
The Wichita City Council gave approval to four improvement projects to its city parks, worth a combined $14.1 million.
The council approved the master plan for L. W. Clapp Park in southeast Wichita. The city has approximately $2.5 million budgeted in 2023 and in 2024 for phase 1 of the project.

The council approved $8 million for the Carl G. Brewer Community Events Center in McAdams Park. Initiation of the project, architect selection and design should be complete by summer 2022, with construction and art work completed by fall 2023.
Council members also approved the final plan for Chester I. Lewis Reflection Square Park, in downtown Wichita. It will serve as an entry plaza for the Kansas Health Science Center, slated to open in July 2022. The project has a budget of $800 thousand.
Finally, look for future improvements at South Lakes Park at 47th Street South and Meridian. The council approved $300 thousand to begin the design phase of the project. The parks department proposes building a "Pickle Plex" at the park, which could include up to 20 pickle ball courts, a clubhouse, seating, lighting and other improvements.
In other news, the council approved $11.5 million for its pavement preservation program next year.
The city plans to mitigate many of its poorest condition streets and to replace failing brick crosswalks with stamped colored concrete.
In 2011, the city preserved just 72 lane miles. In 2022, the city plans to complete 364 lane miles, a stat that was not lost on council member Bryan Frye, who applauded city staff for their work. In 2017, the city preserved 813 lane miles of Wichita streets.
The council also approved an independent audit services contract with Eide Bailly, a top 25 accounting firm based in Fargo, North Dakota. One year of service will cost the city $225 thousand. The city will then have four 1-year renewal options.