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Wichita to seek up to $7.3M from Kansas Water Office to build Botanica water learning center
Summary
Council authorized submission of a $7,295,000 Kansas Water Office grant application to expand Botanica into Sim Park with a hands‑on water learning center and conservatory; staff said no local match is required and award decisions are expected by year‑end.
Wichita — The City Council on Sept. 16 authorized staff to submit an application requesting $7,295,000 from the Kansas Water Office Water Projects Grant Fund to build a water learning center connected to Botanica and Sim Park.
Lindsay Benaco (City Manager’s Office) described the concept as a hands‑on educational hub for K–12 students with visible water pipes, channels and reservoir systems to demonstrate water movement, conservation and reuse. The building would include a conservatory and greenhouse workspace to support programs and displays from Botanica’s collection.
Staff said the Kansas Water Office grant awards up to $8 million per project and that the state fund totals approximately $12 million this cycle; the city’s requested amount would fully fund the proposed scope. Benaco noted the city will likely need a supplemental agreement with Botanica Inc. if awarded to clarify roles and use of state funds. Lynette Zimmerman, Executive Director of Botanica, was present and described the educational and regional draw of the facility.
The council authorized the application and signatures; staff said awards are expected to be announced later in the year and projects could begin in 2026.
What happens next: Staff will finalize and submit the application by the end of the month and return to council if the grant is awarded to execute any necessary supplemental agreements with Botanica and to coordinate project delivery.
