By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Hays city commissioner Mason Ruder called himself a "former band nerd" as he declared his support of a proposal by the Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC) to build a permanent performance stage in Municipal Park on south Main Street.
Sara Bloom, DHDC executive director, presented the idea during Thursday's city commission work session.
"We're very, very early in the planning process for this project," Bloom said. "We're coming before you asking permission to pursue such a project."
Bloom said the idea is a "second phase" of the Downtown Pavilion Project which went unnoticed until she was filing paperwork after the pavilion was built.
DHDC asked the Wild West Festival committee if they would utilize a permanent stage for their July 4th holiday event and if they thought the community would also utilize it.
"At that time, their feeling was yes, that the community would absolutely utilize it and so would the Wild West Fest.
"However, they were in a very long contract with their current stage provider and they were not ready to move forward with the project."
Last year, Wild West Festival approached DHDC as their contract - more than $40,000 a year for the concert stage and lighting - was nearing its end.
A task force was formed for the project proposal with representatives from DHDC, Commercial Builders, Fort Hays State University, City of Hays, Wild West Festival, Oktoberfest and Rockalooa music festival, many of whom were in the commission chambers.
The task force wants the structure to be versatile, so it can be used as the venue for large events such as the Wild West Festival concerts, as well as performances by smaller groups, including Rockalooa, Hays Community Theatre, Hays Symphony Orchestra, and others.
"The integration of arts and culture in the community spark economic growth," which is a benefit to the city, Bloom said. "They also enhance the overall quality of life."
Municipal Park has previously been home to a band shell. It was torn down in 1983 because of deterioration.
Mayor Sandy Jacobs remembered when she was a high school musician playing in city band concerts in the band shell. It was located at the back of the park.
"I'd like to see a band shell back there just because it would take my heart," she said with a smile.
Bloom said the task force has considered a band shell but discovered they require more maintenance than steel and limestone structures.
She encouraged the commissioners to check the Facebook group "You know you're from Hays, Kansas if..." which she said has posted a picture of the former band shell "in all its glory."
"The comments are really heartwarming from people in our community who used to play in it or would like to see a structure brought back to Municipal Park."
"I see nothing wrong with pursuing this," Commissioner Ron Mellick said to Bloom, "and to come back with input from everyone who could possibly use it."
Mellick asked Jeff Boyle, director of parks, if the grass in Municipal Park could withstand more events and attendees.
"Wild West Fest has very large concerts down there now and it takes a beating," Boyle answered. "Oktoberfest beats it down pretty good."
Boyle said there might be a future need to consider changing the park grass to a different type, such as fescue. It's more durable but also requires more watering.
Construction of a stage would follow the same model used in the building of the pavilion.
Construction and design students from Fort Hays State University and NCK Technical College would work alongside a private contractor to ensure a quality finished product. The stage would then be turned over to the city.
Bloom hoped to come back to the city commission within six to twelve months with stage designs and cost figures, keeping the city in mind during planning.
Collin Bielser, assistant city manager, Jeff Boyle, parks director, and Curtis Deines, planning, inspection and enforcement superintendent, are task force members.
"You have the same promise that we made with the pavilion, that we will not break ground until 100 percent of the funds have been fundraised," Bloom said.
Grants will also be sought.
"Currently, there are actually a huge number of available grants thanks to the COVID pandemic because we see the need now to have more outdoor opportunities for events."
Bloom wondered if some of the many events canceled in Hays last year because of COVID might have been held if an outdoor venue had been available.
"The arts are a huge part of who I am as a person," Ruder said, "and I know it's a huge part of what a lot of Hays is.
"These kinds of events bring in people from all over western Kansas to our beautiful downtown...
"I think something like this could be a huge draw for us," Ruder added, "and I think we should see what kind of plans and designs we can work on together."