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A New Chapter for the

DYS Property

The City of Clay is excited to begin planning the future of the former DYS property — 540 acres of green space, trails, and history located right in our community. Our goals for this property include:

  • Preserving and protecting the land's natural terrain, wildlife, and historic features
  • Restoring what can be saved, including historic structures on the site, while safely clearing what cannot
  • Pursuing grant funding to bring these plans to life responsibly, without straining city resources
  • Working toward city ownership of the property for the long-term benefit of Clay residents

This is a long-term, phased project, and we need your help shaping it. We're looking for community input on a new name and a mission statement for the property, along with your ideas for how this land can best serve Clay for generations to come.

Have suggestions? Email Us!

DYS TOWNHALL

The City of Clay hosted a DYS Townhall on July 13, 2026, during which the ad hoc committee presented an update on the 540-acre former Department of Youth Services property that the city leases from the state (75-year lease). The property was heavily damaged in the January 2012 tornado and has been neglected/overgrown since, but the city is excited to begin the work of clearing, restoring, and reimagining this property into trails, gathering spaces, and natural areas for everyone in Clay to enjoy.

Watch the DYS Property TourWatch the DYS Townhall

DYS Property Documents