By: Ryan Duey
Photo Courtesy of Lindsay Clark, City Clerk
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Clay Center, the City will be offering all patrons free admission to the Clay Center Aquatic Park on Saturday, June 14th.
Incorporated in 1875, the city was named Clay Center due to its central location in Clay County. After settlement, the city grew rapidly due to lying at a junction of two prominent railroads: The Union Pacific Railroad and the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroads.
Various buildings of Clay Center’s past are still standing, with many still in use, including: The Clay Center Airport, built in 1930, the Rex Theatre, built in 1920, the Post Office, built in 1913, the Carnegie Library, built in 1912, and the historic Stone Courthouse in 1901.
In its 150th year, Clay Center is home to over 4,000 people, known for its beautiful murals, free zoo, and continued traditions such as the Piotique Festival. A fun fact about Clay Center is that it is the geographic midpoint between Los Angeles and New York City, at exactly 1,224 miles apart from both.
Head to the Clay Center Aquatic Park on June 14th in celebration of the past, present, and bright future of Clay Center.
