LARNED — Jason Gillig believes working in Pawnee County is a perfect way for the Hutton Construction office staff and craftsmen to work side-by-side.
Hutton crews from Wichita teamed with Larned’s Eakin Sand & Gravel to construct a 1,300-foot by eight foot sidewalk for the proposed Splash Pad renovation project at Doerr-Vernon Park.
Gillig said everyone wants to be part of a project where Hutton crews donate their time and labor.
“It’s always fun to get away and this gives us an opportunity to mix our craftsmen and field workers with office management on the job site,” Gillig said. “The best part is upper management gets to spend time with the craftsmen. It always gives everyone an appreciation of what everyone does.”
Sure enough, Ben Hutton, Hutton president, grabbed a concrete rake and worked next to guys who do that job every day.
Gillig estimates the labor and materials for the sidewalk work would be more than $45,000. Hutton employees donate their time and labor on a half-dozen projects a year.   
Hutton operates an office staff out of Garden City, so Gillig is familiar with work in smaller-sized towns outside Sedgwick County. J.R. Robl, a development project employee, discovered the opportunity to assist with the Splash Pad project. 
“Donating labor on some community projects is part of our culture of giving back and being part of a community,” he said. “We do a lot of work in the smaller rural communities. They need the help.”
Gillig said Thursday’s weather was ideal, cool with light winds.
“The nicest thing about smaller towns is everyone is so nice and appreciative. It’s fun doing good work for good people.”
He said the employees enjoy their work.
“They enjoy putting their talent to good use and they are proud of the work they do,” he said.   
Gillig said Charlie Haas, Walking Trail committee chair; and Todd Turner of Eakin Sand & Gravel provided valuable assistance.
Crews formed the sidewalk and poured sand and concrete Thursday after preliminary dirt work was completed. Doerr-Vernon Park is being renovated into a Splash Pad featuring a Fort Larned Frontier theme.
The public is invited to help with Extreme Makeover, The Playground Edition Saturday and Sunday.
The work crews will be assisted by The Larned Chamber Ambassadors Saturday and Sunday. Volunteers are welcome.
Meals will be provided from area churches and free day-care will be offered from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. The work schedule is 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.