BEATRICE – Local residents Thursday celebrated a private-public partnership project that revived a long cherished part of a city park.


The waterfall at Chautauqua Park, complete with stone work and landscaping, operates again after several years of inactivity. The Friends of the Falls organization partnered with the City of Beatrice and Councilman Ted Fairbanks on the over $100,000 renovation project. Mayor Bob Morgan and Public Properties Director Mark Pethoud talked about the combination of efforts that revived the feature in the south part of Chautauqua. Assistance was given by Exmark Manufacturing employees and Envision Landscapes, among others.


The renovation work was undertaken by Royce Koehler of Sticks and Stones Hardscapes. Private donations and involvement by the Gage County Foundation played a big role in the renovation.


Volunteer Sherry Fletcher said the falls had its origin in 1936….and the renovated waterfall was turned on in September of 2023. Volunteer Margaret Haith thanked Shelena Maguire who got the private fundraising underway.


The Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce ambassadors conducting the ribbon-cutting for the falls. The beautification feature uses recirculated fresh water to maintain a steady flow across a series of stones to a small pool below….surrounded by landscaping.