By BECKY KISER
Hay Post
A collaborative construction project between the students in the Fort Hays State University applied technology classes and the city of Hays began recently and will resume in the spring.
A permanent outdoor story time space and performance stage for children is being built in Seven Hills Optimist Park, 33rd and Hillcrest.
The project is the brainchild of the Leadership Hays Class of 2021 in collaboration with the Hays Public Library, city of Hays, Hays Chamber and FHSU.
It will be completed during the spring semester, Asstistant City Manager Collin Bielser recently reported to the city commission.
The area is next to the ARC Park, where city parks department employees are installing playground donor recognition plaques.
The parks department has also been busy transplanting more than 100 trees from the city tree nursery to Kiwanis Park, Glassman Park, Speier baseball and softball complexes, the Bickle/Schmidt Sports Complex, and along the new eastside multi-use path.
Bielser also said work continues on the south Vine Street reconstruction between 13th Street and the U.S. Highway 183 bypass/city limits intersection.
"The main lane or driving lane of pavement has all been completed," Bielser said. "However, there is still some intersection work at 12th Street, curb and sidewalk replacement remaining.
Temporary pavement markings will be installed for the winter before warmer weather in the spring will allow permanent markings to be installed.
The contractor for the Kansas Department of Transportation project, Smoky Hill Construction of Salina, missed the substantial completion date in late October because of a manpower shortage.
"They are in liquidated damages, as you know," Bielser reminded commissioners.
"KDOT is not allowing a winter shutdown on this project."
For more project reports from city departments, click on the video below.