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Hastings has plenty of parks around town. Some of them are really big and well-known—and there are some I bet you haven’t even heard of before. But I know there’s one park that everyone in Hastings knows about and loves. It’s Brickyard. If you don’t know about Brickyard Park and you live in Hastings, I’m going to ask what hole you’ve been living in!

Brickyard has something fun to do for anyone of any age. The Cottonwood Festival is one of the most notable annual events. There’s something for every generation. I attended for the first time since I could remember last summer. I was tempted to stop at every booth and buy something at all of the art booths. There were so many neat things. While I was a bit put off by the prices at some booths, I guess hand-crafted pieces of art and jewelry come at a price.

There was also some pretty good music and food there. When was the last time that you could sit down and listen to a nice jazz band or hear Charlie Daniels saw away on his fiddle while you eat ice cream? Brickyard is one of the most popular venues for concerts, not just during Cottonwood, but throughout the summer and fall.

For a number of years, Fourth of July brings a band called the Rumbles to Brickyard Park. While they are fun to listen to, the real show of that night is the fireworks after dark. Personally, one of my favorite holidays is the Fourth of July. The annual fireworks show at Brickyard Park is something that I always look forward to. And this is one of those things that anyone of any age would like. (Unless you don’t like fireworks. Then I would advise you to stay at home and celebrate your own way.) But it might be worth coming out to hear some music from the Rumbles, or simply come out and just relax and have a good time with all of your friends. But for me, sitting back on the big hill and watching everything with my group of friends around me is a real treat.

What Brickyard Park is probably most notable for is that giant hill. It provides much entertainment for younger kids. And teenagers, too. If you haven’t rolled down that hill yet, I advise you to go and do it (after the snow all melts—or in the snow!) It really is quite an experience. But just because it’s snowy out doesn’t mean there isn’t fun to be had on the hills of Brickyard. Sledding in Brickyard is a very popular thing to do when the snow falls. Either sledding with a group of friends or going out and spending some time with your family, sledding is a lot of fun.

Brickyard Park is simply an interesting place. I find it fun to go out there some summer nights with a friend or two and just lie down on the hill on a blanket and just stare up into the starry sky. Everything is clearer out there than in town (for all of you aspiring astronomers reading this.)

Brickyard also has a nice set up to play games with your friends. Like tag if you’re younger. I’ve played laser tag out there. The trail behind Brickyard and the playground equipment make for a fun setup. The trail is also a popular trail for cross-country runners.

All in all, I think Brickyard Park is one of Hastings’s best features. It has provided me countless hours of fun and many great memories during this summer. I recommend to anyone to take a walk around Brickyard Park sometime. It really is one of Hastings’ great places.

About the author: Joey Fox

Joey Fox is a lifelong Hastings resident. A junior at Hastings Senior High School, he loves to read, play his trumpet in the Hastings Tiger Marching Band, hang out with his friends, and just generally have a good time! Joey also enjoys volunteering at Hastings Museum and doing community service in organizations such as the Mayors Youth Council and Youth Leadership. You can almost always find him out and about doing things, whether it’s with his friends, in a school activity, or working to keep Hastings an enjoyable place!