3022 S McLean Blvd, 67217 | 119.00 acres |
(316) 529-9940
O.J. Watson Park was dedicated on May 22, 1965. Named in honor of former Board of Park Commissioner President O.J. Watson, it is one of the largest parks in the City of Wichita park system. Prior to development, the site was four sand pits.
The beautiful 119 acre site offers a rustic setting which includes a 40-acre lake for fishing and pedal boats. A Kansas Fishing license is required to fish. Concessions and bait are available at the concession facility during spring, summer and fall. Additional amenities include a miniature train ride , pony rides, miniature golf, sand volleyball courts, a campfire circle, hayrack rides a Community Facility, open shelters, charcoal grills , 3 playgrounds, drinking fountains, 510 paved parking stalls, and restroom facilities. O.J. Watson park is also part of the Arkansas River Bicycle Path.
Admission to the park is free, but a fee is charged for participation in some activities and all rides. Open Shelters, the Community Facility, campfire circle, and hayrack rides are available by reservation. The park also offers over 100 picnic tables on a first come/first served basis.
The park offers a variety of recreational and educational programming for all ages. Check our Activities Guide for dates, times and fees
Hours
Spring (Mar 14 - May 26)
Hours:
Mon-Sun: 9am-9pm
Rides Open:
Fri: 5pm-dusk
Sat-Sun: 12pm-dusk
Summer (May 27 - Aug 11)
Hours:
Mon-Sun: 9am-9pm
Rides Open:
Mon-Sun: 12-7pm
Fall (Aug 12 - Sep 29)
Hours:
Mon-Sun: 8am-10pm
Rides Open:
Fri: 5pm-dusk
Sat-Sun: 12pm-dusk
Fall (October)
Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm
Rides Open:
Sat-Sun: 12pm-dusk
Winter (Nov 1 - Mar 13)
Hours:
Mon-Sun: 8am-4pm
Rides closed
Shelter Rentals
Please visit our Outdoor Open Shelter/Gazebo Rentals page for more information on how to rent a shelter at O.J. Watson Park.
Outdoor Open Shelter/Gazebo Rentals
Activities
Watson Park offers three children's playgrounds of varying size, shape and surfaces.
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Northeast Playground - rubber pour-in-place safety surface
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Southeast Playground - sand safety surface
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West Playground - sand safety surface
Enjoy fishing at its finest in our two fishing lakes which has a total of 42 surface acres and maximum depth of 16 feet. Catch largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, wipers, crappie, grass carp, and hybrid sunfish. The two lakes are operated by Wichita Park & Recreation. Bait can be purchased at the Concessions building.
A state license is required and not sold at Watson Park.
Visit our lighted 18-hole miniature golf course.
Fee: $3/person
Choo choo - exciting news! The new miniature train is HERE!!! Enjoy a ride on our real miniature train through the beautiful scenery of Watson Park. The ride is for all ages, but each rider must purchase a ticket.
Fee: $3/person
Rent an inflatable for your next party or special event here at Watson Park! Rental of a shelter (except Shelter #2) is required to rent any inflatable. A $50 refundable deposit is required for each inflatable.
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Train Inflatable: $90 | 15' x 15' bouncer
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Bouncin' Barnyard Combo: $120 | 16' x 20' with an attached slide
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Castle/Slide Combo: $120 | 15' x 15' with an attached slide
No outside inflatables are allowed to be brought into Watson Park. You must rent one of our inflatables.
Rent a Kayak
Kayaks are available for rent from 10am – 7pm at OJ Watson Park. Please check in at the office to rent a kayak by the hour. Riders must be 12 or older to rent a kayak. If under the age of 18, a guardian must be present to complete paperwork each time. Kayak weight limit is 250 lbs. Every rider must wear a life jacket, which will be provided. Riders must leave photo ID in the office during rental.
Fee: $10
Bring Your Own Kayak & Purchase a Pass
Individuals that have their own kayak may purchase a pass for the day (or year) and enjoy kayaking on the water at OJ Watson Park between 10am – 7pm.
Daily Fee: $5 | Yearly Fee: $50
Watson Park offers 16 pedal boats, each capable of holding up to three adults and one child. The maximum number of people allowed in the boat is four. The fourth person must be under the age of six. All riders under the age of 12 must wear a lifejacket. No fishing is allowed from the boat.
Fee: $3/person for 30 minutes
Riders must be under the age of 10, under 60 pounds and be able to hold onto the saddle by themselves. Adults are not allowed to walk next to the ponies.
Fee: $3/person
Save on your amusements by purchasing one of our coupon books. Redeemable on any amusement, prices are as follows:
$20/8 ct | $50/20 ct | $80/40 ct | $175/100 ct
32 sand volleyball courts are conveniently located near parking and restrooms. Volleyball nets are also available for rent.
