Fun, Safe, and Inclusive play for all ages!
Phase 1: Accessible Playground
COMPLETED!
Opened in September 2021, the Hays ARC Park has quickly become a beloved community space, offering 15,000 square feet of accessible play. With multi-generational equipment, sensory features, inclusive swings, and more, children of all abilities can safely enjoy the fenced, oil-and-ag-themed area. In 2023, lights and security cameras were added to enhance safety. Funded by foundation grants and generous donations, ARC Park is located on 33rd Street, between Hillcrest and Canal, in Hays.
Phase 2: Splash Pad
COMPLETED!
Adjacent to the ARC Playground, the ARC Park Splash Pad officially opened in May 2022, offering safe, inclusive water play for up to 100 users. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., mid-May through early October, it features recirculated water to conserve resources. The fenced area includes a bathroom with adult-sized changing tables, ensuring accessibility for all ages and abilities.
Phase 3: Even More Accessible Recreation
Up next—Phase 3 brings even more accessible recreation to ARC Park! Plans include 10 dedicated cornhole lanes with shaded seating, a Quantis play structure, two interactive Pulse Tennis courts, a sensory wall with a vibrant mural, and a new picnic pavilion to host events and gatherings. With your support, we aim to make Phase 3 a reality in 2024! Consider making a donation today to help expand this inclusive community space.
About the Arc Park!
The Accessible Recreation Complex (ARC Park) in Hays offers a safe, inclusive environment for individuals of all ages and abilities to enjoy boundless play. The complex features a fully accessible playground, a recirculated splash pad, and soon, additional recreation with Phase 3. ARC Park fosters collaborative play and social interaction, promoting inclusion and filling a vital need in the community. Outdoor play here enhances speech, cognition, motor skills, and social abilities, empowering children through self-directed and imaginative activities.
With an estimated 1,400 children and adults with disabilities in our area, ARC Park provides a much-needed safe and welcoming space. The complex also attracts families from surrounding communities, wheelchair users, travelers, and children of all abilities. Each of its play spaces meets a critical need.
The ARC Park’s design, funding, and oversight are led by local parents of children with special needs and directors at The Arc of Central Plains. Phases 1 and 2 were completed at a cost of $2.1 million, and fundraising continues for Phase 3, projected at under $1 million. Your support helps make this vision a reality!
Come Visit Us
The ARC Park Playground and Splash Pad are located at 3300 Hillcrest Drive, in Hays
With easy access from I-70, exit 159.
Park Management & Reservation Information
The ARCPark was proudly donated to the City of Hays for the enjoyment of the entire community. While our name remains part of the park's identity, all operations, maintenance, upkeep, scheduling, and reservations are managed exclusively by the City of Hays.
We are not involved in the day-to-day management of the facility and are unable to assist with park maintenance requests, reservations, event scheduling, or related inquiries. For assistance with any of these matters, please contact the City of Hays directly or visit their offices for more information.
Contact Info
We’re here to help! Whether you have questions, need assistance, or want to learn more about our mission, feel free to reach out. Together, we can make a difference.