KANSAS CITY - A popular park in the south part of Wichita has now been open for 60 years.
On May 15, 1965, the new Watson Park opened to the public.
Watson Park is located west of Broadway and east of McLean Blvd., between the Arkansas River & 30th Street South.
The park is named for O.J. Watson, former Park Board president, who served on the board from 1927 to 1963.
Included in Watson Park is a 42-acre lake, which was formed from four abandoned sand pits on land bought for about $170,000 by the city.
At 119 acres, Watson Park is among Wichita's larger parks; its unique features include a miniature train, pony rides, pedal boats, and a miniature golf course.
