SIDNEY, Neb. – Friends, family and community members filled Legion Park on Saturday to dedicate new playground equipment in memory of Case William Schoening, a 5-year-old Sidney boy who passed away in a tragic accident in March 2024.

The dedication on Aug. 9 honored Case, a member of the Sidney High School Class of 2037, with a ceremony led by his aunt, Jaycee Housh. Case’s parents, Bryan and Brooke Schoening, attended with his sister, Zella, and baby sister, Ada, alongside dozens of supporters.

Bryan Schoening expressed gratitude for the outpouring of community support. He says they feel very fortunate to be able to keep Case's memory in the community with new climbing equipment - something Case loved to do. 

"Thanks to everybody who helped made this happen," Bryan said. "Thanks for the community support that has wrapped us up from the very beginning and continues to do so and keep Case's memory going within the community."

Melissa Ross, one of Case’s former teachers, shared memories of his adventurous spirit.

“In Case’s short five years, he filled every moment with laughter, curiosity and unstoppable motion,” Ross said. “Having this new equipment dedicated to Case’s memory is now a place for children to laugh, climb and play with the same joy and fearless adventure that defined his life.”

A plaque installed on the equipment features a photo of Case climbing, along with an inscription celebrating his love of play. The sign was made by Woodland Manufacturing and donated by by Case's grand parents, Dan and Rose Schoening. The frame was donated by Landscape Structures.

"This was right up his alley," Bryan said. "We were always down here. Whether it was right here with the climbing equipment or just on the other side of the fence where he actually has a bench where we went fishing. Just a lot of time spent down here in the park in Sidney. Just a place that he loved and I know a lot of kids love. Excited to be able to get some more equipment for those kids to be down here."

Brooke Schoening said the dedication was especially meaningful.

“We thought the picture on the sign was pretty fitting - him climbing. That’s what he loved to do,” she said.

The family thanked Madi Wilkinson, Ally Benzel and Park Superintendent Chase Frerichs for helping get the project completed. The evening finished with a round of complimentary ice cream from Case's favorite place, Price Cream.