Imagine ICT: Your input will help shape the future of Wichita’s parks and recreation

Wichita, Kansas | December 9, 2025

By Claudia Amaro | Planeta Venus

Harrison Park - Wichita, Kansas. Picture by Claudia Amaro - Planeta Venus

Would you like to see better facilities in your local park or recreation programs that fit your family’s needs? Now you have a chance to influence those decisions. The City of Wichita and Sedgwick County want to hear your ideas for the future.

Through the “Imagine ICT” initiative— a yearlong planning effort launched in late 2025— officials are visiting different parts of the city, from community events to grocery stores, to learn what residents need, how they use public spaces, and where public funds should be invested to create more equitable and vibrant parks.

Reggie Davidson, director of the parks and recreation department in Wichita.

In an interview with Planeta Venus, Wichita Parks and Recreation Director Reggie Davidson said the project aims to be practical: “This isn’t a wish list, but a real roadmap based on data and funding strategies.” Community ideas are being reviewed and aligned with what the city can sustain and expand. By taking part, residents can help ensure that decisions are transparent and balance the care of existing spaces with future planning, guaranteeing fair access to quality services.

To achieve that goal, the project follows a scientific and participatory approach. The city hired experts from RDG Planning & Design and the ETC Institute to conduct reliable surveys, ensuring results reflect the whole community, not just those who speak up most often. Davidson noted that the team is going directly to where people are, setting up pop-up events in every district so anyone can participate without transportation barriers.

Inclusion is an absolute priority, he said. “We’re trying to make sure representation is present—maybe having a Spanish speaker there, or someone using sign language—so those aren’t barriers for people to share their opinions.” He added that the project website includes digital translation tools so everyone can take part.

The strategy is to plan. “We’re being intentional by offering events across districts and doing pop-ups where we know the community will show up,” Davidson explained. For those who prefer using technology, he mentioned the interactive tool “Social Pinpoint,” which allows users to select a specific location and add comments about what they’d like to see there, helping make improvements more precise.

The master plan also takes a deep look at the current situation. The steering committee has already identified assets, such as the river and the zoo, as well as challenges, including limited maintenance resources and safety issues in areas with homeless encampments. This analysis will guide consultants as they conduct a “Gap Analysis” to identify which neighborhoods need more parks or better connectivity, helping future investments address past inequities.

Key dates and events

Now the community has a chance to get involved. The Imagine ICT team will gather input at these key events during the winter:

• Friday, Dec. 5: Winter Wonderland at Naftzger Park (6–8 p.m.)

• Saturday, Dec. 6: Brewer Community Center Grand Opening (9:30–11:30 a.m.)

• Saturday, Dec. 13: Sam’s Club on N. Maize Rd. (11 a.m.–1 p.m.) and Watson’s Christmas Express at O.J. Watson Park (5–7 p.m.)

• Tuesday, Jan. 20: Walmart, 5475 N. Meridian (12–2 p.m.)

• Wednesday, Jan. 21: Walmart, 6110 W. Kellogg (11 a.m.–1 p.m.)

• Major Event – Open House: Wednesday, Jan. 21 at Boston Recreation Center Gym (4:30–7 p.m.)

• 
  

In January, some residents will receive a mailed survey, and by February, it will be available online for everyone.