Ahead of start of the Kansas Legislature’s 2026 session, members of local governing entities like the city, school district and Derby Recreati…
After months of collaboration, the Derby Recreation Commission (DRC) is recommending a partnership with the city of Derby to install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at two of the city’s busiest parks. At the monthly DRC board meeting, the board unanimously voted to approve a contribution of $20,000 to the city of Derby for the project.
“This is one we’ve been working on for quite a while now,” DRC Superintendent Chris Drum said. “There’s a lot of passion not only in this room, but throughout our entire organization.”
DRC board member Rick Ruff and his family provided a $10,000 donation to the DRC for the installation of AEDs in parks.
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The proposal calls for five AEDs housed in secure SaveStation cabinets — with three at Decarsky Park and two at High Park — for a total cost of $31,387. The DRC has already earmarked $10,000 in its budget for the project, and board member Rick Ruff and his family have pledged a matching $10,000 donation, bringing the commission’s contribution to $20,000. The city of Derby is expected to cover the remaining $11,387 pending City Council approval later this month.
Under the agreement, the DRC would forward its $20,000 contribution to the city, which would oversee ordering, installation and long-term maintenance of the units.
The SaveStation AED cabinets include remote monitoring, cellular connectivity, real-time recording, built-in cameras, lighting and alarms. The units also feature heating and ventilation systems to protect the AEDs during extreme weather.
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Data shared with the board shows that Sedgwick County has recorded 28 cardiac arrest calls at recreational or sports complexes over the past five years, underscoring the importance of rapid access to life-saving equipment. That helped the DRC decide on the locations of the AEDs.
“We’re really excited about adding that extra level of safety in our parks,” Drum said. “Decarsky Park and High Park are the highest volume in terms of guests, spectators and participants, so we feel like it’s a great place to start.”
The SaveStation cabinets include remote monitoring, cellular connectivity, real-time recording, built-in cameras, lighting and alarms. The units also feature heating and ventilation systems to protect the AEDs during extreme weather. The AED models align with those already used in other city facilities.
Ruff, who survived a cardiac emergency four years ago, said the project carries special meaning, and the installation of SaveStations will prove to be worth the cost to make responses quicker when emergencies occur.
“It is a personal thing to me,” Ruff said. “Four years ago, I was lucky the man upstairs was watching out over me, and I was five minutes from the fire department that saved me. If we can do that quicker at one of these parks and save somebody, every penny is worth it.”
The SaveStation has four years of cellular service included with the purchase. After that period, the DRC and city will work together to address continued data costs. Additional expenses, such as replacement pads and batteries, are expected to be minimal compared to the initial investment.
A motion was made to provide $20,000 to the city of Derby, contingent upon the city approving its remaining share of funding. The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Feb. 24. The DRC hopes this will help create safer parks, and eventually be added to other parks around Derby.
“We’re really pleased to be able to partner with the city and provide this extra layer of safety for our community members who enjoy our parks,” Drum said. “Hopefully this is just the initial phase … we’d like to continue to build on this effort.
Cody Friesen is the sports editor for the Derby Informer. Contact him with sports tips at sports@derbyinformer.com, and follow @Derby_Sports on Twitter for the latest updates.
