Recent rains postpone Arbor Day tree plantings in Kiwanis Park

Standing rainwater Thursday in Kiwanis Park postponed Arbor Day tree plantings until next week.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The crowd let out a collective groan at Thursday’s Arbor Day observance in the Hays Kiwanis Park, especially the Wilson School second graders, when they found out there would be no tree planting that day.

Although they were disappointed, it was for what might be the best reason possible–rainwater still pooled from last week’s spring storms.

“Fortunately, it rained really good this last weekend,” said Jeff Boyle, director of parks. “Unfortunately, it’s really muddy where we want to plant the trees. The first part of next week the city Parks Department crew will come out here and plant these trees.”

Three Accolade Elms will be planted behind the new restroom facility. A nearby tree that is dying will also be removed, according to department employees. The trees, still in plastic tubs, were placed in view of the students just outside the shelter where the Arbor Day ceremony was held.

Boyle credited the Hays Kiwanis Club for helping the city create the park at 17th and Harvest Road in the 1990s.

“All the trees you see in this park were planted several years ago, most of the in the early 1990s. That’s when the Kiwanis Club came to the city and said ‘we’d like to build a park out there and make it right.’ Look what we have now,” Boyle said with a sweep of his arm pointing to the park’s many features.

“So by planting these new trees we’re adding to the future of this park and for future generations to have nice park areas.”

New playground equipment at the Kiwanis Park

Last year the Hays Kiwanis Club contributed $40,000 for the new restroom and new play unit. Club member Michael Drees told the crowd “more is coming.”

“This was just phase one,” Drees said, as he thanked Boyle for guiding the club through what was needed and the type of playground equipment to purchase. “Hopefully, you kids will have more equipment here soon.”

(L to R) Taylor Tutak, Makayla Ward, Brett Stieben, Brenda Slaughter

The highlight of the event, other than playing on the equipment and eating picnic lunches in the shelter, was recognition of the Smokey Bear Poster Contest winners by Prairie Garden Club. member Brenda Slaughter.

First Place–Taylor Tutak
Second Place–Brett Stieben
Third Place–Makayla Ward

All three winners are second grade students at Wilson Elementary School. Their posters will be displayed at Tri-Central Office Supply, 1101 Main, next Friday, April 29, as part of the Hays Arts Council Spring Gallery Art Walk.