McPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson City Commissioners Tuesday approved an expenditure of up to $55,550 for design and construction of a Butterfly Garden at Challenger Park, adjoining the city’s pickleball courts. Director of Public Lands and Facilities Wayne Burns said the 9,000 square foot garden will be funded through the Public Lands and Facilities Capital Improvement budget, with ongoing maintenance part of their annual flower upkeep program.
The garden will include a butterfly-shaped flower bed, ADA accessible paths, ramps and seating, copper ponds, a butterfly windmill and sculpture, sensor-controlled irrigation system informational signage and seasonal color beds, and electrical upgrades for a pond pump and corner receptacles.
Another change order on the Euclid Extension of the Elm Street drainage project was approved by the Commission. This change order is a deduction of just over $1,100 from the contract with Kaw Valley Engineering, reflecting actual time and materials needed to complete the project.
Public Works Director Eric Duerksen said rain is continuing to impact the other ongoing Street Department projects, however the project in the 1100 block of North Elm only needs a bit of backfill and grading to complete the first part of the project, with an asphalt overlay scheduled for next year. The Commission also approved hiring of a street operator in training.
Commissioners approved a request from SafeHope for $4,000 in city funding out of the 2025 budget. It also approved waiving of rental charges for the Early Childhood Program’s “Bedtime Rocks” event December 11th, use of the area around Shelter 5 and the bandshell at Lakeside Park Sunday from 2-6 PM for a family festival for city employees and their immediate families, and the 2026 holiday schedule which involves 12 paid holidays. The Fire and Police departments adjust this schedule to meet their 24/7 staffing requirements.
