n 1934, during the dust storms and crop failures on the Plains, one man had a vision of an oasis with shaded green lawns and colorful gardens. Working with the city council, Howard T. Sawhill and his wife Vivian set forth a plan to build a park on an empty lot on Main Street in downtown St. Francis. With WPA workmen and federal funds, the park became a reality.
Today, Sawhill Park is the setting for many special events in St. Francis, including the annual Cheyenne County Car Show. Some years the Alumni Reunion holds events in the park; in the summer, families picnic and children enjoy the playground equipment. Outdoor productions are performed in the amphitheater with an attentive audience in the circle of auditorium seats.