Banding together to rebuild city park

BEATRICE – A private-public partnership that helped upgrade a city park was highlighted, Monday night.
The Beatrice Sertoma Club presented a check to the mayor and city council totaling $85,000….funds donated toward an upgrade of playground equipment at Sertoma-Astro Park.

Greg Leech of the Beatrice Sertoma Club said the individual and business donations combined with grants and foundation support to help build the project.

"When we all work together, good things happen. We hope we can do more things with you, maybe, at Sertoma-Astro Park...as the years go on."

Leech said it all adds up to a great neighborhood feature.

"I live a block from there, and you go by there and it's just amazing how busy it is, now. And, the city worked with us on the splash pad, and it's amazing also. Put the two together.....it's great."

Organization member John Dageford said a visit around the holidays by his grandchildren from Oklahoma, provided a glimpse of what a great addition the park is…for the community.

"We ran into some other folks there....had their grandkids there from Kansas City and a couple from Iowa...and they all really elaborated on how nice the park was...and the playground equipment...especially the part of it that was kind of emphasized for the little toddlers."

Mayor Bob Morgan described it as a great partnership to accomplish the upgrade. Sertoma-Astro Park is located at 19th and Jackson Streets….next to the city’s largest water tower.