The power of Parks & Recreation
I am excited to make a positive difference in my community through parks and recreation. Every day, I strive to create welcoming spaces where residents can connect, enjoy the outdoors, and feel a true sense of belonging. By managing our resources wisely, organizing fun and meaningful events, and ensuring safe and enjoyable experiences, I aim to contribute to a community where everyone can live, work, and play — in a place you will love calling home.
I believe in the incredible power of parks and recreation and how it can enhance our quality of life. Providing various enjoyable opportunities, we help create a lively and vibrant environment for all.
I am passionate about bringing people together. Through well-designed programs and community-focused initiatives, our PLF team creates spaces that nurture friendships and strengthen community bonds.
Being a public servant is an honor for me. “Serving People today for a Better Tomorrow.” I am dedicated to our community’s well-being and put my heart into shaping a place where everyone can thrive. We can build a legacy of vibrant, inclusive, and well-maintained public spaces.
By embracing these values, we aim to create a more connected and dynamic community where our parks and recreational areas become the heart and soul of our shared well-being.
I want to make this a community that everyone can call home!
Wayne Burns, Public Lands & Facilities Director
Get to know your neighbors
Now in its third year, the City of McPherson is celebrating “Fidelity Days,” a period of about 5.5 months dedicated to raising awareness and promoting fidelity in our community.
On May 27, 2025, the City Commission approved a proclamation deeming the period of May 27 to Nov. 11, 2025 as “Fidelity Days.”
Fidelity is defined as “faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support.”
To honor this, the City of McPherson will promote events and activities during this time aimed at bringing neighbors together to get to know one another. Familiarizing oneself with neighbors can help in times of emergencies and hardships by promoting a sense of togetherness and preparedness.
The first activity coming up was organized by the McPherson Convention & Visitors Bureau, a donut delivery to scheduled neighborhoods throughout the community. Those interested were asked to reach out to CVB Director Joni Regnier to schedule their June 7 delivery. Regnier and staff will load up the CVB van with 25 dozen donuts and make 13 stops (as of May 29) around town as organizers rally their neighbors for a Saturday morning donut.
Last year, the CVB delivered ice cream during the summer (pictured).
Be sure and follow the Visit McPherson and City of McPherson Local Government Facebook pages and go to mcpcity.com for more on Fidelity Days.
Police department promotes well-being
On May 25, 2025, the City of McPherson Police Department played a key role in an event designed to support local and area veterans as well as emergency and law enforcement personnel.
Police Chief Mikel Golden (pictured) and his wife, Tina, are ambassadors for Sheep Dog Impact Assistance, a national non-profit founded and headquartered in Rogers, Arkansas, that provides charitable services benefiting the overall well-being of our nation’s “Sheep Dogs” (Veterans, Law Enforcement, Fire & Rescue, and EMS personnel).
Themed with the organization’s “Get off the Couch,” programming, the MPD hosted a day at the department’s target range, an event promoting camaraderie, healing, and purpose. Members of the PD volunteered their time to host shooting drills and competitions for those in attendance.
The purpose of SDIA is to “create pathways to purpose through outdoor adventures, Warrior PATHH mental wellness training, and disaster response missions – engaging, assisting, and empowering our nation’s heroes to continue their legacy of service.”
A local veteran organization, Wild Valor also was represented at the event. Similarly, Wild Valor is designed to support combat veterans with various outdoor activities aimed at rebuilding personal and spiritual connections.
The event brought out a variety of veterans, first responders, and law enforcement retirees. More events are planned for the future.
It's time to go fishing
Bust out the poles and round up the bait. It’s time to go fishing at Lakeside Park. The McPherson Park Department in conjunction with the McPherson Recreation Commission is set to host the annual Fishing Derby at Lakeside Park. (Pictured is a participant from a previous year).
The June 14 derby (Father’s Day weekend) is an annual event where kids of all ages line the banks of Lakeside Park lagoon in hopes of snagging a bite and walking away with a selection from a host of prizes.
With Lakeside Park's fishing hole empty last year due to a bank restoration project, the derby was held at Wall Park. This year, the derby returns to Lakeside with a multitude of great spots to set up shop.
Additional sponsors for this year’s event include CHS, Peoples Financial, Welco, Cabelas, Scheels and the McPherson Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The McPherson Park Department is set on June 11 to stock the water with a variety of fish and pending City Commission approval will have a no fishing rule in place in the days leading up to the event. So there should be plenty of bobbers dropping on derby day.
You can register for the event by clicking here.
There is also a need for more volunteers. If you’d like to volunteer to help, please fill out this form.
10-foot sidewalk a go
With a continued focus on providing alternative transportation routes and capitalizing on grant funds, the City of McPherson will begin Phase II of the Northview 10-foot sidewalk project in July.
Awarded a second grant for the continuation of the project, the City will install a 10-foot wide sidewalk along the north side of Northview Avenue. The sidewalk will run from Main Street to the east side of Veranda Circle, matching the work already done from Main Street west to the Highway 81 Bypass (pictured).
This phase of the improvement also will see a new 5-foot sidewalk on the south side of Northview that will run from Main to Grimes Street, and will see a large ditch on that side of the road converted to a covered storm drain. While the sidewalk will run from Main to Grimes, the drain will be complete all the way to Sonora Drive, eliminating the need for the existing ditch.
Set to begin around the third week in July, contractors have 120 days to finish, but estimated about 90 days to complete the work.
The Transportation Alternative grant through the Kansas Department of Transportation provides federal funding to promote and enable use of alternative transportation methods. Read more about Transportation Alternatives through KDOT.
On this particular project (awarded in 2022), the grant covers nearly $970,000 of the estimated $1.2 million project cost.
In addition, Disability Supports of the Great Plains — which will benefit from the 5-foot sidewalk — agreed to help with a percentage of the City’s portion of the project.
The 10-foot sidewalk will connect all the residents in the area with walking/biking access all the way to the Meadowlark Trail on the west end of town.
Welcome to the team
The City of McPherson welcomed two new full-time employees and numerous seasonal/temporary employees during the month of May. Welcome everyone and thank you for dedicating your professional lives to public service.
Stacy Snyder, Patrol Officer, Police Department
William Patterson, Patrol Officer, Police Department
Odds/Ends
GOOD FINDINGS
Each year, the City of McPherson goes through a financial audit covering the previous year's budget, revenues, and expenditures. Christina Henson with the Loyd Group, LLC, put together the audit's findings and presented them to the City Commission on May 27. There were no findings or recommendations, a good outcome to have at the end of the audit. Overall, Henson acknowledged the Commission and financial staff with “doing a fantastic job.” You can see the full audited statement and see other related financial documents on the City's website by clicking here.
LET SUMMER BEGIN
The McPherson Public Library put together a kickoff event to celebrate the start of its summer programs at the MPL. The event featured numerous food trucks and sweet treats, along with activities throughout Memorial Park (behind the Courthouse). The McPherson Police and Fire Departments, along with the Convention & Visitors Bureau and McPherson Water Park all were on hand. The CVB handed out flyers for its summer Movie Mania, while the Water Park handed out activity sheets. The Library will host a series of events at the McPherson Community Building on Thursdays in June as the City Commission voted to waive rental fees associated with utilizing the facility. Check the Library's social media for updates and an event schedule.
LIVE MUSIC AND LUNCH
The McPherson Public Lands & Facilities Department put together a music series for lunch time on the Plaza in May. So far, three performers have taken the stage in downtown McPherson with one — Jake Gill — rescheduled for June 4 because of rain. Head down to the Plaza for lunch on June 4 from noon to 1 p.m. for the final event in this series.
FIREWORKS WITH A FIREMAN
Each year at Hopp's Sno Shack (corner of Elm and Euclid Streets), the McPherson Fire Department participates in Fireworks with a Fireman. There will be various activities set up with firework demonstrations ending the evening around dark. The event begins at 6 p.m. on June 27, 2025.
COMMISSION RECOGNIZES GRADS
The recent City representatives in the McPherson Chamber of Commerce's Leadership McPherson class were invited to be recognized by the McPherson City Commission at a May meeting. Captain Ryan Bauer (McPherson Police), Katie Krier (CVB/Community Building) and Heather Reissig (Municipal Court) went through the program in 2025 and celebrated their completion in April.
BANNERS GO UP
The McPherson Veterans Banners, a joint project between the McPherson Park Department and the McPherson American Legion, put up 103 banners for the season. The Park Department hung all the banners before Memorial Day. Banners will remain until Veterans Day in November and can be found on various light poles on Kansas Avenue as well as in Memorial Park and other select areas.
SUMMER MOVIE MANIA
The McPherson Convention & Visitors Bureau again put together a series of four free movie events offered on Friday nights in June. The annual event kicks off with “The Greatest Showman,” a sing-along June 6 at the McPherson Opera House. Each movie has a different sponsor that covers the cost of the licensing to show the films. All events are free with snacks this year provided by McPherson Pizza Ranch. Below is the movie schedule.
- June 6 - “The Greatest Showman,” 7 p.m. at The McPherson Opera House, 219 S. Main, sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless and The McPherson Opera House.
- June 13 — “Dennis the Menace” 7 p.m. at The Cedars, 1021 Cedars Drive, sponsored by The Cedars.
- June 20 — “The Lion King” 7 p.m. at The McPherson Museum, 1111 E. Kansas, sponsored by Rep. Rick Wilborn.
- June 27 — Migration, 8 p.m. at the McPherson Airport, 1000 S. Hwy 81 Bypass, sponsored by Wetlands Irrigation & Turf.
STORY TIME
Another event offered this summer by the McPherson Convention & Visitors Bureau is Story Time on the McPherson Trolley. Four times throughout the day on June 2, July 7, & Aug. 4, those wishing to participate can hop aboard the trolley at 1111 E. Kansas Ave., for a ride and a story checked out from the McPherson Public Library.
'Tis the season for road work
Two complete street reconstruction projects are slated to begin in June in the City of McPherson.
The first is scheduled to begin June 2 with the reconstruction of the 1100 block of Elm Street. This project will be done by City staff with the McPherson Street Department completing the work. Property owners and tenants in the area were invited to a public meeting on May 29 to discuss the project and how it will impact the area.
The project will include removal of the existing street the widening the roadway to 32 feet. The department then will place new curb and gutter and driveway inlets — along with new sidewalks.
After that, the first phase will be completed as the street will be covered with 8 inches of concrete millings. These milling will serve as the roadway for roughly a year, while traffic will compact the street, developing a solid base. After one year, the millings will be shaved down in order to make room for an overlay to complete the project.
Total material costs for the project are estimated at $65,000 for the block. That number does not figure in departmental labor.
The next project — contracted out to Vogts-Parga Construction LLC — will reconstruct three blocks of Myers Street from First Street to Hulse Street.
This project is slated to begin June 9 and will follow the same process, widening the street by roughly 2.5 feet on each side. Vogts-Parga will remove the street, replace curb and gutter and driveway inlets, while City staff will then come in and complete the millings and sidewalks. The temporary surface (8 inches of crushed concrete) will remain for roughly a year to compact before an overlay will finish the project.
Vogts-Parga was awarded the bid at $410,651.20.
Taking steps toward better health
With a focus on the health and safety of the men and women of our McPherson Fire Department, the City of McPherson Commission approved a measure aimed at combatting toxins the first responders might coming in contact with during the course of their duties.
On May 27, the commission approved the purchase of detoxification chamber saunas, one each for Station 1 and the newly-built Station 2. These saunas have room for 3 to 4 firefighters and can be used after calls where threats might have been present.
On average, about 100 firefighters die nationwide every year in the line of duty. About half of those suffer from cardiac events. These numbers do not include those who suffer from cancer-related ailments.
Infrared technology — used in this type of equipment — is aimed at combatting not only toxins that can cause bodily harm, but also ease the stress involved in carrying out sworn duties.
While it is preliminary, research shows benefits for potential reduction of carcinogens as well as cardiovascular health in the following ways:
- Detoxification via Sweating: Saunas induce heavy sweating, which may help excrete toxins and carcinogens, such as PAHs, absorbed during firefighting. Sweating is thought to flush out heavy metals and other harmful substances, potentially reducing the body’s carcinogenic burden.
- Improved Circulation: Sauna heat causes vasodilation, enhancing blood flow and potentially aiding the body’s natural detoxification processes.
- Immune System Support: Heat exposure may stimulate white blood cell production, bolstering immune function, which could be compromised in firefighters due to stress and toxin exposure.
- Immune System Support: Heat exposure may stimulate white blood cell production, bolstering immune function, which could be compromised in firefighters due to stress and toxin exposure.
Project updates
SYCAMORE SUBDIVISION
The first phase of a large reconstruction of the Sycamore subdivision is complete. The McPherson Street Department rebuilt several roads in the area after being thrown a project curveball during a mill & overlay process. Staff discovered instead of a simple overlay, the roads would need an immediate rebuild. These roads (as pictured) are now just waiting on a mill & overlay late this fall once millings are packed in.
SHELTER NO. 4
The latest in the the rebuilding of shelters in Lakeside Park is nearing completion and will be ready for use this summer. Shelter No. 4 is the fifth shelter in Lakeside Park to be rebuilt with only one remaining on the list for next year. Old metal shelters were repurposed throughout the City by other departments where needed.
Shelters throughout the City's park system can be used on a first-come, first-served basis. However, Shelters can be reserved for a small administration fee and will be guaranteed empty for your reserved time. For more information, contact the McPherson Park Department at 620-245-2565 or click here.
PICKLEBALL COURTS
While the pickleball complex at the corner of Elizabeth and Elm Streets has been open and operational for some time, there has been some cosmetic work around the perimeter fence. The City of McPherson and McPherson Recreation Commission continued its joint effort on the facility by combining efforts on the landscaping along Elizabeth Street.
This landscaping selection from Earthworks of Wichita at a cost of $41,231.23 features an 18' x 155' Exscape design that includes the following plants and materials: 22 Northwind Switch Grasses, 16 Red Yuccas, 30 Blonde Gamma Grasses, and Unilock Courtstone Basalt accents. The design not only offers an attractive appearance, but also creates designated spaces for picnic tables and benches.
ELM STREET DRAINAGE (EUCLID EXTENSION)
The Elm Street Drainage Project (Euclid Extension) that ran along Euclid Street from Ash Street through Main to Maple is complete after several months of closures. The City of McPherson thanks the community for its patience as we continue to make infrastructure improvements. This project aims to make a significant upgrade in that area's drainage capability and provided an aesthetic improvement.
POLICE SUBSTATION
Work continues on the McPherson Police Department substation at 218 E. Kansas Avenue. The windows have been replaced and pads have been poured for the station's HVAC units. The interior framing, electrical, plumbing, and windows all have been completed.
The substation will not only ease overcrowding issues in the joint Law Enforcement Center on the west edge of town, but also will give the City force a bigger presence downtown and in a central location.
On the horizon
Dates to look for in June
June 2 — The last day to file to run for city/school elections in McPherson. Those with questions can contact the McPherson County Clerk at 620-241-3646 or visit mcphersoncountyks.us.
June 3 — The monthly meeting of the City of McPherson Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals meets at 7 p.m. at the McPherson Municipal Center, 400 E. Kansas Ave.
June 4 — Music on the Plaza with Jake Gill, noon to 1 p.m. at the Plaza (Marlin & Main) in downtown McPherson.
June 6 — The McPherson CVB Movie Mania kicks off with “The Greatest Showman” at the McPherson Opera House, 219 S. Main.
June 5 - McPherson Public Library presents Tanganyika Wildlife Park at the McPherson Community Building, 6 p.m. at the McPherson Community Building, 122 E. Marlin.
June 7 - McPherson County Resource Fair, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the McPherson County Health Department. The fair is designed to help eliminate challenges faced by families.
June 9 — Swim lessons begin at McPherson Water Park. Those who have signed up already are placed in classes. Find out more at mcphersonwaterpark.com
June 12 — The McPherson Public Library presents The Polka Dot Cafe, a concert with Thad Beach, 6 p.m. at the McPherson Community Building, 122 E. Marlin.
June 13 — CVB Movie Mania continues with “Dennis the Menace,” 7 p.m. at The Cedars, 1021 Cedars Drive.
June 13&14 — The McPherson City-wide Garage Sale. Friday’s sales start at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 8 a.m. This is a fundraiser organized by the Women and Children Combating Cancer.
June 14 - The McPherson Public Library and Empower Fitness present the World of Color Fun Run at Wall Park. Check out the MPL on Facebook to learn more.
June 14 — The 18th annual Fishing Derby at Lakeside Park, organized by the McPherson Park Department.
June 20 — The CVB’s Movie Mania continues with “The Lion King” at the McPherson Museum, 1111 E. Kansas, 7 p.m.
June 20 — The summer solstice, the official first day of summer.
June 26 — The McPherson Public Library presents Mad Science, 6 p.m. at the McPherson Community Building, 122 E. Marlin. Come see how art and science connected through experiments.
June 27 — Fireworks with a Fireman at 214 E. Euclid.
June 27 — Movie Mania “Migration” at the McPherson Airport, 1100 Old U.S. Highway 81 Bypass, 8 p.m.
Ready more about the City of McPherson's Strategic Vision online. Click here.
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