The community of Hays is in a water watch and we are in an ongoing drought. City Staff is taking this opportunity to look at all of their facilities to see if they can better utilize water practices. City Manager Toby Dougherty told Hays Post, “You may notice the northern third of Aubel-Bickle Park turning brown in the next few weeks. Park crews are preparing the turf for a conversion to buffalo grass.

Aubel-Bickle is the largest irrigated park in Hays. It is irrigated with potable water.

The southern two thirds of the park is a heavier traffic area. High traffic turf is required and is utilized for activities such a football and soccer practices. The fescue will be left in the southern area and will be irrigated. We are tinkering with our irrigation practices to make sure we are only putting down enough water to make sure the fescue stays alive.

The northern third of the park is lighter trafficked and the city staff thought that area would be well suited for buffalo grass, requiring 80% less water than a cool season grass. The northern third of grass is possibly the equivalent 12-15 homes converting to a warmer season grass saving 80% more water while providing a great product for the community.

The grass will take approximately a growing season to become established, some activities might need to be relocated. A year will be required for good coverage Dougherty stated, “The buffalo will be just as green as the fescue and look just as nice.”