Hays, Kansas, is preparing for two significant community projects: a public art installation featuring life-size bison sculptures and the third phase of the ARC Park development. Both initiatives aim to enhance local appeal, attract visitors, and provide new recreational opportunities for residents and tourists alike. The 'Bison on the Loose' art project, led by high school students, will place at least 25 uniquely painted fiberglass bison across Hays, Ellis, and Victoria, while the ARC Park expansion will add new amenities for community use.
Key Takeaways
- 'Bison on the Loose' public art project will feature 25+ decorated bison sculptures.
- The project aims to boost tourism and highlight Ellis County's heritage.
- ARC Park Phase 3 includes two shelter houses, a gazebo, and cornhole courts.
- Both projects are funded through community efforts and private donations.
- The art project will launch in Spring 2025, with park construction to follow.
Bison on the Loose: A Public Art Initiative
The 'Bison on the Loose' project is a public art endeavor spearheaded by the Heartland Community Foundation Youth Action Council. This initiative seeks to celebrate the rich history and cultural heritage of Ellis County. At least 25 life-size fiberglass bison sculptures will be strategically placed on both public and private properties throughout Hays, Ellis, and Victoria.
Savannah Clingan, a Hays High School senior involved in the project, stated, "Our goal is to attract tourists and residents to places of interest." These sculptures will be painted by local and student artists, featuring diverse and colorful designs. The project leaders envision these artistic bison as landmarks, guiding visitors to various attractions within the communities.
Project Fact
The 'Bison on the Loose' project has secured $120,000 towards its $125,000 goal, primarily through private donations and grants. Each statue, including its placement, costs $5,000.
Student Leadership and Community Engagement
Hays High School seniors Savannah Clingan, Mariella Dreiling, and Oaklye Wichers presented the proposal to the Hays City Commission. They requested permission to install the statues in key public areas. The city of Ellis has already approved the project. Requested locations include Municipal Park, Frontier Park, Sunrise Park, Hays Regional Airport, the Downtown Pavilion, and the Hays Public Library.
Oaklye Wichers highlighted the project's interactive component. "It generates family-friendly experiences," Wichers said. The students are developing an interactive mobile application. This app will encourage users to visit each bison sculpture, take pictures, and participate in a scavenger hunt-style activity. This digital element aims to enhance engagement and extend the visitor experience.
Honoring Local History and Heritage
The choice of bison as the central motif is deeply rooted in local history. Wichers explained that 2026 will mark 110 years since James “Scotty” Philips introduced Hays’ first bison herd in 1916. This project directly honors the city's historic herd and its frontier heritage.
The artistic themes for the bison sculptures are diverse, reflecting various aspects of local culture and history. These themes include the Volga Germans, the railroad's impact, the Wild West frontier, Big Creek, Fort Hays State University, native tribes, Oktoberfest, historic Fort Hays, the oil and agriculture industries, local fossils, sunflowers, HaysMed, veterans, downtown Hays, local roundabouts, water conservation, and bike trails. This wide range ensures broad appeal and educational value.
"The project really encourages collaboration between teens, local artists, Hays, TMP-Marian, Ellis and Victoria high schools, and businesses so we can all celebrate our shared heritage and culture," Mariella Dreiling stated. "Making it a more fun and inviting place to be in."
Creative Process and Oversight
All bison designs will undergo a submission and jury process for approval. Project guidelines strictly prohibit offensive imagery, words, or business logos. The painting of the sculptures will take place at the Microfactory, under the guidance of Amy Schmierbach, an art professor at Fort Hays State University. The statues are expected to have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
ARC Park Phase 3: Expanding Community Recreation
In addition to the public art project, the Hays City Commission also approved the construction of Phase 3 of the ARC Park. Located at 3300 Hillcrest, this expansion will add significant new amenities to the park. Sarah Meitner, board president of the Arc of Central Plains, presented the detailed plans for this phase.
The proposed additions include two new shelter houses and a gazebo-style picnic pavilion. A nearby flower garden will complement these structures, enhancing the park's aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, the plans incorporate two permanent cornhole courts, offering a total of 10 lanes, complete with shaded dugouts. These new features are designed to provide more comfortable and versatile spaces for community gatherings and activities.
Funding and Construction Details
The Arc of Central Plains has successfully raised $500,000 to fund the construction of Phase 3. The project will be put out to bid, inviting local contractors to participate. Jeff Boyle, the Parks Director, will oversee the construction process. His involvement aims to ensure the project meets high standards of quality and durability.
"We want to go with the most maintenance-free we can," Boyle commented. This focus on low maintenance ensures the new facilities will remain functional and attractive for years with minimal upkeep, benefiting the community over the long term. The expansion of ARC Park underscores Hays' commitment to providing accessible and enjoyable public spaces for all its residents.
Park Features
- Two new shelter houses
- One gazebo-style picnic pavilion
- A flower garden
- Two permanent cornhole courts with 10 lanes
- Shaded dugouts for cornhole players
Both the 'Bison on the Loose' art project and the ARC Park Phase 3 expansion represent significant investments in Hays' community infrastructure and cultural offerings. These initiatives are expected to foster local pride, attract economic activity through tourism, and provide enhanced recreational opportunities for families and individuals in Ellis County.