LODGEPOLE, NE – The Village of Lodgepole has been humming with energy, cooperation, and community pride in recent weeks. Whether through the hum of a mower, the clink of a historical marker being installed, or the soft hoofbeats of a Pony Express horse, signs of progress and heritage have been all around.
One of the biggest undertakings this summer has been the community-led restoration of Kastens Park and the ball field on the east side of town. Spearheaded by the Lodgepole Community Improvement Board (LCIB), residents rolled up their sleeves to revive this treasured local space.
Volunteers spent a Saturday morning clearing out and scrubbing down the concession stand. Maintenance Superintendent Steve Bell repaired a water leak and the overhead roll door. A refurbished freezer was added, the drink cooler was deep-cleaned, and the entire building was swept and power-washed.
Beth Marr hand-crafted and painted a brand-new “Concessions” sign, along with outfield distance markers. Jeff Parsons, Steve Bell, and Preston Richards tackled the mowing, trimming, and watering, and also repaired the backstop and fence, dragged the infield, and repainted foul lines.