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District 5
District 5
Newsletter
Council Member Bryan Frye
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A message from Bryan Frye |
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Earlier this month, City Council approved funding for Phase 3 of Pracht Wetlands Park improvements. This will include the continuation of the steel boardwalk, a duck blind pause point, and corresponding art components. We initiated $200,000 to begin design and project administration.
If you've never visited Pracht Wetlands, it is a hidden gem right here in District 5. The 91-acre educational and recreational wetland park is located near 29th Street and Maize Road.
It's one of the few remaining wetlands in the Midwest. Pracht Wetlands provides a safe haven for migratory birds, muskrats, frogs and many other wildlife species while giving visitors a sensory experience with the use of elevated boardwalks, lush vegetation and bird blind structures.
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Pracht Wetlands is an amazing public private partnership that benefits the neighborhood, the city and the region. Private interests donated much of the land for this park to save an urban wetland - which was once Cadillac Lake. The protected wetlands designation and subsequent improvements helped to reduce neighborhood flooding while also preserving a wildlife sanctuary. It has since increased property, sales & hotel tax with the adjacent development, and created an ecotourism opportunity. It's not uncommon to see license plates from all over the state & Midwest in the parking lot at Pracht.
The first two phases were completed in 2019. The land was originally used for duck hunting and farming by the Pracht family. The family sold the land to Slawson Companies, who donated 56 acres to the City of Wichita. The Park has won the 2019 KRPA Innovative Program Award and awards from American Planning Association and the American Society of Landscape Architects.
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Wichita City Council
District 5 Council Member
Phone: 316.268.4331
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City Council Meeting Highlights |
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Here are a few highlights from the recent Wichita City Council meetings: |
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Tuesday, October 4. To watch the full council meeting, click here.
- Approved the use of IRBs for expansion at JR Custom Metals and a new spec industrial building in southwest Wichita.
- Took next steps on improving the wastewater treatment plants in south Wichita by approving contracts for design services, the submission of the WIFIA & SRF applications and the adoption of the full project budget.
- Authorized the funding for phase 3 project improvements at Pracht Wetlands Park.
- Designated the Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights Advisory Board to serve as the Naming Advisory Committee for the over-naming of Volutsia in honor of Pastor L.E. Montgomery.
- Approved the 2023 Annual Agency Plan & 2023-2027 Capital Fund Grant Five-Year Action Plan of the Wichita Housing Authority..
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Tuesday, October 11. To watch the full council meeting, click here.
- Accepted a grant to create a community fishery at Watson Park.
- Approved a budget to help improve railroad crossings throughout the city.
- Passed an ordinance creating the Wichita/Sedgwick County Food & Farm Council.
- Accepted a grant award for additional firefighter positions to increase staffing for truck companies.
- Consolidated lease agreements for Yingling Aviation on Wichita Eisenhower National Airport property.
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Public Interviews Police Chief Candidates During Public Forum |
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If you weren't able to attend, you can watch the entire forum below to see how the candidates answered questions from the community.
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City Asking for Feedback in Annual Survey |
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On Friday, October 14, 5,000 randomly selected recipients from all 6 districts will receive postcards in the mail. Individuals selected will have the option to complete the survey online. Instructions will be detailed on the postcards.
On October 21, a second letter will be sent in the mail with the survey in paper form for those who prefer that method.
The survey will ask residents their opinions about local government services as well as resident priorities. The results are compared to results from prior year surveys (back to 2006) and other communities.
This is similar to surveys we have administered in the past. However, this survey will be administered on an annual basis.
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National School Lunch Week |
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Did you know more than 49,600 meals are served in Wichita Public Schools each day? USD259 receives 15 semi trucks loaded with food each week!
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Thanks to a donation by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, Storytime Village in partnership with Moolah Wireless is distributing free 10” Android tablets to qualifying families.
Families must qualify for free or reduced lunch to receive a tablet. Only one (1) tablet per family.
Tablet distribution is Saturday, November 19 from 10am to 4pm at Century II.
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Landlord Meeting for Housing Choice Voucher Program |
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On October 19th the Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance program (Section 8) will be hosting a come and go information session for landlords. This will be an opportunity for landlords that are currently on the program to meet with HCV staff and discuss any questions or issues that they might have. It is also a time for owners and landlords that are interested in joining the program to learn about it and get more information about how they can use their properties to positively impact the community, while also enjoying a stable income stream. Light refreshment will be served.
Date: October 19, 2022
Time: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Location: Evergreen Community Center, 2601 N. Arkansas, Wichita, KS 67204 - EverDream Classroom
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Superhero Training at Westlink Library |
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At Superhero Training on Sunday, October 16, 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the Westlink Branch Library, kids ages 3-8 will stretch their muscles and test their super powers with obstacle courses, exercises and games. Bring a t-shirt to cut into a superhero cape.
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Have you visited Pracht Wetlands? |
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Results from the previous poll |
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Which is the superior fall drink?
Pumpkin Spice Latte - 28.8%
Apple Cider - 34.1%
Neither - 37.1%
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Invite Us to Your HOA or NA Meeting |
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Do you have questions about roadwork or crime in your area? Would you like to get a report from a City Official at your next HOA or NA meeting?
Send us an invitation!
Send an email to City Council Member Bryan Frye (bfrye@wichita.gov) or Community Services Representative Cory Buchta (cbuchta@wichita.gov) and we will coordinate an appearance with you.
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It is important to keep the contact information for your Homeowner Association up to date.
Contact information will be included in a database that is used for distributing information that may affect your area. For example, if a new development is being considered in your neighborhood and notification is necessary, then your contact may be notified.
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City of Wichita | wichita.gov |
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