Jan 22, 2020

🎥 Donated train sculpture to be installed at downtown pavilion

Posted Jan 22, 2020 10:21 PM
A depiction of improvements to be made to the  pavilion in downtown Hays.
A depiction of improvements to be made to the  pavilion in downtown Hays.

The Downtown Hays Development Corporation has plans for improvements to the pavilion site in Union Pacific Park at 10th and Main that includes installation of public art.

Executive Director Sara Bloom told Hays city commissioners Thursday a limestone train sculpture by local artist Pete Felten has been donated by owner John Bird. 

John Bird with his limestone train sculpture by Hays artist Pete Felten in Felten's workshop. Bird has donated the artwork to DHDC. It will be installed in the downtown pavilion in Union Pacific Park. (Courtesy photo)
John Bird with his limestone train sculpture by Hays artist Pete Felten in Felten's workshop. Bird has donated the artwork to DHDC. It will be installed in the downtown pavilion in Union Pacific Park. (Courtesy photo)

"That pavilion is based off the depot. It's right next to the railroad. It'd be really great to incorporate that somehow, " Bloom said.  "And since we were already talking about improving the other side, it was just a perfect fit. DHDC is still paying that lease as agreed upon on that land and we want to continue you to invest in it and make that a great location for downtown and our community."

Other improvements to the pavilion include adding crushed concrete and gravel fill to the west parking lot as well as improving the retaining walls. The work will be done by Commercial Builders, Hays.

The city agreed to pay for a little less than half of the $12,420.20 project. A $500 donation has already been secured from the Thunder on the Plains car show.