By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty gave a report to the Hays school board Monday night about a proposed 1.2-mile multi-use path that would cross USD 489 property.
The path would run from the Hays Recreation Center to the HaysMed walking path.
The city plans to put in a dedicated crosswalk with a flashing light between Hays Rec and HHS, Dougherty said.
An 8-foot sidewalk would cut across part of the grass area at Hays High School.
The path would also run adjacent to the Hays Early Childhood Complex. Although there is already a sidewalk at that location, Dougherty said the city is considering setting back the new path from the street.
The path would be similar to the sidewalk that runs along 41st Street.
"The people of Hays have said they loved that, and it is our goal as we have the money to do that throughout the city," Mayor Shaun Musil said.
The path is in the budget for 2020. Bids on the project would be let in the spring with construction to begin this summer.
"This is the first phase of path installation," Dougherty said. "The city commission has made this a priority moving forward. We have concepted a few areas around the city.
"We would like to invest a little bit each year in multi-use paths and slowly try to grow the system and connect things like schools and recreational opportunities."
The city would be responsible for construction, maintenance and snow removal for the path.
The school district would maintain ownership of the property.
The city is also considering adding lighting in that area of the path, Dougherty said.
Musil said, "As for the students, we definitely want safety first."
School Board President Mike Walker asked if a bench could be added to the path on the high school property. Dougherty said members of the community have donated benches for other paths in the city and that could be a possibility at HHS as well.
"I like it," Walker said. "I like the idea that its tying in, as you mentioned, the medical community, the education community and the recreation — three of the big things of any community.
"I am very supportive of this, and I think we want to be key players and community members and support this plan. I hope when it comes time for a bond that you remember we need help too."
Because the city is not requesting an easement and there will be no cost to the school district, the school board is not required to vote on the project.