Hoxie launches downtown Pocket Park, 60-foot historic mural, and community storytelling project

Exciting things are happening on Hoxie’s Main Street as the long-envisioned Pocket Park project officially moves toward construction in 2026.

Years ago, the Sheridan County Community Foundation held a vote in which the community indicated a project they would like to see happen in Hoxie. The winner idea at that time was to transform the long-empty lot between the Hirsh & Abbott Law Office and First State Bank into a vibrant “Pocket Park.” After years of dreaming, planning, and navigating a few ups and downs, the project is now becoming a reality with a commitment of grant funding from SCCF and others as well as in-kind contributions from several generous project partners.

The new park will bring a welcoming and engaging space to the heart of downtown Hoxie. Designed to celebrate Main Street’s history while creating opportunities for connection, the park will serve as a gathering place during business hours, evening events, special celebrations, and community activities for years to come.

The Pocket Park will include such features as a 60-foot, large-scale mural highlighting the history of Main Street, a shade structure, seating with accessibility options, lighting, ornamental fauna and greenery.

The mural, led by local artist Jennifer Carder, will be painted on the wall of Hirsh & Abbott Law Office. Painting is scheduled to begin in March (weather permitting) and is expected to be completed by June 30. Artists Chloe Johnson, Jordan Dardis, and Sarah Dardis will assist with the mural installation.

A collaborative mural design was inspired by public comments shared on the Sheridan County Historical Society Facebook page, thoughtfully reviewed by the Parks Improvement Committee, and developed in partnership with SCCF. The mural project has been made possible in part by a $10,000 grant award from the State of Kansas through the Kansas Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The mural will celebrate cherished pieces of Hoxie’s history, including the former iconic buildings, elements of Main Street activities like parades and Christmas lightings, and more.

As an extension to the mural, SCCF is launching the Stories on Main Project, a documentary-style oral history initiative led by Ed Lowry of Story Pocket Productions. The project will capture memories of Main Street told by those who experienced them firsthand.

In collaboration with the Sheridan County Historical Society, the completed brief documentary will be hosted on the Historical Society’s YouTube page. A permanent QR code installed in the new park will allow visitors and residents to scan and watch the brief film, ensuring that Hoxie’s stories remain accessible for generations to come.

Community members are invited to sign up by March 13, 2026, to participate in oral history interviews. Please use the form found at www.growsheridancounty.org/pocketpark. Please note that not all who sign up will be interviewed or included in the final film. Organizers are specifically seeking stories related to the mural themes listed above.

As construction approaches, organizers are also inviting the community to help choose the park’s official name. Up to this point, it’s simply been referred to as the “Pocket Park.” Now, it is time to select a name that better reflects its purpose, history, and Main Street pride.

The park name will be featured as a neon sign inspired by the former Della’s Café, the last business to stand on the lot before it tragically burned down.

Community members are encouraged to submit naming suggestions using the designated form found online at www.growsheridancounty.org/pocketpark.

The Pocket Park project represents a true community effort. SCCF extends their gratitude to the many people who have been involved over the years and more recently to members of the Parks Improvement Committee, Sheridan County Commissioners, City Council of Hoxie, Hirsh & Abbott Law Office, First State Bank, the State of Kansas/Kansas Arts Commission and National Endowment for the Arts, Roch Meier, Dan Campbell of Campbell Concrete, Jennifer Carder, and the many other community members who continue to support and shape this vision.

For project information and updates, visit www.growsheridancounty.org/pocketpark

SCCF is an affiliate of the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation based in Bird City. The foundation seeks to encourage, prudently manage, and distribute charitable contributions to improve the quality of life of Sheridan County residents, now and in the future. To learn more, contact Pratt at 785-677-5090, director@growsheridancounty.org, or visit www.growsheridancounty.org. Connect with SCCF at www.facebook.com/sheridanccf.