OUR MISSION STATEMENT
“To Provide diversified leisure activities and high quality facilities and programs and to be pro-active in providing recreational and educational opportunities that enhance the quality of life in our community.”

OUR GOALS

• To increase participation and retention of clientele through quality diversified programming.
• To be receptive to community needs and to further the development of physical facilities.
• To encourage and promote a positive public image.
• To recruit and retain quality recreation professionals and staff.
• To ensure public trust through the responsible management of public funds.

ALL ABOUT US

The Hays Recreation Commission was established in 1961 with the goal of providing better sport programs for our community.  The HRC is a joint venture involving both the City of Hays and Unified School District #489.  Both the City of Hays and USD 489 appoint two members of our Board.  Those four individuals select a fifth at-large member to complete our Board membership at five. 

Over the years, the HRC has seen many changes.  Most importantly, our programming has shifted from a primary emphasis on sports to being more well rounded.  We now offer programs like Cowboy for a Day, Daddy Daughter Date Night, Pepsi Popcorn and Pinochle and many other art, craft and family activities.  In addition, our sport programs have continued to grow.  We offer traditional activities like baseball, softball, soccer and basketball.  However, we also offer programs like Futsal Indoor Soccer, Roller Hockey, the Western Kansas All-Star Girls Basketball League and more.  In addition, you can participate in Wellness programs like Aerobics, Blood Pressure checks, Healthy Cooking classes like Crock Pot Dinners and more. 

The HRC office is currently located at the Hays Recreation Center which includes our three gyms, two meeting rooms and offices for our staff.  We also participate in the maintenance of Frank Stramel Softball Fields, Hank Speier Ballfields, Pratt-Optimist Soccer Complex, the Hays Skatepark and Roller Hockey Court and the newly renovated Dusty Glassman Baseball Complex.  For all of these, we work closely with the City of Hays Park Department and other City staff. 

The HRC also operates pools within the City of Hays.  Wilson Neighborhood Pool has been in operation since the 1970’s.  The Hays Aquatic Park opened in the summer of 2000 and is truly one of the most beautiful publicly operated pools anywhere. 

All of this adds up to our attempt to truly meet our mission statement of providing diversified leisure activities and high quality facilities and programs that enhance the quality of life in our community.  We hope that you will find something of interest to you.