WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - The City of Wichita has approved spending $300,000 to make improvements to the city's dog parks this year. 

The City Council unanimously approved the measure during its regular meeting Tuesday. 

A total of $600,000 is set aside in the city’s Capital Improvement Program for the project. Half the money is available this year and the other in 2024.

“Not only do people love pets, but really want the best for their pet, and if we want to keep Wichita a vibrant city, we have to respond to the wishes of the public,” Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple said.

Whipple said the push for the project came from public feedback. Lily Graham visits K9 Rooster Dog Park in northwest Wichita with her dog Winnie almost daily and said any improvements are welcome.

“This area has a lot of potential, and a lot of people use this park, so any improvement that is made will be appreciated,” Graham said.

Specifically, city leaders are looking to add more shaded areas and take measures to make sure water is not collecting in the grass at K9 Rooster Park. Graham said the same people come every day, and her new community is excited about the funds.

“There’s a whole lot of ideas, but honestly, anything that is done is going to be a good call,” she said.

The City’s Capital Improvement Program is a 10 year long term strategy for improving infrastructure in Wichita. Whipple said it lets the City not only change, but maintain the dog parks.

“It’s an icebreaker,” he said. “One of the things I love about being mayor is seeing folks, ‘Hey, can I pet your dog?’ And then you find you make new friends. You wind up having these conversations with otherwise strangers.”

The city currently has five dog parks.