The city of Bala was created by members of the Welsh Land and Immigration Society, who arrived in 1870 and purchased land from the Kansas Pacific Railroad. Their first settlement was Powys, named for a town in Wales. Due to water problems they moved two miles west and renamed their settlement Bala. A post office was established in 1871. The Rock Island Railroad came in 1887, established a new town, Bala City, 1 1/2 miles southwest of Bala. When Fort Riley expanded to the edge of town in the 1960's, the village died out, leaving the Presbyterian Church, built in 1890, which still stands today. Now, little is left in the town of Bala but a few houses.

The Bala Park lies just north of the old Rock Island Railroad line, and gives its visitors a great view of the large limestone bridge and the small creek that runs through it. Although the park has seen better days, the beauty of the area is not lost, with the sound of water trickling through, and the sheltered nature of the woods.

There are remarkable places in Kansas, and there are remarkable people in Kansas, and once in a while, in the same place you have both. Such is the case here. While so many jealously guard their property, Frank Williams, now since past, choose to make this little part of his farm not only accessible, but at no small expense to himself, he graveled the road to the park, trimmed trees, built a grill and provided picnic tables, all free and open to the public. The Williams' family continues to maintain the small park, which is in some ways a memorial to its creator and certainly a worthwhile place to visit.

Since this area is private property, and the Williams' family has been so gracious to grant us permission, I ask that you be as respectful to the property as possible. The geocache is hidden along the road leading into Bala Park. The Fort Riley Reservation begins just south of the metal bridge along the road, about .13 miles south of the entrance to the park, and although the owner has never had a problem with the reservation, it is best to stay on the public side of the property line. Signs can be seen that mark the property line. The area is also susceptible to flooding, so please put the cache back in place as best a possible to prevent it from floating away. The owner has asked that if the road leading into the park is muddy, to please walk in.

Please be respectful, and remember to bring a camera!