Most people in Nebraska know the story about the Night Of The Twisters: on June 3, 1980, a massive supercell moved over Grand Island and produced seven tornadoes that swallowed up much of the city. More than 200 people were injured, six were killed, and the damage was estimated to be almost $300 million (in 1980 dollars). Yet out of that tragedy, the town rose and quickly rebuilt. Today, you would hardly know that such a horrific event ever took place here...except for one reminder, which the town has turned into a positive for everyone.
Tornado Hill, in Ryder Park, is one of the greatest spots for sledding, snowboarding, and biking in the whole city.
It didn't come across its name by chance. What is now a 40-foot tall hill used to be an eight-foot deep, 200-foot diameter hole in the ground.
After the storms, the city needed somewhere to take all of the debris caused by the tornadoes.
City officials saw the opportunity to create something positive for the community after the disaster, so they started by digging the hole.
Truckload after truckload of debris were dumped into the hole.
Much of the debris was taken first to Fonner Park Race Track and burned; the ashes were then hauled to the dumpsite and piled on top.
Dirt was piled up around the sides of the debris mound to contain it as it grew and grew.
Eventually, the mound was covered over with dirt to create a solid hill. At some point well after it was originally finished, additional dirt was added to the mound to ensure a greater degree of debris cover and a much taller hill. The tall "mountain" stands out among the rest of Grand Island's landscape - and it draws all kinds of adventurers.
Although many of the people who use the hill for recreation are too young to remember the terrible events that made it possible, the city has never forgotten the tragedy. They've healed, rebuilt, and moved on, but they will always remember the night of the twisters and how it changed the landscape of the town - figuratively and literally - forever.
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