By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Get ready for a splash of color, as paintball may be the next big thrill in Ellis County.
Imagine Ellis County hosted its first Think-Tank Throwdown Thursday in downtown Hays to explore opportunities to improve the county.
Ellis County residents pitched their ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to bring their visions to life. Leigh Purdy earned first place and secured a contract with Imagine Ellis County to carry out her project in memory of a former classmate.
"Hays is famous for disc golf. Let's make it famous for paintball, too," Purdy said.
Purdy proposed the Cody Joseph Younger Memorial Paintball Park. Similar to a skate park, it would be a free, bring-your-own-gear facility to provide local youth and families with safe and exciting outdoor recreation.
Preliminary location ideas for the 0.5 to 1-acre facility included Elizabeth Polly Park and Daniel G. Rupp Memorial Park in Hays. However, Purdy said she is open to placing it in other Ellis County communities.
The youth and activity center would promote teamwork, strategy and physical activity through paintball games like capture the flag, team deathmatch, king of the hill and battle royale.
Purdy said the facility could also offer options for airsoft, laser tag and Nerf guns.
"This would encourage teamwork and strategy," she said.
Purdy detailed the costs and materials in her presentation, saying the project would stay within a $2,500 to $5,000 budget. She hopes to secure donated materials as well.
Materials include plastic culverts, rain barrels, wooden spools, sandbags, tires and concrete barriers.
Purdy said the Hays Park Department could provide maintenance assistance, with volunteers and local service clubs also participating.
Purdy said there is a regional demand for this type of youth entertainment, which has the potential to engage local businesses and boost tourism.
With the nearest paintball park 90 miles away in Assaria, Purdy said there's a regional demand for this type of youth entertainment. She highlighted the potential to generate local business engagement and boost tourism.
"I love the opportunity to honor my late friend and bring something really cool to Ellis County. Thank you for allowing us this opportunity," she said.
Nonprofit activity center
Anthony Hurla proposed a nonprofit recreational facility focusing on a paintball course. The long-term vision is to expand into a full-scale activity center featuring go-karts, laser tag, roller hockey and rock climbing.
Hurla's plan is to start with a low-impact paintball park, which he described as the most cost-effective option for kids and adults, offering an affordable, accessible and alcohol-free environment.
According to James Robben, Grow Hays' director of business development and special projects, Hurla and Purdy will work together due to their similar ideas.
Hurla’s proposal also suggested using profits to support road repairs, building improvements and other needs in Ellis County. He placed second in the competition.
Other ideas presented at the Think-Tank Throwdown included a vending ice machine at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex, an organic greenhouse and affordable tiny homes to help address the housing shortage.
The remaining participants will be connected with community members who can help develop their projects. Grow Hays intern Elizabeth Noble led the Think-Tank Throwdown, which was judged by a panel of three.