{"id":88814,"date":"2025-09-02T11:19:53","date_gmt":"2025-09-02T16:19:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/?p=88814"},"modified":"2025-09-02T11:20:28","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T16:20:28","slug":"hays-celebrates-grand-opening-of-bob-and-pat-schmidt-community-center","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/?p=88814","title":{"rendered":"Hays celebrates grand opening of Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>By ABIGAIL SHEARER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tiger Media Network<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Community leaders and members gathered on Friday to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center, a new facility in Hays designed to address childcare shortages while also providing a hub for seniors and families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis is really such an exciting day, seeing all these amazing faces here to celebrate such a phenomenal project for our community,\u201d said Sarah Wasinger, president and CEO of the Hays Chamber. \u201cThis community center will provide an intentional space that better supports meaningful opportunities and activities for our senior citizens, as well as families needing an entertaining environment for childcare.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter\" data-effect=\"slide\"><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container\"><ul class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper\"><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"468\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-88824\" data-id=\"88824\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_01_8.29.25.jpg?resize=790%2C468\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_01_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C607&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_01_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=370%2C219&amp;ssl=1 370w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_01_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=150%2C89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_01_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C456&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_01_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C911&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_01_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1215&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_01_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?w=2370 2370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Communiy Board and Volunteers say the Pleadge of Allegiance.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"702\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-88829\" data-id=\"88829\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_02_8.29.25.jpg?resize=790%2C702\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_02_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C910&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_02_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=293%2C260&amp;ssl=1 293w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_02_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=150%2C133&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_02_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C683&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_02_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1365&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_02_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1820&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_02_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?w=2370 2370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">American Flag flying high.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"575\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-88825\" data-id=\"88825\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_03_8.29.25.jpg?resize=790%2C575\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_03_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C745&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_03_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=357%2C260&amp;ssl=1 357w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_03_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=150%2C109&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_03_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C559&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_03_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1118&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_03_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1490&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_03_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?w=2370 2370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Mayor Sandy Jacobs gretting community members into the Bob &amp; Pat Schmidt Community Center.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"527\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-88828\" data-id=\"88828\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_04_8.29.25.jpg?resize=790%2C527\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_04_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_04_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=370%2C247&amp;ssl=1 370w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_04_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_04_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_04_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_04_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_04_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?w=2370 2370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Community Memberes enetering the Bob &amp; Pat Schmidt Community Center.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"461\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-88817\" data-id=\"88817\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_05_8.29.25.jpg?resize=790%2C461\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_05_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C597&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_05_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=370%2C216&amp;ssl=1 370w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_05_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=150%2C87&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_05_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C448&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_05_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C895&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_05_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1193&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_05_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?w=2370 2370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Community members coming into the main room.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"643\" height=\"1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-88816\" data-id=\"88816\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_06_8.29.25.jpg?resize=643%2C1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_06_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=643%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 643w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_06_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=163%2C260&amp;ssl=1 163w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_06_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=94%2C150&amp;ssl=1 94w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_06_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1224&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_06_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=964%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 964w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_06_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1285%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1285w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_06_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?w=1607&amp;ssl=1 1607w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 643px) 100vw, 643px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Chamber President and CEO Sarah Wasinger expresses her graditiude to the commuinty.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"664\" height=\"1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-88819\" data-id=\"88819\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_07_8.29.25.jpg?resize=664%2C1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_07_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=664%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 664w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_07_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=169%2C260&amp;ssl=1 169w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_07_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=97%2C150&amp;ssl=1 97w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_07_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1185&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_07_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=996%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 996w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_07_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1328%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1328w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_07_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?w=1659&amp;ssl=1 1659w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_07_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?w=1580 1580w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 664px) 100vw, 664px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">U.S Senator Jerry Moran explaining his excitment and how proud he his of Hays.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-88815\" data-id=\"88815\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_08_8.29.25.jpg?resize=683%2C1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_08_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 683w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_08_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=173%2C260&amp;ssl=1 173w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_08_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=100%2C150&amp;ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_08_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_08_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_08_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1365%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1365w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_08_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?w=1707&amp;ssl=1 1707w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_08_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?w=1580 1580w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Mayor of Hays Sarah Jacobs talks about how the community center symbolizes the support Hays has for eachother.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"710\" height=\"1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-88818\" data-id=\"88818\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_09_8.29.25.jpg?resize=710%2C1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_09_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=710%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 710w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_09_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=180%2C260&amp;ssl=1 180w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_09_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=104%2C150&amp;ssl=1 104w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_09_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1107&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_09_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1066%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1066w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_09_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1421%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1421w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_09_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?w=1776&amp;ssl=1 1776w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_09_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?w=1580 1580w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 710px) 100vw, 710px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Early Childhood Children&#8217;s Specialist with the Kansas Children&#8217;s Cabinet, Melissa Schoenberger talked about how Hays has the insperation to see change and did something about it.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-88820\" data-id=\"88820\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_10_8.29.25.jpg?resize=683%2C1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_10_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 683w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_10_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=173%2C260&amp;ssl=1 173w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_10_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=100%2C150&amp;ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_10_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_10_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_10_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1365%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1365w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_10_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?w=1707&amp;ssl=1 1707w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_10_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?w=1580 1580w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Executive Director of Grow Hays, Doug Williams, thansk everyone that helped buid, fund, and plan the creation of Bob &amp; Pat  Schmidt Community Center.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"743\" height=\"1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-88821\" data-id=\"88821\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_11_8.29.25.jpg?resize=743%2C1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_11_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=743%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 743w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_11_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=189%2C260&amp;ssl=1 189w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_11_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=109%2C150&amp;ssl=1 109w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_11_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1058&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_11_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1115%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1115w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_11_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1487%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1487w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_11_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?w=1858&amp;ssl=1 1858w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_11_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?w=1580 1580w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 743px) 100vw, 743px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Schmidt Foundation Board Chairman, Gary Shoreman talked about how importaint comminity is and its succes.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"534\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-88822\" data-id=\"88822\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_12_8.29.25.jpg?resize=790%2C534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_12_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C692&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_12_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=370%2C250&amp;ssl=1 370w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_12_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=150%2C101&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_12_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C519&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_12_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1037&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_12_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1383&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_12_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?w=2370 2370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Doug Williams and others preparing to cut the ribbion.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"527\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-88823\" data-id=\"88823\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_13_8.29.25.jpg?resize=790%2C527\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_13_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_13_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=370%2C247&amp;ssl=1 370w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_13_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_13_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_13_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_13_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_13_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?w=2370 2370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The cutting of the ribbion.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"414\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-88830\" data-id=\"88830\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_14_8.29.25.jpg?resize=790%2C414\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_14_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C536&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_14_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=370%2C194&amp;ssl=1 370w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_14_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=150%2C79&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_14_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C402&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_14_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C804&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_14_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1072&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_14_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?w=2370 2370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The people who help create Bob &amp; Pat Schmidt Community Center.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"527\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-88827\" data-id=\"88827\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_15_8.29.25.jpg?resize=790%2C527\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_15_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_15_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=370%2C247&amp;ssl=1 370w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_15_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_15_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_15_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_15_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_15_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?w=2370 2370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Community Members in the main room.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"401\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-88826\" data-id=\"88826\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_Featured-Photo_8.29.25.jpg?resize=790%2C401\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_Featured-Photo_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C520&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_Featured-Photo_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=370%2C188&amp;ssl=1 370w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_Featured-Photo_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=150%2C76&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_Featured-Photo_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C390&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_Featured-Photo_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C780&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_Featured-Photo_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1040&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_Featured-Photo_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?w=2370 2370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Front of Bob &amp; Pat Community Center<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a aria-label=\"Pause Slideshow\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause\" role=\"button\"><\/a><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The project directly addresses a critical shortage of childcare providers in Ellis County. Since 2021, the area has lost 18 childcare home providers and three preschools. The new center will add 83 childcare slots, bringing the county\u2019s available openings back up to 470.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cQuality and affordable childcare is important to our families and it drives our local economy by keeping our talented workforce engaged in important work,\u201d Wasinger said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>United States Senator Jerry Moran commended the community for tackling challenges with local initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cGood things happen when people in the community say, \u2018we\u2019re gonna roll up our sleeves, go to work, and make sure that this problem, this challenge is solved,\u2019\u201d Moran said. \u201cThis facility represents the best of people in Kansas and the best of people across the nation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moran also paid tribute to the Schmidt family, whose generosity made the project possible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s sad they\u2019re not here with us today in person, but their leadership, their financial support, their efforts to make sure that good things happen in their hometown continue,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hays Mayor Sandy Jacobs said the new center is more than bricks and mortar.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c[This is] a place where young children will take their first steps in learning, where seniors will find companionship and purpose, and where families will come together to share experiences and build memories,\u201d she said. \u201cToday we\u2019ve cut the ribbon on a facility that truly reflects who we are\u2014a community that values connection, care, and the well-being of all generations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other speakers included Melissa Schoenberger of the Kansas Children\u2019s Cabinet, who emphasized the role of state and federal support, and Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams, who credited community partners, donors, and builders for bringing the vision to reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt really has been a community project,\u201d Williams said. \u201cThe longer we can do so little, together we can do so much.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chairman of the Schmidt Foundation, Gary Shorman, reflected on the late Bob and Pat Schmidt\u2019s legacy of community leadership.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThey didn\u2019t do it because they wanted a name on the building,\u201d Shorman said. \u201cThey did it because they wanted to help the community and help it grow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the ceremony concluded, attendees were invited to tour the facility and share in refreshments. The center, with its dual focus on childcare and senior services, is expected to become a cornerstone for Hays and Ellis County.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis facility symbolizes our community\u2019s commitment to supporting families, honoring our seniors, and fostering intergenerational connections,\u201d Hays Vice Mayor Mason Ruder said. \u201cTogether we build not just a facility, but a stronger, more connected community.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By ABIGAIL SHEARER Tiger Media Network Community leaders and members gathered on Friday to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of the Bob and Pat&hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":142,"featured_media":88826,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":false,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[3397,11],"tags":[15757,16366,16367],"class_list":["post-88814","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-area-news","category-news","tag-abigail-shearer","tag-bob-and-pat-schmidt-community-center","tag-schmidt-foundation"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Grand-Opening-of-Community-Center_Featured-Photo_8.29.25-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1300&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88814","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/142"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=88814"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88814\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":88833,"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88814\/revisions\/88833"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/88826"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=88814"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=88814"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=88814"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}