In small communities like Bushton, volunteers work together to make sure the community facilities can be enjoyed by all. Each spring volunteers from the high school take a day to help clean up and paint areas around town. Bushton Proud volunteers plant flower pots on Main Street and water them all season long, switching them to fall flowers then snowmen. Bushton Proud also organizes many social events! Volunteers help paint murals and maintain areas in the city park and plaza grounds to keep the community attractive! Volunteers clean churches, manage the BCDI Community Center, the local Library and Township board, or serve on the volunteer Fire Department to keep the community safe! Others give their time on the City Council to take care of maintaining community infrastructure. All of these folks give their time and efforts to make Bushton a great place to live and raise a family!
Thunderbird Park
Bushton's Thunderbird Park is an attractive city park with lots of playground equipment for kids to pay on. Besides the climbing tower and slides, there are swings, merry-go-round, see-saws and more. A covered area with tables is available for large or small picnics or family gatherings. And there is also a stage open for the occasional live performance!
Windy Acres Pocket Park
Windy Acres Pocket Park has benches made of recycled concrete blocks, flower planters of recycled tires and a Gaga Ball Pit from recycled wood. Look to find Clarence the Rabbit, part of the "Rabbits of Rice County" project. (Learn more about Clarence on the bulletin board across the street.) The city's tornado shelter is also located in Windy Acres Park.
Outdoor Basketball Courts
The outdoor basketball courts in Bushton are a favorite place for kids and families to shoot a few baskets or engage in friendly competition. 3 baskets allow for fun for all ages. Occasionally the courts outdoor become a dance floor during summer music festivals. And during the back to school event, you may find water slides and bouncers for the kids.
First United Methodist Church
213 S 3rd St, Bushton 620-562-3393 Pastor Diana Webster
Sunday Worship @ 9am
Sunday School@10am
Salem Church
517 Ave E, Bushton 620-562-3334 Pastor Tom Reazin
Sunday School @ 9:45am Sunday Worship @ 10:45am
Wednesday: Flame for kids @ 7pm
Holy Name Catholic Church
296 3rd Rd, Bushton 620-257-3503 Father Babu (Bob) Pinninti
Mass times: 8am Sunday
8:15am Friday
Bushton Fire Department
The Bushton Fire Department depends on local volunteers to deliver essential emergency response services to the community. Their commitment is critical to maintaining effective emergency services in this rural community.
Bushton Recreation Commission
Bushton Rec plays an important role in supporting youth sports, maintaining the court and fields used for Central Plains Junior High games, and concessions during athletic events.
In addition, they maintains a community exercise room and organize recreational activities during community celebrations.
Bushton Community Center
The BCDI building, otherwise known as the Bushton Community Center is a gathering place for many kinds of community events from craft shows and community dinners to weddings and showers, to quilting bees. This wonderful facility includes a well maintained kitchen, plus large and small gathering rooms. It can be rented for any special event!
Bushton Plaza
Formerly Quivira Heights High School, the Bushton Plaza is now home to many businesses as well as the Bushton City offices. Central Plains Junior High ballgames are played in the gym as well. However, the commons, the kitchen and/or the gym may be rented for special community events and family reunions! Contact the city clerk for available dates.
Bushton Proud Inc
Bushton Proud Inc is a 501(c)(3) organization that was formed to draw individuals and various groups together within the City of Bushton and in the community beyond, in an umbrella organization, whose goal is to work with the community to:
· Plan and implement community events and activities
· Improve parks and create more recreational opportunities
· Promote the creation of community facilities and services
· Develop a more attractive community
· Create opportunities for economic development and tourism
· Provide opportunities for personal growth and leadership
Meeting times are generally the 2nd Monday of the month at 7pm. For more information, contact Nancy Swain at 620-727-7206
Geographic Center of Kansas Mural
In 2024 the Geographic Center of Kansas mural was painted by local citizens under the direction of artist Lissa Sexson as part of the Pieces of Rice County EPIC murals project.
Clarence the Rabbit Command Center Mural
Clarence the Rabbit is one of the Rabbits of Rice County. He was named after Lt Gen Clarence R Huebner, who was born and raised in Bushton. He is most notable for commanding the "Big Red 1" during the WWII landing in Normandy, France
Oiler Tree House Mural
The Oiler Tree House is a whimsical mural that compliments the stage in the city park. It is named for the school mascot and was painted by Nancy Swain and Becky Wasson thanks to a grant from the Kansas Dept of Commerce.