Small Town Celebrates Park with Summer Fun
DODGE CITY – It was a day of family fun on Friday at Ray Park in Dodge City. Dozens of kids and parents came to the small, but beautiful park in the little town to enjoy the day. The city supplied good food, an inflatable bounce house and even a water slide to make the day even better for the kids.
The Perry Ray Park is set in a beautiful scenic location in Dodge City, far away from the traffic and noise. According to Mayor Tawana Canada, the park is named for Dodge City’s first mayor of 16 years Perry Ray.
“This was nothing but a valley,” Canada said looking around the park. “We worked really hard and we built the pavilion and the bathrooms, and we have what we call an outdoor classroom. It’s built like you would see in a church or amphitheater with a podium and seating.”
The park is surrounded by beautiful rock face, streams and even has waterfalls with an overlook deck.
“We are just proud to give the children something to do,” Canada said. “Before the kids would have to go to Good Hope or Cullman. This park is what I am most proud of.”
The pavilion, which was donated by the local Lion’s Club, has been a very popular choice for community events and birthdays, staying booked a month or more in advance.
“The Doge City Lion’s Club built the pavilion for us,” Canada said. “And they don’t charge anything to reserve it. It stays reserved about every weekend.”
The joy was apparent on all the kids’ faces as they laughed and played on the park’s equipment and inflatables. Parents and grandparents were all in agreement that the officials of the city have done something great for the community.
“I come down here and walk all the time and just enjoy it,” said resident Martha Todd who attended the day’s festivities with her grandchildren. “Tawana is a great mayor. She always has something like this going on.”
The hard work of the mayor and city officials is definitely felt and appreciated by the community. While there are no plans in the immediate future for more playground equipment, it is certainly a hope that someday down the line to add even more great features to the park. If you are looking for a great place to have your next party, meeting or just family day, this park could be just what you are looking for.
For more information about using the facilities at Ray Park, please contact Dodge City Town Hall at 256-287-0364.
This story was originally published in the August 11, 2014 issue of the CS print edition
