The Accessible Recreation Complex -- Hays ARC Park -- provides safe, boundless play opportunities for individuals of all ages and all abilities in one accessible spot. The complex includes a fully accessible playground for limitless play, a fully accessible recirculated splash pad, and soon even more recreation on Phase 3. It creates opportunities for collaborative play and social interaction for children of all abilities, promoting inclusion in our community, creating a destination showpiece, all while filling a need not previously met. Outdoor play stimulates speech, cognition, gross motor skills, fine motor skills and social skills more efficiently than any other method of instruction. The play space also promotes self-empowerment and imaginative play for all kids.

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There are an estimated 1,400 children and adults with disabilities in our area -- and now they have a safe, inclusive place to play! The complex also draws families from surrounding towns, any wheelchair user, children with undocumented disabilities, families traveling through Hays, and ALL other children. All three plays spaces are greatly needed! 

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Funds for the ARC Park, as well as the design and project work, are overseen by local special needs parents and directors at The Arc of Central Plains. The total cost of Phase 1 and Phase 2 was about $2.1 million. The estimate for Phase 3 is less than $1 million. Fundraising is ongoing!