Hays local news summary

Youth-Led ‘Bison on the Loose’ Art Project Gets Green Light for Public Spaces

ARC Park Phase 3 Expansion Unanimously Approved

R9 Water Project Moves Forward with Joint Russell Meeting

"Pedal Patrol in the Park" Event Promotes Bike Safety, Provides Free Helmets

CVB Boosts Tourism Efforts with New I-70 Billboards

Youth-Led ‘Bison on the Loose’ Art Project Gets Green Light for Public Spaces

ELLIS COUNTY - The City Commission unanimously approved a proposal from the Heartland Community Foundation’s Youth Action Council to install up to 25 life-sized, artist-painted fiberglass bison statues in public and private locations across Ellis County. The project, titled "Bison on the Loose," is almost entirely funded by over $120,000 in private donations raised by local students. The statues aim to boost tourism and celebrate local heritage. The commission authorized the installation on select city-owned properties, such as parks and the airport, with the city manager overseeing the final terms, locations, and design approvals to ensure public safety and appropriateness.

ARC Park Phase 3 Expansion Unanimously Approved

HAYS - The commission granted The Arc of Central Plains permission to proceed with the third phase of improvements at the popular Hays ARC Park. The privately funded project, estimated to cost between $300,000 and $480,000, will add a dedicated, accessible cornhole area with turf lanes and a new 30-foot hexagonal picnic shelter. While supportive of the project, commissioners and Parks Director Jeff Boyle discussed the long-term maintenance impact, including upkeep of the turf and durability of materials. The Arc has established a maintenance fund to help cover future costs.

R9 Water Project Moves Forward with Joint Russell Meeting

HAYS - City staff reported on the recent joint meeting between the governing bodies of Hays and Russell regarding the R9 Water Project. The meeting served as a key progress update for the long-term initiative to secure a sustainable water source for both communities. Staff from both cities presented on the current status of the project, reinforcing the continued collaboration between the municipalities on the vital infrastructure plan.

"Pedal Patrol in the Park" Event Promotes Bike Safety, Provides Free Helmets

ELLIS COUNTY - In a successful collaboration, the Hays Police Department and Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) hosted the "Pedal Patrol in the Park" bike and scooter safety event. The initiative taught safety skills to young riders and provided a limited number of free bicycle helmets, thanks in part to grants from the Ellis County Legacy Fund and the Heartland Healthy Living Fund. The Ellis County Health Department assisted with properly fitting helmets for children in attendance.

CVB Boosts Tourism Efforts with New I-70 Billboards

HAYS - The Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau is working to attract more travelers with newly rewrapped billboards on Interstate 70. Two billboards, located Russell, now feature updated promotional messaging for Hays as part of the CVB’s ongoing strategy to increase visibility and draw tourism to the community.

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