City Parks Wichita Wild Habitat Areas
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Wichita Wild Habitat Areas

The Wichita Wild Habitat Areas provide places for people within the city to experience the native habitats of Kansas. Prairies, woodlands, wetlands and streams are encompassed within the Wichita Wild parks.

These areas may be visited any day, year round, and offer a refreshing break from busy city life, whether you want to take a brisk hike, do a little birdwatching or just enjoy some peace and quiet.

Out of the 144 public parks, 12 parks and 3 undeveloped properties are designated Wichita Wild. Maintaining a natural appearance within the parks requires specific management goals and procedures.

Land Management

Specialized land management is required to maintain the natural appearance of these parks. Non-native plants such as Johnson Grass, Garlic Mustard, Bush Honeysuckle and Eastern Red Cedar threaten the health of native prairie and riparian forest habitats.

Several management techniques are used to combat the infestation of invasive plant species, including volunteer service projects, chemical or mechanical removal, and prescribed or controlled burning.

Prescribed Burns

Prescribed burns are implemented by trained staff from Park Maintenance from January through March. Fire is a natural occurrence in prairie habitats which controls the spread of invasive species, removes excessive plant debris that blocks sunlight from reaching the soil which is required for the health of native grasses, and provides essential nutrients to the soil.

Cessna Park - West

Gypsum Creek runs along the west side of the park.

Visit Cessna Park - West

Chisholm Creek Park

The park area south of the K-96 bypass is designated as a Wichita Wild Habitat area.

Prescribed Burn Plan

Visit Chisholm Creek Park

Cottonwood Park

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Visit Cottonwood Park

Dr. Glen Dey Park

Prescribed Burn Plan

Visit Dr. Glen Dey Park

Hellers Park

Prescribed Burn Plan

Visit Hellers Park

Mead Island

Accessible only by boat.

Visit Mead Island

Meadows Park

Nature trail goes through WWH area.

Prescribed Burn Plan

Visit Meadows Park

Oak Park

Nature trails run through the WWH area.

Visit Oak Park

Pawnee Prairie Park

Prescribed Burn Plan

Visit Pawnee Prairie Park

Sim Park

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Visit Sim Park

South Lakes Park

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Visit South Lakes Park

Swanson Park

Prescribed Burn Plan

Visit Swanson Park