By DAWNE LEIKER

dleiker@dailynews.net

Gateway markers for the Chestnut Street District are being fashioned by Hays artist Pete Felten,

The first is being constructed at the intersection of Eighth and Fort streets near the post office.

"The purpose is to say, 'You have arrived at the Chestnut Street District,' an area that is different than just downtown Hays, based on its history," said Sabrina William, director of Downtown Hays Development Corp.

A product of the 2003 streetscape plan between the DHDC and the city of Hays, the project has been brought to the forefront as reserve funds now have been allocated to bring it to fruition.

Scott Heimann, a sophomore at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, has been instrumental in facilitating the markers. Heimann chose the project as part of attaining his Eagle Scout award and has visited with various entities throughout the community to develop a vision of what the markers should look like.

"Scott deserves a lot of credit in getting this project going," William said.

Heimann said he has been working on the project for a year and, after submitting his final papers on the project, he will be eligible for his Eagle Scout award.

"This project is just about over for me since the markers are in the process of being built," Heimann said. "I've really learned a lot about businesses and ordinances (throughout the process)."

Felten is working to make the markers similar in design to the markers erected in the 1930s at Frontier and Municipal parks.

Plaques made of black granite will be added to the markers. Other markers are planned for areas on Eighth and Oak, south Main by Municipal and Frontier parks, and north Main at the end of the business district.

William said a ribbon cutting will take place upon completion of the markers.