City of Wichita officials have scheduled a groundbreaking for 10 a.m. today to celebrate improvements to Buffalo Park, 10201 Hardtner.

Councilman Bryan Frye and other community leaders are scheduled to attend the event; the park rests in Frye’s west-side, District V.

“This splash water play feature will be an example of the ongoing commitment of the Park & Recreation Department to provide safe activities for all of our citizens, said” Bryan Frye, District V City Council member. “Thank you to all the partners and stakeholders who made and are still making Buffalo Park a jewel of our community.”

The groundbreaking will highlight the addition of a brand new interactive splash park that is themed after the native Kansas landscape; a new shade shelter with picnic tables; and new restrooms with drinking fountains.

The $1.5 million improvement project is possible due, in part, to a $250,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant through the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.

Wichita Park & Recreation supports eight recreation centers, nine swimming pools, 52 athletic fields, five golf courses, six interactive fountains, numerous adult and youth-based activities and athletics programs and 2,407 acres of rights-of-way.