Konza Prairie seeks $10,000 sponsorship from local tourism board for new visitor pavilion signage

Jill (last name not provided), director of education at the Konza Prairie Biological Station, asked the Geary County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) to consider a $10,000 sponsorship for interpretive signage at a new visitor pavilion the station is building.

"We get between 30 to 45,000 visitors annually from all over the country," Jill said, describing Konza Prairie as a major regional destination that attracts visitors from all 50 states and foreign countries. She said the pavilion signage will include seven coordinated panels on Flint Hills ecology, local history, research at the station and wildlife identification.

Jill said the station planned to submit a state tourism-signage application on the CVB's behalf and asked the CVB to consider recognition on the pavilion if it provides sponsorship. The requested $10,000 would be acknowledged in the pavilion signage, she said.

Commission members asked to see the proposed sign designs before committing funds. One commissioner said, "I'd like to see what the sign looks like before I would agree to the $10,000." Jill said the station was conceptualizing the panels and would present draft designs at a future meeting; she also said the pavilion team aims to have the facility open and welcoming by April 1 and that the CVB could review graphics in January.

Jill also described Konza Prairie's docent program, saying the station has about 50–60 active docents who support education programs. She emphasized the pavilion and signage are intended to make the site more welcoming and informative for the high volume of visitors the station receives.

The commission did not vote on funding at the meeting; commissioners asked for the proposed sign designs and additional details before taking formal action.