Boating

All boating activities are "at your risk". The City of Wichita and the Department of Park & Recreation are not responsible for damages or injury caused or allegedly caused by boating activities on the Big Arkansas River. Please be aware that the river bottom is very shallow in many areas and boating should be done with extreme caution and only after a slow surveillance of the entire boating area by the boat operator prior to use.

Boating shall be confined to the center portion of the river.

Need to register a motorized water craft in Kansas for lakes and other bodies of water? Visit the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism page here.

Non-motorized Craft

Non-motorized craft may operate within the area between the Lincoln Street Dam and the Amidon/Meridian Bridge. Do NOT proceed up river from the Amidon/Meridian Bridge. The area near the 21st Street Bridge is hazardous.

Non-motorized craft must stay 50 feet away from the "Falls Area" at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers.

Speed Limits

Maximum speed limit is 40 mph.

All Craft

All Federal and State regulations pertaining to boats and equipment, boating activities, boating safety, and safety equipment are in effect for all watercraft operating within the designated area.

Upon a signal or request from an occupant of a duly marked police boat, a uniformed officer on the bank, or any duly appointed representative of the Department of Park and Recreation, all watercraft shall immediately dock at the nearest bank indicated.

All boats must stay 150 feet from the Lincoln Street Dam.

What's against the law?

No motorized watercraft (boats, jetskies) is allowed on the river.
Riding on an elevated deck.
Riding or operating a boat on the Big Arkansas while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Possessing or consuming any alcoholic liquor or cereal malt beverage on board any watercraft.
Placing buoys on the river without written permission from the City of Wichita, Department of Park and Recreation.
Throwing items from a boat or bridge.
Using the river during high water. Ramp will be closed.
Boat racing without special permit.
Using kites or parachutes.

Boat Ramp

The boat ramp area is defined as the area between the Lewis Street Bridge and Kellogg Overpass Bridge. The boat ramp will be locked at 9:00pm. Unlawful use of the boat ramp is subject to penalty or prosecution.

Boat Trailers

Boats requiring trailers must use the designated boat ramp.

Time spent on the ramp must be kept to a minimum.

The ramp may not be used for boat repairs.

Concessions

No person or organization shall operate any concession from within the designated area, which sells or rents boats or boat rides without written permission from the City of Wichita, Department of Park and Recreation.

Fishing

No fishing allowed from a boat or bridge in the designated area.

Swimming

No swimming allowed in the designated area.

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Park Hours
All parks are closed between 12 midnight and 6:00 am unless otherwise posted.
City Ordinance
Unless otherwise posted, or as provided for in this chapter, the use of all park property and recreation facilities is prohibited, without a permit, from the hours of midnight to 6:00 a.m.