The main entrance to Hays city hall will be closed for awhile Friday as work progresses on a test plot of drought-resistant landscaping plants.

Assistant City Manager Paul Briseno says the city hall drive-up window will remain open for bill-paying.  A secondary entrance will also be open to those needing inside the building.

Workers have already begun removing concrete in front of city hall, running east to Main Street.

“The concrete in front of city hall has been deteriorating, so we’re taking it out as part of a project to put in a new garden,”  says Briseno.  “The existing greenery will be torn out as well as the grass and replaced with xeriscaping–plants and grass that use less water.”

Another test plot is in progress at 21st Street and Pershing Court.

The landscaping projects are being done by city employees.

The city of Hays is embarking on a water-efficiency program which is designed to show residents how to do their own water-wise landscaping.