The City of Beatrice Public Properties is responsible for all City owned public buildings, parks and 7 miles of hiking and biking trails within the City of Beatrice.
The Public Properties department consists of four full time employees and 14-16 part time employees from the months of April through September. Our full time employees are Ron Manes, Terry Brauch and Max Harder.
Several big projects were completed in 2020. The largest project was a bathroom facility added to Sertoma Astro Park near the recently completed splash pad.
Hannibal park had several small projects this season. The tennis courts were resurfaced. The entrance to Hannibal park also received a facelift, with the installation of new landscaping. The landscape material was provided by a private donor. The largest project this season was installing additional lighting to ball fields six and seven. The Hannibal Park continued improvements allowed the tournaments hosted in Beatrice to increase team capacity, which was utilized and needed in the 2020 season.
The City of Beatrice worked with the Civic Garden Club to make improvements at the Nichols Park bandstand in time for the bandstand’s 100th birthday next year. New parking stalls, sidewalks, benches, pedestals, and picnic tables were also installed. This project was made possible with grants from The Toro Foundation and Thomas Foundation.
The Public Properties team is also responsible for 16 additional miles of limestone trail north of Beatrice to Cortland and 2 miles south on the Chief Standing Bear Trail. The additional miles of trail require many duties, including tree trimming, snow removal (on concrete), and bridge repair.
An upcoming project for the 2021 season will include a new bathroom and concrete parking lot located on South 6th Street next to the Chief Standing Bear Trail shelter.
Please see the City of Beatrice website for more information on the city parks, and trails.
Everyone at Public Properties wishes you a happy holiday season.
Mark Pethoud
Public Properties Director