Andrew Jackson HIGGINS MEMORIAL Explorecolumbus Andrew Jackson Higgins Memorial West Pawnee Park an Open Beach
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time to... Andrew Jackson HIGGINS MEMORIAL explorecolumbus Andrew Jackson Higgins Memorial West Pawnee Park an open beach. The whole strate- the three wars in which Higgins gy of the war would have been dif- Boats served. Around the boat are ferent.” Higgins Industries pro- sand samples from landing beach- duced 20,094 boats during WW II. es across the globe where Higgins The Higgins Memorial in Boats carried soldiers ashore. Columbus began as a class After 9/11, the Memorial was research project for the Columbus expanded to honor those who lost High School classes taught by their lives on that fateful day and Jerry Meyer. He and his students those who continue the fight became so taken with the story of against terrorism. A large bronze Higgins and the opportunity to eagle sculpted by Fred Hoppe sits honor a native son that a research atop a steel sculpture made from project became a community steel taken from the fallen World memorial. Through numerous Trade Center towers. partnerships with volunteers and The Andrew Jackson Higgins businesses a stunning memorial has been created, honoring Memorial stands as a tribute to a Higgins and all veterans. Columbus native son who changed history...to veterans of all The memorial includes a full-size replica of the famous Higgins eras who have served and sacri- Boat. Running from the boat are ficed...to the ongoing fight against sculptures by internationally the evil of terrorism...and also to renowned artist Fred Hoppe, the power of engaged young peo- depicting a soldier from each of ple to impact their community. Soldiers located at Andrew Higgins Memorial. Andrew Jackson Higgins was President of Higgins Industries in born in Columbus, Nebraska. New Orleans, Higgins rose to Andrew’s father John came to international prominence during Columbus in 1870 to spend a cou- World War II for his design and ple days interviewing famous mass production of “Higgins Indian scout Boats.” Major Frank These craft North. John gave the was so taken “Andrew Higgins…” military the by the town …Eisenhower said… “is ability to that he con- transport the man who won the war vinced his wife men and Annie to give for us.” “…If Higgins had equipment up their dream not designed and built safely to of California those LCVP’s, we never beaches and settle in could have landed over an during Columbus, open beach. The whole amphibious where Andrew landings in was born in strategy of the war would the war. 1886. have been different.” General Dwight Higgin’s expe- Eisenhower rience with the called shallow rivers in the Columbus Higgins “the man who won the area gave him a vision for a shal- war for us...if Higgins had not low-draft boat that changed the designed and built those LCVP’s, course of history. Founder and we never could have landed over World Trade Center Statue located in West Pawnee Park. www.visitcolumbusne.com ◗ 2011 Platte County Visitors Guide ◗ 11 time to... Pawnee Plunge WATER PARK explorecolumbus Pawnee Plunge Water Park 560 - 33rd Avenue (Hwy 30 & 81 South) www.columbusne.us/pawneeplunge/plunge.html 402-562-4269 (Open Mid-May to Mid-August) value for your hard earned entertainment dollar, but whatever relaxing or thrilling atmosphere you’re looking for, look no further than the young at plunge into the 8-foot deep Pawnee Plunge Water Park. If heart and catch basin. you leave here and didn’t get want to You may want to just sit wet, you didn’t experience all take a back in a chaise lounger, relax we have to offer at the chilling and read a good book or just Pawnee Plunge Water Park. plunge observe the down the fun-filled Inner Tube action. There Slide and is a Sand Play land in the Area where The Pawnee Plunge Water Lazy River kids can build for a relaxing float around and Park will guarantee to delight a magical under the slides. both young and old alike. The sandcastle or water park features a full-day Maybe you’re into a slight- use the back- of fun for the entire family - ly more invigorating plunge hoe digger whether you’re a toddler and down the three 360˚ turns of and their the Triple Threat Slide or want imagination to want to spend some time in to take a thrilling ride down dig a hole, and the Splash Pad Area; a young- the Super Speed Slide or per- move the ster and want to make a splash haps you just want to go all sand. on the Interactive Aquadek or out for a exhilarating plummet Columbus’ try your skill at crossing over down the darkened tube and outdoor family the Alligator Alley or experi- a couple of spins around the water park ence the many other water Splash Bowl before you offers terrific play toys or perhaps you are 12 ◗ 2011 Platte County Visitors Guide ◗ www.visitcolumbusne.com time to... explorecolumbus RECREATION courts, fishing, horseshoe pits, tennis courts, 2,000 seat stadium with a lighted football field, an eight-lane all weather running track, one large picnic shelter for seating 850 people, and one small shelter seating 250. This park is also the home of American Legion and high school baseball programs. Added in 2006 is the Pawnee Plunge Water Park. Added in 2010 a 9-hole disc golf course. GERRARD PARK 27th Street and 45th Avenue This 28-acre park features a six diamond softball complex with lights on three of the fields for late evening or night play, three tennis courts, playground and shelter area along with two rest rooms and concession stands. CENTENNIAL PARK 5th Street and 8th Avenue This 20-acre park located in southeast Columbus features three dia- monds for baseball, softball, with lights, used for youth leagues, two tennis courts, playground area, outdoor archery range, handball court, horseshoe courts, rest rooms and concession stand. BRADSHAW PARK SOFTBALL COMPLEX 15th Street and 48th Avenue This 18-acre softball/football complex features four softball/baseball CITY OF COLUMBUS PARKS diamonds (four with lights), two football fields (one regulation and www.columbusne.us/parks/index.htm one eight-man). Youth and high school softball and midget football PAWNEE PARK leagues are scheduled here. South Highways 81 and 30 WILDERNESS PARK SOCCER COMPLEX This park, known as “The Picnic Capital of Nebraska,” encompasses 41st Street and 18th Avenue almost 153 acres adjoining the Loup River and Van Berg Golf Course. This 42-acre park boasts a ten-field regulation size soccer complex It offers a living tree museum, rose garden, 1904 Union pacific steam along with rest rooms, concession stand, shelter and bleachers. locomotive, bell tower, Andrew Jackson Higgins Memorial, a American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), club and high school skate/bike facility designed for skateboards, in-line skates, and BMX soccer are played here. freestyle bikes, family recreation playground areas, sand volleyball Free Hot Breakfast Free Business Center Meeting Rooms for up to 35 Fitness Center Indoor Pool Clean Rooms Flat Screen TVs Refrigerators & Microwaves in All Rooms Whirlpool Tub Suites 303 23rd St. Columbus, NE 402-562-5200 www.visitcolumbusne.com ◗ 2011 Platte County Visitors Guide ◗ 13 time to... explorecolumbus RECREATION To make inquiries, contact: ing, restrooms and a picnic spot with outstanding scenic and Randy Sedlacek, Park Supervisor wooded beauty. The water has a very strong current here so Columbus City Offices . .402-564-8584 swimming is not recommended. PO Box 1677 • 2424 14th Street, Columbus, NE 68602-1677 For picnic shelter reservations, call City Clerk’s Office . .402-562-4225 LOUP RIVER AND PLATTE RIVER Both rivers, located south of Columbus, offer fishing and AIRPORT PARK . .Bill Babka Drive & 18th Avenue canoeing. AIR VISTA PARK . .27th Street & 7th Avenue BERNE SQUARE PARK . .6th Street & 26th Avenue BUFFALO SQUARE PARK . .6th Street & 15th Avenue CLIMATE FOUNTAIN SQUARE PARK . .13th Street & 39th Avenue Platte County enjoys the four distinct seasons - spring, FRANKFORT SQUARE PARK . .13th Street & 26th Avenue summer, fall and winter. GLUR PARK . .28th Street & 26th Avenue GRUENTHER PARK . .Gruenther Park Drive & Adamy Street AVERAGE DAILY TEMPERATURES HANOVER PARK . .14th Street & 16th Avenue MIN. MEAN MAX. You will also find 15 unsupervised playgrounds with swings, slides, merry-go-rounds, January . .10.5 21.1 30.6 teeter-totters, jungle gyms, and small rocking horses. April . .38.9 51.0 62.9 LOUP POWER DISTRICT PARKS July . .65.4 76.8 88.7 www.loup.com/recreate.asp October . .40.4 52.9 64.7 To make inquiries about LPPD Parks . .402-564-3171 Average annual precipitation . .28.33 inches Average growing season . .166 days long LAKE NORTH PARK A popular spot ideal for boating, water skiing, jet skiing, fish- ELEVATION: Columbus is 1,447 feet above sea level. ing, camping, swimming and has picnic shelters. Located COMMUNITY PROFILE four miles north of Columbus, this 200-acre recreation area www.sites.nppd.com includes two boat ramps with two miles of beaches and the Two Lakes Trail trailhead, a 2.5 mile concrete hike/bike path that connects to miles of natural surfaced rails along the canal system. Lake North is a summer favorite. LOUP PARK / LAKE BABCOCK Four miles north of Columbus, this well developed, 40-acre Columbus United wooded area includes camping, shelter, picnic areas, play- ground areas, and restrooms as well as outstanding wildlife Federal Credit Union habitat. The Bob Lake Trail, which connects to miles of natu- ral and concrete surface hike/bike trails, skirts Lake Babcock. Banking WithYou POWERHOUSE PARK A four-acre park located 3 miles north of Highway 30 on 3rd Avenue adjacent to the Columbus Powerhouse features fish- VISIT OUR BLOG AT BankingWithYou.com TO LEARN MORE.