January 9, 2026
Wallace County will use the funds to support the resurfacing of the Wallace County North Park playground in Sharon Springs, Kansas. The project will replace deteriorated wood chips with approximately 245 cubic yards of loose-fill rubber mulch made from recycled waste tires. This upgrade will significantly enhance playground safety, accessibility, and long-term sustainability in a public park that serves as a primary outdoor recreation area for local families, youth, and visitors. The project has already secured $43,000 in support from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment through its Waste Tire Grant Program, $10,000 from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, and $2,500 from the Wallace County Foundation; which leaves the resurfacing project $13,000 short.
Once funding is secured, Wallace County employees will remove the existing wood chips, level and compact the dirt base, and prepare the site for installation. Volunteers from the community will assist in spreading the new mulch, underscoring local investment and shared responsibility for the park’s upkeep. In Northwest Kansas, where dry winds and harsh weather cause wood chip surfaces to degrade within just a few years, the use of recycled rubber mulch provides a more durable, low-maintenance, and environmentally responsible solution. This material not only improves fall protection for children but also reduces future maintenance costs. North Park is centrally located and highly used year-round by
residents from Wallace County’s three communities – Sharon Springs, Wallace, and Weskan – as well as surrounding rural areas. By improving one of our most visible and well-used public spaces, this project will enhance everyday quality of life and contribute to the long-term appeal of Wallace County as a safe, family friendly rural community.
