A New Chapter for Tawawa Park: Dickas Pavilion Enhances Scenic Pointner Knoll

Tawawa Park, often referred to as the “Gem of the City,” just got a little brighter.

Thanks to a generous $15,000 grant, the City of Sidney Parks and Recreation Department completed a much-needed shelter replacement project on Pointner Knoll—an iconic overlook with views of Amos Lake and the beautifully restored Zenas King Bridge. The newly constructed Dickas Pavilion replaces one of the oldest and most weathered structures in the park and is now poised to become a beloved gathering space for the entire community.

Honoring a Legacy

The pavilion was made possible in part through the generosity of Dr. Albert Dickas, who previously donated the Binkley Pavilion to the park in 2022. Inspired to continue honoring his family’s legacy and their love of the community, Dr. Dickas approached city staff about funding a second pavilion—this time in memory of his parents, Lionel and Helen Dickas.

The Pointner Knoll location was chosen for its scenic vistas and its potential to become a sought-after venue for weddings, reunions, club meetings, and other community events. With its serene views and close proximity to other park landmarks, Dickas Pavilion brings new life to this corner of Tawawa Park.

Why This Project Matters

While Tawawa Park already boasts 14 reservable shelters, the previous wooden structure at Pointner Knoll was aging and underutilized. This new, modern pavilion is designed to draw more people to the area, just as other newer shelters like the Rotary Shelter on Bertsch Hill and Binkley Pavilion in Aschebach Grove have done in recent years.

The Dickas Pavilion is free to reserve, like all shelters within the park, and is accessible to everyone in Sidney and beyond. In fact, with over 250,000 visits to Tawawa Park in 2022 alone, the demand for well-maintained, welcoming outdoor spaces is higher than ever.

This project also aligns with our city’s mission to serve all residents—regardless of age, ability, or income level—with high-quality, no-cost recreational opportunities. From soccer games and fishing derbies to science programs and bird-watching, our parks are spaces for community connection and lifelong memories.

Our Commitment to Free, Accessible Recreation

The City of Sidney has a long-standing tradition of offering all parks programs and facilities free of charge. That includes:

  • 14 shelters in Tawawa Park, available to reserve at no cost
  • Summer recreation programs, with thousands of free lunches served at 12 sites
  • Free sports field access for baseball, soccer, pickleball, and more
  • Dozens of free clinics like fishing derbies, COSI science shows, and Stories in the Park
  • 450+ acres of parkland and 16 miles of trails

This commitment is made possible by our City Council, Recreation Board, and, most importantly, by you—the citizens and taxpayers of Sidney. Your support, feedback, and shared pride in our parks system are what allow us to grow and continue enhancing recreational opportunities for all.

What’s Next?

With the addition of Dickas Pavilion, Pointner Knoll is ready to shine again—as a quiet getaway, a scenic wedding spot, or simply a beautiful place to pause and enjoy the view.

We invite you to visit, explore, and celebrate all that Tawawa Park offers. Whether you’re planning a picnic or just taking a walk under the trees, there’s something for everyone—and it’s all yours to enjoy.

Thank you to everyone who made this project possible, and to all who continue to help our parks thrive. Have a story to share or ideas for future park improvements? We’d love to hear from you.