HAYS – Groundbreaking for the Bob & Pat Schmidt Community Center occurred in July 2024, and the facility is expected to be complete in July 2025.

The primary objectives of the community center will be creating a fully functional facility that houses a KDHE-approved childcare center managed by Bright Minds Academy, serving up to 77 children, and relocating the Hays Senior Center to provide a shared, multigenerational space for community engagement.

Additionally, the center aims to host a variety of public and private events in its multipurpose rooms and large community space. The Hansen Foundation provided an early gift to the project.

By integrating childcare services with facilities for seniors, a multigenerational approach is being fostered that not only enhances community cohesion but also provides vital resources for families and older adults alike.

For instance, scheduled story time sessions are planned that bring together seniors from the Senior Center and children from the childcare center, fostering connections and shared learning experiences. Art and painting opportunities for children led by seniors are also envisioned. Additionally, we hope to see seniors actively volunteering in the childcare center, providing valuable mentorship and companionship to the children.