The Wichita City Council has approved a new, 30-year lease with Botanica.
Botanica says the new agreement will improve their ability to apply for grants and to develop and improve the existing grounds. Botanica plans to expand their footprint within Sim Park, to the west of the amphitheater. Future plans include a conservatory and greenhouse complex, with a comprehensive water reclamation and education project.
Executive Director Dr. Lynette Zimmerman says the organization is thinking forward. She added that the expansion project would require an access point to the facility closer to the riverside parking lot. However, there are no plans to close the original, main entrance.
The city will continue to own the property while Botanica will operate and care for the gardens. Botanica opened to the public in May 1987.
The Wichita Police Department will soon have several new vehicles that will provide necessary workspace and equipment to operate during critical events.
The City Council approved a $2.65 million contract to purchase a new bomb squad vehicle, a command vehicle and two mobile community outreach vehicles.
The department's current bomb squad vehicle, purchased in the post-9/11 era, is now 21 years old and has developed mechanical issues.
While the total initial proposal will cost just shy of $2.4 million for all the vehicles, the funding will not exceed $2.65 million and will come from the city's adopted Capital Improvement Program.
