, including parking, benches, and new landscaping. The Beatrice Leadership class installed bike repair stations and signs that map the trail highlights at seven locations on the Beatrice trail system.
The Public Properties Department is happy to provide citizens and visitors with an aesthetically pleasing and safe environment to enjoy recreation and leisure.
Mark Pethoud
Public Properties Director