After 18 months of research, the City of Wichita unveiled the first draft of its nearly two-decade plan to improve city recreation.

"We want to focus on the wellness of our community, the values of parks and recreation to this community," said Doug Kupper, director of parks and recreation for Wichita.

"To have something to shoot for and work towards, that goal is just good business and good for the community," said Gerald Marsh, a district 4 advisory board member.

The PROS plan calls for parks within two miles of every resident, eight new parks in the city and 15 in the 2030 growth area. It also makes room for more neighborhood centers, trails and improvements to current recreation areas.

"I think it's a good idea to get the land now," said Hestel Sewell, who's also a member of the district 4 advisory board.

While the development spans 20 years, planners say this is an early draft and changes are expected.

"If the city stops growing at the pace it is, there may be fewer needs for parks in those outer fringe areas," said Kupper.

The city spends about $4 million in capital improvement funds a year on parks and recreation in addition to a budget of nearly $12 million a year.
Rough estimates for the pros plan over two decades, officials say, come in around $600 million.

The city will meet with district advisory boards in November to refine the plan, but many board members said they're impressed with the initial report.

"I think it's great they're being proactive and the city is trying to look ahead," said Marsh.

The public will get a chance to check out the plan first hand this Saturday at 9 a.m. at City Arts, 344 N. Mead.

If you'd like to look at the project, click on the link below.