Summer in the Star City
Many of my favorite memories from summertimes past involve family gatherings at Pioneers Park. On many a Sunday afternoon, family from Lincoln, Omaha, and Grand Island would gather for a picnic lunch, followed by an afternoon of softball, frisbee golf, or just playing in the playground. Sometimes my parents would let me buy a treat from the concession stand—a can of pop, a candy bar, or maybe a frozen malt. The park used to be quite busy on Sunday afternoons, and we would often have to scramble to find a picnic area big enough for all of us.
And then there was Babe Ruth baseball. I rode my bike five miles to every morning practice. Once I stopped to feed wild berries to a fox near Beal Slough. Another time I got the crap beat out of me by hail until I was able to take shelter in a fire station. And on yet another trip to practice something fell from a tree, hit me in the eye, and lodged itself under my eyelid. Now that I think about it, I remember far more about the bike rides to and from practice than I do about practice itself, or even the games.
I suspect many of Robbie’s early summertime memories will be from the playground at Antelope Park. We spend a fair amount of time there, and why not? It’s an awesome playground. Southpointe’s Friday night music series will probably also be up there in his memory bank. Heck, that’s where he stole his first kiss.
What are some of your favorite summertime memories in Lincoln?
The Comments
West A Dad says Memories....Little Chiefs BaseballYMCA Swim LessonsWorking May 21, 2008 at 8:48am
Memories....
Little Chiefs Baseball
YMCA Swim Lessons
Working the Nebraska Football Schools
Bethany Park
Dairy Queen on 66th Street
Taking the bus downtown for movies/food
Riding bikes to 56th & “O” for matinées
Cruising “O” Street
Cheap Trick at Pinewood Bowl!!!
Gene says Cruising “O” StreetTaking the bus May 21, 2008 at 1:00pm
Cruising “O” Street
Taking the bus downtown to buy records
Summer matinées
Grilling outside
Riding my bike all over
More recently:
Independence Day with my wife’s family
Playing music in hot bars
West A Dad says Ahh, Dirt Cheap Records... May 21, 2008 at 2:41pm
and Pickles on 9th street.
Thanks Gene, reminded me of all the money I blew at those two stores.
Sarah says Memories... May 21, 2008 at 4:53pm
-Swimming at Irving or Kulkin Park pool (I think people called it Muney pool back then?)
-Playing at Lake Street park and Bum City
-Riding bikes or the bus downtown to buy cassette tapes (I must be a little younger than you guys-- heehee), see movies, shop at the Centrum…
-Drive-in movies at Star View
-Mini golf at Cool Crest
-Big family picnics at Antelope park
I hope Robbie is as happy growing up in Lincoln as I was.
West A Dad says "I hope Robbie is as May 21, 2008 at 8:21pm
“I hope Robbie is as happy growing up in Lincoln as I was.”
Ditto!