BEATRICE – A plan to install a new playground at Sertoma-Astro Park in northeast Beatrice is getting a revenue boost.


The Gage County board has approved a $20,000 grant from county lodging tax funds, requested by the Beatrice Sertoma Club. It will help aid a $170,000 project for which the Sertoma Club is attempting to raise $85,000…with a similar amount matched by the City of Beatrice.


Greg Leech is with Sertoma Club…which took on the project at the park created in 1972.  "In 1988, the playground equipment was put in. Five years ago, we put a splashpad in conjunction with the City of Beatrice and also many contributions from the community, and it's been a tremendous success. It's packed all the time. We also have a covered picnic area and bathrooms. And, almost everybody that goes to Hannibal Park has to go by that area. And, in my opinion, Hannibal Park is one of the biggest draws for tourism in Gage County."


The project would install an A-D-A compliant playground area at Sertoma-Astro Park, which the city would continue to maintain. Leech says the park is used by local citizens but also those who don’t live in the community.


Gage County Tourism Director Dakota Hurley said a tourism advisory committee recommended approval of the lodging tax grant.  "We are losing in Beatrice, specifically, a lot of playground space with our community schools closing...a lot of those playgrounds are being taken out. Also, the splashpad is a huge hit in the summer when families are here. Especially softball tournaments....it's super close to Hannibal Park. When its hot, you can take your kiddos right down the street to the splashpad and enjoy that."


County Lodging tax revenue helps fund visitor attraction improvements and provides marketing support for local tourist attractions.