By ALICIA FEYERHERM
Tiger Media Network
The Hays City Commission granted permission for painted bison statues to be installed in public spaces during Thursday’s meeting.
“Bison on the Loose” is an initiative by the Heartland Community Foundation and the Ellis County Youth Action Council. The goal is to purchase up to 25 life-size fiberglass bison statues to be placed throughout the county, with three in Ellis, two in Victoria and 20 in Hays.
“It kind of creates a visible symbol that residents can connect with and take pride in,” Youth Action Council member Oaklye Wichers said.
Statues are expected to be installed in spring 2026. This timing aligns with the 110-year anniversary of the first bison herd being brought to Hays.
“When a lot of people think of Hays, they think of bison,” Wichers said. “I mean, everyone knows we have them out there on the bypass and people visit them a lot.”
The bison would be painted by local and student artists to reflect the community’s heritage and history.
According to Executive Director for Heartland Community Foundation Sarah Meitner, each high school art department in the county will receive one bison to paint together under the direction of the art teacher. Eleven will be put out to jury among professional artists and then 10 will be available for student art groups at Fort Hays State University.
Each bison costs approximately $5,000, so the total cost of the project will be $125,000. The Youth Action Committee has raised $120,000 so far.
“We are just going to work on some more advertising and hopefully the fundraising will come along with it,” Youth Action Council Member Savannah Clingan said.
Part of the funds will be set aside for maintenance and for reapplication of the automotive-grade top coat in 7 to 10 years.
“The goal is for the majority of the statues to last 15 to 20 years, so not a permanent installation, though some communities have been able to have some that have lasted longer than that, ” Metiner said.
The main request of the commission is to allow some of the bison to be placed on public property.
“We are prepared to move forward with putting them all in private spaces, but as we think about this initiative and what it could mean, and how it could enhanced, we all were really in agreement that a mix of private and public spaces would help it to be even more impactful,” Meitner said.
Some sponsors, such as Hays Area Bicyclists, have already noted they would like a bison near the bike paths at Frontier Park. Other requested locations include:
- Municipal Park
- Sunrise Park
- Hays Airport
- Downtown Pavillion
- Hays Public Library
“We did not promise that (location) to them, but told them we would request permission,” Meitner said.
The group has a list of lower-priority public locations where they would also like to install a bison if possible.
“This is really a major project and what you’ve done before you ever came to us is really stellar,” Mayor Sandy Jacobs said. “You guys have just been terrific.”
Meitner said there are likely to be a few hiccups along the way as this is something new.
“But at the end of the day, the kids are very passionate about it, and each time I’m with them, that motivates me and we want to see it through,” Meitner said.
The commission granted permission unanimously.
During the meeting, the commission also approved Phase Three of Arc Park, which includes cornhole courts with dugouts, a garden plaza and a 30-foot picnic pavilion. The Arc is not asking for any funding from the City, but rather permission to proceed with the project. Parks Director Jeff Boyle estimates annual upkeep to be minimal.
The next City Commission meeting will be at 4:00 p.m. on October 9 at City Hall.