Derby Community Foundation

This Memorial Day, we honor the courageous individuals who gave their lives in service to our country. At the Derby Community Foundation, we are reminded of the power of community, service, and sacrifice. We are grateful to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and to all who continue to carry their legacy forward.

Parsons’ posthumous sculpture makes debut What started back in 2019 finally culminated with an official introduction this week, as the latest of the Derby Community Foundation’s bronze statues — one of the last pieces created

Thank You, Derby!
What a wonderful celebration and meaningful moment as we officially unveiled MEMORIES, the newest bronze statue in our community, located at the new Derby Senior Center (southwest side of the building). We are so grateful to everyone who joined us—community members, Derby Community Foundation Board members, and City leaders—and for being part of this special occasion.

A heartfelt thank you to Bill and Reba Smith, whose vision and generosity commissioned this beautiful piece, created by artist John Parsons, whose talent brought MEMORIES to life.

We appreciate the continued support of public art in Derby and the many partnerships that make projects like this possible. Thank you for helping us celebrate connection, storytelling, and community.

✨ If you haven’t already, we invite you to visit MEMORIES at the Derby Senior Center and enjoy this special piece of public art. ✨

Photo credit: Barney Tull

We’re excited to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Derby Community Garden at Refugium—a space where community, sustainability, and connection take root. 🌿

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Derby Community Foundation was proud to support this project through a Community Enrichment grant—helping bring this vibrant community space to life!

This FREE event includes:
🌻 Garden tours & plot rentals
🌻 Master Gardeners on site
🌻 Kids activities
🌻 Local vendors like Botanica, Heartsong Collective, DRC, Coffeehouse Coffee, Kansas Honey Association producers, Renata’s Plant Bus, Shawarma Urs Food Truck, Scouts, and more!

This is more than a garden—it’s a place to grow together. We hope to see you there! 💚

Join us for the unveiling of a new bronze sculpture, an addition to Derby’s longstanding public art tradition!

Bronze sculptures have long been an important part of Derby’s landscape - telling stories, honoring individuals, and enhancing our shared spaces. Join community leaders, donors, and residents as we officially unveil the newest addition and recognize the generosity and vision that made it possible.

April 20, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.
At the new Derby Senior Center
1315 S. Rock Rd.
Southwest side of the building
Please park along Woodbrook Lane for direct access to the unveiling site.