City of Wichita officials held a ribbon-cutting today to showcase improvements at Buffalo Park, located at 10201 Hardtner. Improvements included a prairie-themed design, a water playground, a restroom, two shelters and expanded parking. The water playground’s other features include:
- A buffalo head with eyes that light and nostrils that mist.
- Indian grass sculptures reminiscent of the tallgrass prairie.
- Limestone walls and seats representing the nearby Flint Hills.
- Native grass plantings surrounding the area.
- A plaza of varied colored concrete in the shape of a grass seed head.
“This splash water play feature will be an example of the ongoing commitment of the City to provide safe activities that improve our quality of life,” said Council member Bryan Frye, whose west-side District V includes Buffalo Park.”
The $1.65 million project includes $250,000 in Land & Water Conservation funds administered by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism. The City of Wichita’s 2011-2020 CIP includes $500,000 in 2012 and $500,000 in 2013 for Buffalo Park construction. The funding source is General Obligation Bonds for the base project.
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.
