Hays awash in recreation opportunities
Ellis County offers several public recreation opportunities for residents to stay active throughout the year.
* Hays Recreation Center, 1105 Canterbury, offers a variety of recreational, wellness, aquatics, leisure and sports activities for all ages. For more information, or to view a full calendar of events, visit www.haysrec.org.
* Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex, 1376 Old U.S. Highway 40, is expected to open for play this fall. The facility features eight softball/baseball fields and eight soccer/football fields, in addition to concession facilities and shaded bleachers. The sports complex will be used to host large tournaments and HRC league games.
* Hays Aquatic Park, Fourth and Main, typically is open from Memorial Day weekend to mid-August. The park features two large waterslides, a lazy river, a leisure pool, a lap pool, and a zero-depth entry area with children's activities. There also is a concession area, an upper deck sun-bathing area and shaded lounging stations. Admission cost is $3 for swimmers above the age of 3. Season passes are available through the Hays Recreation Center, which also offers swimming lessons and water aerobics. Pool hours are from noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 to 6 p.m. Sundays, weather permitting.
* Wilson Playground and Pool, 28th and Fort, typically is open from early June to mid-August. Admission cost is $2 for swimmers above the age of 3. Season pool passes also are accepted.
* HRC Fitness Center, 1105 Canterbury, is a 3,600-square-foot facility offering a variety of strength and cardiovascular equipment. Staff is available to provide assistance. Annual memberships are available through the HRC. Hours are from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
* Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course, 1450 Golf Course Road, features 18 holes, irrigated fairways, rental carts and equipment, golf club repair, pro-shop and concession facilities. Annual memberships are available. For more information, contact the pro shop at (785) 625-9949.
* Ellis Country Club, 1301 Spruce St., Ellis, is a nine-hole public golf course also featuring a full kitchen and bar. Annual memberships are available. For more information, call (785) 726-4711.