KANSAS CITY - The city of Wichita will apply for a state grant that would fund enhancements to Botanica.
The $7.295 million grant from the Kansas Water Office Water Projects grant fund would help pay for a water reclamation and education project.
Lindsay Benacka, the city's Director of Arts and Cultural Services, said if the city is awarded the grant, the project could get started soon, as early as 2026.
The council selected PM AM Corporation to manage the city’s false alarm ordinance requirements. The contract is valid for one year, with the option to renew for four one-year terms.
Also at Tuesday's meeting, the council approved finalizing designs of three public art projects around the city, currently at 30 percent completion.
The first project includes improvements under construction along the west bank of the Arkansas River, between Douglas and Maple. The total project cost is $12.7 million, including $700 thousand for the art work.
Improvements to the Redbud Trail in northeast Wichita from Woodlawn to K-96 will include a 12-foot wide pedestrian bridge over Rock Road. The $12.1 million price tag includes $300 thousand for the art work on the bridge. The city has received $4.4 million in federal funding.
Construction should begin next year for a gateway to Delano and artwork along Douglas. The budget totals nearly $11.9 million, including $400 thousand in artwork. The city received $3.9 million in federal funding for this project.
Finally, the council selected an outside firm to create a new master plan for the city's park system.
RDG Planning & Design was selected to complete the study, which is expected to take around a year. It will cost the city just over $301 thousand.
The city says the plan will aid in aligning investments with community needs, maximizing park land utilization, delivering exceptional recreational services, creating a feasible strategic roadmap and implementing sustainable investment strategies.
The last master plan update for Park and Recreation was completed in 2016.