The Chisholm Trail Parkway stretches from Sycamore to Exposition, transforming what was once W. Pacific Street into a revitalized urban escape.
On a crisp winter afternoon, I decided to check out Wichita’s newest park. Spoiler alert: the city did a great job. Once summer rolls around, I bet Wichitans will flock here to enjoy the landscaping, shady spots, and all the amenities this park offers.
At the ribbon cutting, Vice Mayor Maggie Ballard told KWCH, “It’s been a vacant space for such a long time, and I think we got really creative trying to figure out a way to use this space where the neighborhood and surrounding communities are able to use it.”
This park breathes new life into an abandoned railway corridor in Delano, offering a mix of features to keep everyone (and their furry friends) happy. A walking path winds through the area, lined with benches, bench swings, and old school lighting. There’s even a dog park complete with water fountains for both humans and canines. Perfect for the pups cooped up in those downtown lofts. During my visit, I saw several dogs exploring the space.
Let’s keep it real—while the park has its charm, there are some downsides. A handful of unhoused individuals were in the area, and, sadly, there was a lot of trash. However, the abundance of lighting should keep everyone safe on the warm evenings ahead. Don’t let that discourage you from visiting—just be prepared to pack some patience and maybe a trash bag if you’re feeling extra community-minded.
Along the parkway, I found several intriguing metal sculptures. They’re a nice touch, though they come with a side of mystery—no labels or information in sight. If I uncover more about these pieces, I’ll be sure to update.
The Parkway will eventually extend all the way to Friends University and Newman University, where it will connect to the Sunset Trail. Plans also include an all-inclusive playground.
The original Chisholm Trail once linked Texas to the cowtowns of Kansas, serving as a vital route for cattle drives. It was named after Jesse Chisholm, a trader with a Wichita outpost and close ties to native tribes. We’ve delved into Jesse’s fascinating history in previous stories—be sure to check those out here:
To check out the rest of Wichita’s many city parks check out: Wichita City Parks.