Clapp Park Master Plan Update Coming to DAB |
- 6:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 7
- Zoom and Facebook Live
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Click here for meeting details
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The public will have an opportunity to review the proposed final concept for the Clapp Park Master Plan at the upcoming District 3 Advisory Board meeting.
Park & Recreation Director Troy Houtman and staff from the Design Team will share their design, discuss the master planning process, and answer questions and take feedback from the public.
This meeting is one of the few remaining opportunities for the public to weigh in on the Clapp Park Master Plan prior to the plan being presented to City Council for adoption in early 2021.
Learn more about the design and process through the links below!
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Join Us for an Open Conversation on Community Policing |
- Saturday, October 3
- 9-10:30 a.m.
- Zoom and Facebook Live
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Click here for meeting details
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Join Council Member James Clendenin and District 3 Community Policing Officers for an open Q&A session at the virtual October breakfast meeting.
During this meeting, CP officers will brief the group on their role within the Wichita Police Department and their community engagement efforts. They will field any questions residents have about community issues, neighborhood happenings, WPD policies, crime trends, etc.
This is a great opportunity to meet or reconnect with the officers working to keep our neighborhoods safe and healthy.
Click here to learn more about community policing and to see who your community police officer is.
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Hilltop Spruces Up Community Center |
On September 25, staff from Dear Neighbor and volunteers from the Hilltop neighborhood partnered with City of Wichita Park & Recreation staff to give a little TLC to their community center.
The group worked for three hours to liven up the parking lot by given a fresh coat of paint to each parking stall.
For the last two years, Dear Neighbor has leased the Hilltop Community Center, located at 1329 S. Terrace, from the City. Dear Neighbor utilizes the center to offer free services and programming to residents throughout Hilltop. Dear Neighbor frequently collaborates with the Hilltop Neighborhood Association to organize community celebrations and events, hold an annual neighborhood cleanup, address community concerns, and conduct community improvement projects.
The recent Hilltop Community Center parking lot restriping project is just one more example of the care and investment Dear Neighbor and Hilltop residents put into their community!
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Neighborhood Associations Staying Engaged Through COVID-19 |
Neighborhood Associations throughout District 3 are finding ways to stay connected to neighbors and to continue working on improving their communities.
On September 21, both the Mead and South Central NA resumed their monthly neighborhood association meetings. Both meetings were held outdoors to allow residents to safely distance and congregate for updates and planning purposes. Masks were utilized and neighbors got to enjoy the beautiful fall weather while connecting with each other, City staff, and local officials.
A total of five District 3 neighborhoods have or will hold their annual cleanup this fall. The neighborhood associations have worked hard to coordinate plans that prioritize the health and safety of the volunteers and residents.
It is wonderful to see neighbors continue to find creative ways to stay connected to each other through this unusual and difficult time!
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District 3 Volunteer Opportunities |
The Colvin Neighborhood Resource Center (2820 S. Roosevelt) is looking for an Operation Holiday volunteer.
The volunteer will work a few hours a week during the month of November to assist with data entry. Hours are flexible.
If you're interested in signing up to volunteer, please contact Merary Trevino at mtrevino@wichita.gov or (316) 303-8029.
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Volunteers are needed for District 3 alley cleanups. Neighbors are working together with the City of Wichita to address alleys that have become overgrown and littered. Volunteers should bring their own gloves and mask and wear appropriate clothing. MABCD will provide tools and dumpsters. Below are the dates and general locations. Please email mcampbell@wichita.gov if you are interested in helping.
- October 24, East Harry Street
- October 31, South Crestway
- November 11, South Topeka Street
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How often do you volunteer?
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Results from the Last Poll |
How many DAB meetings have you attended?
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0 - 42.1% (8)
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1-5 - 31.6% (6)
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6-10 - 10.5% (2)
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11 or more - 15.8% (3)
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Attending and participating in District Advisory Board meetings is now easier than ever for many!
The District 3 Advisory Board is currently meeting virtually due to ongoing concerns and limitations related to COVID-19. The move to a virtual platform has made engaging in these meetings more accessible for many members of the public.
While there are many benefits to meeting in person, some residents are finding that they are more likely to attend a virtual public meeting. Virtual meetings can be more palatable for a number of reasons:
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Less of a time commitment: Attendees do not have to drive to a meeting location and can simply tune into the parts of the meeting relevant or of interest to them.
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Less of a hassle: Attendees can join the meeting from the comfort of their own home or any location of their choosing. Working around other evening commitments, finding childcare, arranging transportation, etc. becomes less of a concern with a virtual meeting option.
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Less pressure: Some attendees feel more comfortable addressing the group virtually. Residents have the option to type their comments and questions and they can keep their video turned off. Many people also find leaving a virtual meeting once it's no longer relevant to be less socially awkward than leaving an in-person meeting.
DAB meetings are a great way to stay engaged and apprised of local happenings. DAB meetings also offer a platform for residents to help influence and shape decisions, policy, projects, etc. If you haven't attended a DAB meeting before, try getting your feet wet by joining us at an upcoming virtual DAB! Check out the District 3 web page for meeting details and information. If internet connection or data usage is a concern, contact the Colvin Neighborhood Resource Center at (316) 303-8029 to inquire about checking out a free Wi-Fi hot spot!
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Neighboring Tip of the Week |
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52 Weeks of Neighboring - Week 33
Create a list of neighbors’ gifts that you are thankful for. It can be easy to get caught up in our daily schedules and forget about the various gifts that our neighbors possess and that make our neighborhoods a better place. This week’s tip is all about recognizing and naming those gifts!
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Neighboring Movement by SoCe Life is a wonderful, homegrown organization located in District 3. Their mission is to cultivate capacity in neighborhoods to help guide grassroots revitalization.
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City Activates Residents Through Civic Engagement Academy |
The City's first virtual session of the popular Civic Engagement Academy is underway! The Fall 2020 cohort, a class of 37 participants, met for their first session on September 30. The group heard from Vice Mayor Cindy Claycomb, presenters from the Kansas Leadership Center, Mark Manning with the City's Finance Department.
The free eight-week CEA course is typically held twice a year in person at the Evergreen Library Branch. Due to COVID-19 concerns, this year's spring session was canceled and the fall session was moved to a virtual platform.
CEA helps residents explore civic engagement behaviors and action steps to improve quality of life for their families and neighbors. Participants learn about various City departments and gain an understanding of the work done by local government on both an operational and political level.
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On September 22, Vice Mayor Cindy Claycomb, Kansas Leadership Center President and CEO Ed O'Malley, and Community Services Representatives Maddy Campbell, Cory Buchta, and Ana Lopez hosted a virtual CEA alumni event. CEA graduates joined Claycomb, O'Malley, and CEA facilitators to exchange ideas and discuss ways in which they can effect change. Claycomb and O'Malley offered advice to help guide alumni with continuing to identify civic engagement opportunities and encouraged them to continue their efforts in applying the principles taught to them through CEA for the betterment of our city.
The Civic Engagement Academy boasts an ever-growing list of hard-working community leaders. Many graduates from CEA continue to stay connected and engaged through the Civic Engagement Academy Alumni of Wichita group. The alumni group is guided by an elected board and meets on a monthly basis. They stay connected with City staff, local officials, and other community organizations and leaders. Many CEA alumni go on to serve on various City and County boards and commissions, with some even running for local offices themselves. The active alumni group frequently volunteers at different community events and helps promote important civic causes.
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Wichita Police Department Announces New Youth Initiative |
The Wichita Police Department held a press conference on September 29 to announce the launching of WPD's Juvenile Intervention Unit.
This newly created unit consists of a WPD sergeant, two WPD detectives, and two juvenile intervention officers.
Youth who offend at a young age are more likely to become chronic and violent offenders as they age, and the best opportunity to intervene is as early as possible. Because the first contact is often the police, we are in a position to be the most helpful. JIU staff will coordinate with child welfare groups, schools, treatment providers, and youth organizations to more effectively help Wichita’s youth. The focus of this specialized team is to proactively address youth involved in gangs and illegal behavior.
The team will use established practices such as focused deterrence, diversion, and restorative justice to keep youth out of the criminal justice system and onto positive paths by increasing their access to service providers in our community.
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Wichita Police Department Continues to Offer 2nd Chance Thursdays
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Do you have an old ticket you couldn't afford to pay or maybe forgot about? 2nd Chance Thursdays are an opportunity to make payment arrangements for city-issued traffic citation warrants that don’t involve driving under the influence.
2nd Chance Thursdays take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 5803 W. Central. Citizens utilizing this resource will not be arrested for old tickets. Citizens can check to see if they have active traffic warrants by clicking on the following link:
The process to clear any traffic warrants on Thursdays are as follows:
- Meet WPD officers at the Patrol West Community Policing Office, 5803 W. Central (SW Corner of Gilda and W Central),
- Officers will verify and clear the traffic warrant, and
- Citizens will sign an appearance form and be provided a court date regarding the alleged charges.
If citizens are not able to make it on Thursday, they can email Officer Lori Kimrey at lkimrey@wichita.gov to make arrangements to meet with officers at a later time and date.
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Wichita Fire Department Receives $63K FEMA Grant |
The Wichita Fire Department has received a grant from the Department of Homeland Security for the 2020 Fiscal year totaling $63,217.01.
The grant was awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program – COVID-19 Supplemental (AFG-S), which aims to provide funds for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) and related supplies.
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City Requesting Resident Feedback |
2020 Park and Open Space Survey
The Wichita Park System has come a long way since it was established in 1920 by L.W. Clapp. Clapp's vision incorporated a vital urban community with adequate public parks and open spaces to provide every Wichita citizen with the opportunity to enjoy nature without traveling far from home.
Please help us to continue to improve these parks and open spaces by participating in this short survey (less than 10 minutes). Thank you for your time!
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Calling all landlords: we want to hear from you!
The City of Wichita Housing & Community Services Department wants to understand the impact that COVID-19 has had on Wichita landlords. Please take a few moments to complete this short online survey for each property you own and/or manage. It takes only 5-10 minutes to complete. Survey results will help guide the deployment of CARES Act funding.
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Child Care Fee Adjustment and New Curriculum Update |
A blanket fee increase of 20% was approved by City Council in August 2019 for Child Care licenses. Included in this increase was an incentive clause; if the licensee provides a developmental education curriculum for enrolled children, the licensee receives a 10% fee discount. The new fee structure went into effect with the 2020 license year. Since that time, 306 licensed facilities have been surveyed with 266 (87%) providing daily, age-appropriate activities – qualifying for the incentive discount.
To help licensed facilities implement a developmental education curriculum, City Child Care Licensing staff (surveyors) – consisting of four Early Childhood Educators and one Registered Nurse – have developed monthly newsletters consisting of licensing updates, a health related topic, and a regulation review with the rationale behind the regulation. These newsletters also contain several activity ideas that licensees may develop and use with children from infants up through school age. Activities include language and literacy, creative expression, math, science, large and small motor, sensory ideas, and outdoor activities. Each monthly newsletter is tailored to a specific license type: Child Care Centers, Licensed Daycare Homes, or School Age programs. There has been positive feedback from the facilities in regard to these helpful newsletters.
In March, in part from their efforts to help licensees implement developmental education programs, Surveyor Tiffany Smith and Surveyor Beth Drinnen were nominated by local providers to receive an Impact Award for Community Partnership from the Kansas Association for Education of Young Children (KSAEYC). Beth was chosen as a Spotlight Recipient.
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Upcoming Events, Activities, & Programs |
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Playing Across the Parks Pairs Music and Outdoors |
Musicians from the Wichita Symphony have partnered with Wichita Park & Recreation to bring you Playing Across the Parks. Enjoy beautiful music while you relax outdoors. Venture to one of the 11 featured parks to hear these talented musicians. Wichita Symphony musicians will be performing 12 shows over two days. This truly unique experience is one you don’t want to miss!
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Wichita Fire Department Hosts Fire Prevention Week |
The Wichita Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” Fire Prevention Week runs October 4-10 and works to educate about simple yet important actions to stay safe in the kitchen.
WFD is going virtual in support of this year's Fire Prevention Week campaign. WFD will utilize social media to offer challenges and contests for families to participate in to win prizes.
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Celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day in Wichita |
Mayor Brandon Whipple has signed a proclamation stating that the City of Wichita will recognize Monday, October 12 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This holiday is celebrated across the United States and commemorates the shared history and culture of Native Americans.
The Native American Community Resource Coalition will commemorate Indigenous Peoples' Day at a free event on Saturday, October 3 at the Mid-America All-Indian Museum (MAAIM), 650 N Seneca St. The Trail of Tears Memorial will begin at 10 a.m. on the museum's back grounds with the playing of a ceremonial drum. Attendees are invited to walk around the drum in a remembrance walk honoring those who suffered during the Trail of Tears.
The Indigenous Peoples' Day proclamation will also be read at the event. Hunter Health Clinic will be onsite offering flu shots. After the memorial, the Wichita Indian United Methodist Church will be selling Indian tacos at their church, 1111 N. Meridian Ave.
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The Library continues to offer virtual programming, events, and education.
Click here to learn about what's coming up in October!
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Voting By Mail? Here's What You Need To Know! |
A large number of mail-in ballots are anticipated this election due to ongoing concerns about COVID-19.
Voting by mail is receiving national attention and coverage, and it may feel daunting for some as unfounded claims related to voter fraud have been rampant in the media and even shared by President Donald Trump.
Mail-in voting has been shown time and time again to be a secure way to practice democracy. Mail-in ballots do NOT lead to increased fraud, nor do they favor one party's chances over the other.
Sedgwick County residents who are already registered to vote can fill out an application for an advance voting ballot which will allow them to vote by mail. Applications for an advanced voting ballot can be submitted via email to voterinformation@sedgwick.gov. The Sedgwick County Election Office begins mailing ballots 20 days before Election Day. The last day their office can mail a ballot is seven days before the election. Advanced ballots can be returned to the Election Office, any early voting location (during times the polls are open for voting), or an Election Day polling location by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Ballots can also be mailed and must be postmarked by Election Day and received in the Election Office no later than three days after the election.
It is imperative that constituents, especially first-time mail-in voters, pay close attention to the instructions on the advance voting ballot to ensure their vote is counted. Mail-in ballots that are not correctly filled out can be rejected, and in a tight local race that could be a critical difference. Below are some tips to help ensure your ballot is counted:
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Make sure you are registered to vote by the October 13 deadline. You can check your current voter registration status here.
- Submit your application for an advance voting ballot as soon as possible. Residents will begin receiving mail-in ballots in mid-October. October 28 is the last day mail-in ballots will be sent, so any request for one received after then will go unfilled.
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Follow instructions carefully and do not be in a haste to fill out the ballot. Here are some common mistakes that disqualify a mail-in ballot.
- Don't forget your signature! One of the most frequent reasons a mail-in ballot is rejected is because the person forgets to sign the envelope as instructed.
- Send your ballot back on time. Remember, ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within three days to be counted. If you are worried about postal delays, you can drop your ballot off yourself at the Election Office, any early voting location, or an Election Day polling site.
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Residents Urged To Be Safe During Fall Celebrations |
As many begin to plan for fall celebrations such as Halloween and Día de los Muertos, Sedgwick County Government and the City of Wichita want to encourage residents to adopt safe practices to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
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Helpful District 3 Information |
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District 3 Advisory Board |
First Wednesday of the month
(except holidays)
6:30 p.m.
WATER Center,
101 E. Pawnee
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Please note: DAB meetings are currently being held virtually. Visit the District 3 web page for more information.
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Next DAB:
October 7
Upcoming Agenda:
- Clapp Park Master Plan
- Community Policing Overview
- WFD Staff Report
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The DAB hears various presentations from City staff, receives staff reports from the Wichita Police and Fire Departments, and votes on zoning cases. Public feedback and questions are welcome.
All meetings are live-streamed on the District 3 Facebook page. Recordings of past meetings can be found under the "Videos" tab.
The upcoming agenda and any supporting documents for new business items, including Metropolitan Area Planning Department staff reports and any presentations, are posted to the District 3 web page the Friday prior to the meeting.
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District 3 Monthly Breakfast |
First Saturday of the month
(except holidays)
9-10:30 a.m.
Christian Faith Centre, 1130 S. Broadway
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Please note: Breakfast meetings are currently being held virtually. Visit the District 3 web page for more information.
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Next Breakfast:
October 3
Guest Speaker:
District 3 Community Policing Officers
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Join Council Member James Clendenin for a monthly community breakfast!
CM Clendenin hosts a guest presenter and provides District 3 and City updates. The District 3 Breakfast is a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors, community leaders, local organizations, and chat with your council member! If you are unable to attend, you can catch the meeting live-streamed on the District 3 Facebook page.
Please bring $5 if you would like to eat.
Thank you to our wonderful hosts, the Christian Faith Centre!
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District 3 Neighborhood Associations |
Upcoming NA Meetings:
Contact your NA president to learn if your neighborhood is currently meeting.
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Neighborhood Associations are a great way to get involved in the community! NA's organize annual neighborhood cleanups, host community events, address neighborhood nuisance issues, advocate for neighborhood improvements, and keep close relationships with local businesses, organizations, City staff, and elected officials. |
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First, second, and third Tuesday of the month
(except holidays)
9 a.m.
City Hall, Council Chambers, First Floor, 455 N. Main
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Please note: Residents are currently unable to attend the City Council meeting in person. Visit the City Council web page for more information.
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Next City Council meeting:
October 6
Upcoming District 3-Related Agenda Items:
To be determined
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The public is invited to attend all City Council meetings. City Council meetings are aired live on local Channel 7 with replays on Tuesday at 6 p.m., Wednesday at 1 a.m., Saturday at 10 a.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. All meetings can also be viewed live or after the fact online by visiting the City Council web page.
Members of the public can request to speak on the Public Agenda by submitting an online request or mailing in this form. All requests must be made by noon a week prior. Speakers are limited to 5 minutes and cannot appear more frequently than once every fourth meeting.
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Colvin Neighborhood Resource Center |
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City Offers Free, Reusable Face Masks to Residents at Neighborhood Resource Centers |
Residents can visit any of the City's three Neighborhood Resource Centers to receive free, washable face masks for themselves and family members. A flier with information on assistance programs through the City's Housing & Community Services Department will also be provided. The NRCs are open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and closed daily from noon-1 p.m.
- Atwater Neighborhood Resource Center, 2755 E. 19th Street, 303-8016
- Colvin Neighborhood Resource Center, 2820 S. Roosevelt, 303-8029
- Evergreen Neighborhood Resource Center, 2700 N. Woodland, 303-8042
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2820 S. Roosevelt
(P) | (316) 303-8029
(F) | (316) 858-7738
M-F: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Closed noon-1 p.m. daily
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All services at Colvin NRC are free and include: |
- 7 public computers with internet access and limited printing
- Faxing and copying
- Public notary
- Wi-Fi hot spots available for check out for up to 2 weeks at a time
- Bilingual staff fluent in Spanish and Vietnamese
- Assistance in accessing community resources
- Access to a Community Services Representative who is able to respond to neighborhood concerns and serves as liaison to the District 3 Council Member and other City departments/staff
- DCF Program Consultant on site to take applications for financial, food, and childcare assistance and to help with KanCare (Medicaid) applications
- Park & Recreation Department offers before/after school program and summer activity camp for kids
- Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD) neighborhood inspectors are housed at Colvin
- Seasonal programs such as the Filling the Gap free lunch program for youth, Operation Holiday, LIEAP, AARP tax preparation, SHICK Medicare counseling, and more
- Various workshops hosted by community partners
- 1 small conference room (10 people) is available to use as meeting space (by appointment/schedule only)
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Current Major District 3 Projects |
Currently there are two major traffic projects in District 3:
Mount Vernon, Broadway to Southeast Boulevard
This project will convert Mount Vernon from a two-lane roadway to three lanes with on-street bike lanes. The project also replaces the undersized drainage system along the corridor. The intersections of Washington and Southeast Boulevard will be reconstructed. Mt. Vernon is CLOSED in three-block segments. Traffic is detoured to Harry at Broadway and Hydraulic. This closure will move in three-block segments moving from Broadway to Mead. Traffic on Southeast Boulevard is reduced to one lane in each direction between Harry and Hydraulic. Starting Sept. 14, Mt. Vernon will be closed west of Southeast Boulevard. Traffic will be detoured utilizing Washington and Hydraulic. Westbound Mt. Vernon traffic, east of Southeast Boulevard will be detoured at Hydraulic. Estimated completion is spring 2021.
Harry Street Bridge over Arkansas River
This project will replace the bridge on Harry Street over the Arkansas River. The bridge is CLOSED and traffic will be detoured utilizing Broadway, Lincoln, and McLean. Local traffic will be allowed to residences and businesses between Broadway and Greenway Boulevard. Estimated completed is spring 2021.
K-15, KTA Bridge to I-135
This project will repair the existing pavement in preparation for the placement of new asphalt surface. The new asphalt surface is expected to take place late September. K-15 will be reduced to one lane in each direction starting Sept. 14 and subject to reduced speeds. Entrance and exit ramps at I-135 will remain open throughout construction. Estimated completion is fall 2020.
Click here to check out the Weekly Construction Bulletin for more information on each project!
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Additional Traffic and Construction Resources |
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The City of Wichita's home website has a wealth of information for residents. Explore the site to learn about our City's services, government, attractions, recreation, utilities, and more. Each City department has their own homepage with various resources, updates, news, and more. |
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Did you know most City departments have their own social media platforms?
Be sure to follow your favorite City departments to stay up to date on the latest news, events, and information happening around our community!
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The Park & Recreation Department, Wichita Public Library, and CityArts have teamed up to offer a new joint activities guide called Evolve! All of our classes, leagues, workshops, camps, events, and activities are collected into 1 guide to make it easy for residents to explore all the City has to offer!
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Notice a pothole on your drive to work? Does graffiti need removed? Want to know how many chickens you can own?
Report problems and research answers on AccessWichita or Dial Wichita! at (316) 942-4482 to reach any department.
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Is being civically engaged important to you?
The City of Wichita has numerous advisory boards and commissions. Learn about upcoming meetings and opportunities for public input, or check out board vacancies and apply to be on a board yourself!
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The booklet is designed to provide you with important tips and information on a variety of community issues. By working together, we can help prevent and solve crimes, improve and make neighborhoods safer, resolve conflicts and enhance our quality of life. |
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Not sure how many dogs you're allowed to own? Want to know if your neighbor can park his trailer there? Learn for yourself!
Check out Wichita's Code of Ordinances to explore the specific local laws and regulations that help govern our community.
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Visit LexisNexis' interactive public crime map to get a better idea of the crime activity happening in your area.
This site connects the public to local law enforcement data to help people stay informed and safe.
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GIS is the primary all-inclusive map view that gives residents the ability to view our city with different data layers.
Data layers include zoning, neighborhoods, council districts, school districts, parcel information, and much more.
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Do you have something you would like to see shared in the newsletter? Do you have suggestions on what you think people want to read about?
We are always looking for ways to improve the newsletter. Let us know your ideas!
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Office of Community Services
Maddy Campbell, District 3 Community Services Representative
Have questions or concerns? Email Council Member James Clendenin or call (316) 268-4331.
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