Utility Park and the Zoo has been a favorite family entertainment spot for many generations. It has a very interesting background since the days when people worked to create the park as a way of paying their utility bills.

Since its beginning the park has been supported and maintained by the Public Utility Commission without any tax funds being expended on maintaining the park. Public Utility employees have spent many hours creating the unique and popular children's playground, the impressive Christmas decorations that are being expanded each year and the zoo itself. Much of the playground equipment is from donations made by individuals. There are also many dedicated and faithful volunteers that help with the zoo.

The Public Utility Commission has recently acquired acres west of the park to allow future growth and expanded park facilities.

The addition of the zoo has been a source of pleasure for local residents as well as for visitors to Clay Center. You can go through the park anytime and see local as well as out of town visitors enjoying the zoo, children playing or families having a picnic.

The recent ice storm left a huge amount of damage to Utility Park and the zoo. Money is needed at this time to repair and expand both Utility Park and the zoo.

This is a great time for anyone that is interested in Utility Park and/or the zoo to donate and help the Public Utility Commission repair and make improvements to the park/zoo. The great news is that you can give your donation through the:

Clay Center Community Improvement Foundation
432 Court
Clay Center, KS. 67432

Your donation will qualify as a tax deductible donation. Be sure to indicate on your check that your donation is for either Utility Park or the zoo. The donations will be forwarded from the Foundation to the Public Utility Commission and will be used to repair and expand Utility Park and the zoo.

A family, individual, organization or even a CCCHS Alumni class can select a particular project, provide the funding for it and they will be recognized as the donor for the project. To inquire about possible projects contact Utilities Superintendent Bill Callaway at 785-632-2137.

Local residents as well as visitors can take advantage of the opportunity to contribute to this popular community attraction. Together we can make a difference. We can make our park even better than it is and provide a special place for family enjoyment for many generations.