Wichita’s community leaders are becoming experts at taking a space from underutilized to unique, creating fun, temporary spaces where residents and visitors can interact, connect and experience downtown Wichita in a new way.
When redevelopment plans fell through and left a hole facing our main avenue through downtown Wichita, organizers used dirt from a nearby apartment construction project to fill the hole in 2015 and bring the site to life as a Pop-Up Park that draws crowds to enjoy food trucks, games and art. This summer, the park was transformed into a Pop-Up Beach with the addition of sand, umbrellas and chairs.
The latest place-making project has created Gallery Alley, transforming a little-used alley in the heart of downtown into a vibrant public space with four sculptures as well as a rotating selection of art during Final Friday art crawls. Seating has been installed so that visitors can bring meals from nearby dining options and Wichita Downtown Development Corporation makes available a portable stage and large screen for events. The space is available to rent for events, and several local businesses have started sponsoring free movie screenings in the alley once a month.
When you choose Wichita as your meeting or event destination, you won’t need to worry about what your attendees will do with their free time. Projects like Gallery Alley make Wichita an urban, walkable, people-oriented city that wows visitors with the quality of our cultural attractions. Our convention services team can help make your event a success by providing all the collateral and information to ensure your attendees know what there is to do in Wichita.