Rhythm & Read Park
Derby Public Library is building a park! The Rhythm & Read Park will be a 16,000 sq. ft. pocket park featuring covered seating, an event lawn, interactive musical instruments, and an accessible splash pad!
In December 2020, Library Director Eric Gustafson went to his board with a dream. His staff had been asking him for outdoor seating to spend their lunch breaks and for patrons to utilize when enjoying the library's outdoor green space, but Eric knew the library could do better. Preliminary ideas were shared, and the idea for a park was born.
In August 2023, the library was awarded a Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to help fund the project. The City of Derby Planning Commission approved the project design in September 2024. The project went to bid in early 2025, with Snodgrass Construction ultimately securing the contract.
On March 4, 2025, the library held a groundbreaking for the Rhythm & Read Park, a long awaited celebration of a 4 year project, built on the back of a simple request from staff for a place outside to enjoy their breaks.
Check back for more updates on the project as the park construction continues. The anticipated completion date is late August.
