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Council approves $425,000 for OJ Watson Park erosion fixes, pony-stable work and public art
Summary
City Council initiated $325,000 in CIP funds for park improvements and $100,000 for public art at OJ Watson Park to address erosion, accessibility, pony stables and place-making; council directed public-art call and design-council review.
The City Council approved initiating a combined $425,000 in capital projects at OJ Watson Park — $325,000 for site improvements and erosion control, accessibility upgrades and pony-stable drainage work, plus $100,000 set aside for public art and placemaking.
Tim Kellams of Public Works described erosion and undermining around the concessions building and high-use pathways near the lake. Staff said improvements would increase ADA accessibility to docks and kayak/paddle-boat access points, address sedimentation onto pathways, and renovate pony stables where standing water and mud have affected animal conditions. "Improving site drainage and just increasing their living conditions for the ponies, we feel is a great value," Kellams said.
The $100,000 public-art portion will be administered through the design council; staff said the art funding would be deployed after a call for entries and design-council review and would be used for murals, mosaics and sculptures intended for wayfinding and place-making. Council members asked staff to prioritize local artists and suggested themes that could reflect Wichita’s identity, including Wizard of Oz references and local historic figures.
Council approved the bonding resolution and project initiation 7–0. Staff will return to design council and the council for art approvals and implementation plans. Public Works said funding is sourced from general obligation bonds allocated in the adopted 2025–2034 CIP.
