Wichita’s park system is set to grow in the coming years.
The last time the city approved a Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces plan was in 2008. But a lot has changed since then—namely, the economy.
At a City Council workshop this week, the parks department outlined a new plan to reinvest in its current parks and expand into sites in east and west Wichita.
One of the biggest additions will be the Crystal Prairie Lake Park. Principal planner Larry Hoetmer says the 425-acre park will be built near the former Brooks Landfill in northwest Wichita and will feature a lake for swimming, fishing and boating.
“Crystal Prairie Lake Park is a wonderful park," he said. "It's...what we think is going to be a signature legacy park for the city of Wichita."
The department is rethinking its park maintenance priorities and is looking for ways--like special assessments and tax increment financing--to bring in new funding to pay for improvements and expansion.
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