HASTINGS, Neb. – A Hastings service organization is looking to raise six figures of donations to provide area skaters with an upgraded facility in the near future.

The Hastings Kiwanis club has launched a fundraiser that aims to collect $200,000 to be put towards the remodeling the city's lone skatepark on W 3rd St. 

The current park was built in 2003, and features several ramps, pipes, and rails that are showing visible signs of wearing down. 

Hastings Kiwanis member Kathy Schultz is one of many that was involved in hearing the need for the renovations from local skaters. 

"We had a member who looked around and said our parks have a lot of playground equipment for young children, but we need something for older kids, teens, tweens, and even adults that could take advantage of." said Hastings Kiwanis member Kathy Schultz.

The skatepark is located right next door to the Hastings Parks and Recreation office.

Their staff have engaged with those skaters and the public to get feedback on potential new additions to the park.

"What we learned in our initial conversations with skaters is Hastings' current skatepark is getting passed over by other out of town skaters," said Hastings Parks and Rec Director Jeff Hassenstab.
"We want to attract those people to Hastings, so we are going to look into putting in a bowl feature, which is unique to Nebraska. We're going to look at different features that would attract people to come to Hastings."

According to Hassenstab, the current budget for the skatepark renovations is $500,000. The city would cover the remaining $300,000 cost once Hastings Kiwanis completes their fundraiser, which is expected to last approximately two years. 

Hastings Kiwanis has also pledged to commit $50,000 to the project over the next two years.

"It's really fun to see the money going to something local," said Schultz. "We had a couple of other projects in past years that were more of an international project with the Kiwanis National organization, but I like seeing the money stay here with our community."

As of now, the Parks and Rec Department has formed a committee tasked with gathering feedback for the design, and hopes to have a clearer picture of the future of the skatepark in late summer or early fall.