Moving here from Indianapolis, the Pattersons discovered there's really a lot here for a young family to do. "And so much of it is free -- the water parks, the trails, the zoo, the nature center," enthuses Aubrey. Their older daughter, Sadye, thoroughly enjoys these amenities and Lydia will soon be old enough to join in.

"There's an emphasis on children," and Lance feels that is obvious in many ways including, "There's lots of youth recreation, for example, and they make it easy to participate." Aubrey stresses, "Reno County has quality public education systems. And daycare and preschool are easily accessible.
They're affordable here, too."

They are impressed with such distinctive qualities as Hutchinson being home for the NJCAA National Basketball Tournament, that the college's Dillon Lecture Series brings in such prominent speakers, and the commitment made that led to the modernization and expansion of Gowan Stadium.

"Things are really well maintained here," Aubrey observes. "Overall, it's such a pretty area -- nice and clean. And there's a greater sense of safety."

Lance is director of operations for Boys & Girls Club. Aubrey is president and executive director of Hutchinson Community Foundation. As energetic young professionals, they want to be contributors to their community. "In larger cities, we wouldn't have the opportunities to get involved,"
Lance comments, "And that's very important to us."

Return to Home Page