Hannibal Park Improvements
The improvements at Hannibal Park over the last year continue to make the park a sought-after destination during the summer softball season. Beatrice Girls Softball Association will host approximately 150 teams over 5 sanctioned tournaments. There will also be 3 state-level tournaments bringing another 75 teams in the last three weeks of June. These tournaments are economic drivers for Beatrice, bringing a number of people to town.
Additional improvements are scheduled this spring to continue the updating of Fields 2 and 3 with a new netting system, padded backstop wall, and new chain link fencing. Improvements slated for this summer also include a new 3-bay batting cage (15 ft x 70 ft each) and a new pitching area. Recently, the Beatrice Noon Kiwanis Club has generously donated $40,000 for improvements at Hannibal Park. The City is grateful for this donation to continue to make improvements to this excellent recreational hotspot.
Chief Standing Bear Trail
On the south side of town, we have a new area called the Gage County Foundation Trail Depot. Many big changes are being made to the area located 6th and Perkins St. along the Chief Standing Bear Trail. The Gage County Foundation donated $50,000 to this community betterment project. This donation is helping fund the improvements to this area. A new parking lot was installed this spring next to the bathroom and shelter. Irrigation and landscaping will be completed in the month of May.
The Dave Waltke Memorial has provided funding for three new benches, a bike rack, and two trash receptacles at the Gage County Foundation Trail Depot, located at 6th and Perkins Street.
The 2021-2022 Leadership Beatrice class is installing bike repair stations and signage at various locations along our trail system with maps to outline key items, such as bathrooms, parks, and emergency services.
Chautauqua Park Improvements
The two tennis courts at Chautauqua Park will be converted to six pickleball courts. Funds were provided by The Thomas Foundation and the Beatrice Plus Program.
New asphalt roads will be milled and overlayed in Chautauqua Park from the front entrances to the Tabernacle area.
Come explore these new and improved areas and explore Beatrice’s many parks and amenities.
Mark Pethoud
Public Properties Director