Take an in-depth look inside the historic Hutchinson Sports Arena, which was built in 1953 and home to the NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. In 2016, Hutchinson voters overwhelmingly supported a local sales tax increase for a $29.5 million renovation project to the Arena, which included building improvements as well as new locker rooms, main entrance and lobby/ticketing area, auxiliary gyms, weight rooms, and additional storage. During the tour, learn about the renovation process as well as the current programming and partnerships among the City of Hutchinson, Hutch Rec, and Hutchinson Community College that has led to an increase in sports tourism events as well as local recreation opportunities for Hutchinson residents. Refreshments will be served and transportation provided. 

Presenters: Justin Combs, Director of Parks & Facilities for the City of Hutchinson; Gary Holler (Shafer, Johnson, Cox, Fry); HCC & Hutch Rec representatives. 

Traditional Park Tour

Wednesday- 8:30 am - 11:30 am

Get an insider’s look at Carey Park, home of the city’s Golf Course, Salt City Splash Aquatic Center, Hutchinson Zoo, historic Hobart-Detter Field, as well as smaller park and picnic areas, a fishing pond, disc golf course, skateboard park, and soccer fields. Participants will also tour Hutchinson’s city and downtown parks, including the recently renovated and renamed SW Bricktown neighborhood park. The tour also includes the 72-acre River Banks Orchard Park. Orchard Park features Winwoods Enchanted Playground - a Shane’s Inspiration playground - where children with disabilities can play alongside able–bodied children. We’ll wrap up the tour at Sand Hills State Park and meet with state park officials as well as City of Hutchinson and Hutch Rec staff, who will share the recreation programming and partnerships being done for community residents. Transportation and boxed lunch included in the tour.

Facilitators: Justin Combs, Director of Parks & Facilities, and Sean Thomas, Assistant Director of Parks & Facilities for the City of Hutchinson.

Art Tour

Wednesday- 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm

See art in action in this tour that highlights several of Hutchinson’s public art projects. During the tour, learn about Hutchinson’s Public Art Program and the Percent for Art Program, which requires 1% of public works construction project funds for public art. This program focuses on both the outside and inside of new and remodeled city-owned public spaces. We’ll drive along Main Street in Downtown Hutchinson to view and discuss the 20+ pieces of art included in the SculptureWalk, plus view 3-5 of the city’s murals along buildings in the downtown area. Learn how the public art scene drives community events and activities, including the Third Thursday art/music/community event that Hutch Rec hosts each month. 

Presenters: Justin Combs, Director of Parks & Facilities for the City of Hutchinson; Jeff Johnson, Director of Community Events for Hutch Rec.

Add these tours when you register for the 2019 Conference. If you have already registered and would like to add either of these tours, please contact the KRPA office at (785)235-6533.