by Pixie Clearwater

Created on: May 30, 2009   Last Updated: August 13, 2009

Riverside Park is quite simply the jewel in the crown of the Wichtia area; spacious, inviting and more importantly a day of fun for the entire family.

If you have visited Riverside Park in the past you will be in for a pleasant surprise as the park has recently under gone a substantial amount of renovation work on behalf of the city of Wichtia. This includes the development of a brand new interactive fountain area, where small children can paddle in the shallows and enjoy a beautiful lighting display; which of course can be enjoyed by parents, just as much as small children. The idea of children paddling in water may fulfill a parent with dread but be assured that the utmost has been done to ensure safety for all.

Riverside Park constitutes three parks; Riverside Park-central, north and south. The central park is the largest as it stretches over a total of fifty eight acres. Located on 720 Nims, central park offers a wide range of activities and areas to be enjoyed. There is a fantastic combination of both large open spaces and more shady areas under beautiful trees, a great place to take shelter when the sun reaches its height. There is also a small wildlife area that shows off some the local animals to the Kansas area; including beavers, foxes and minks. This is a great way for tourists to really experience the Kansas lifestyle. The wildlife area ensures that both visitors and animals are happy. The central park is also the ideal location to enjoy a picnic with numerous picnic benches and ample grass to lay on. At the height of summer, the park is awash with hundreds of groups indulging in picnics which creates a fabulous ambiance. On more practical issues, there are two large parking lots that are used by park goers that ensures there is no stress about getting parked up and enjoying your full day.

Riverside North park is situated at 1029 N. Bitting and covers around thirty acres. The north park is perhaps the most ornamental and beautiful of all three parks and is quieter than the central park, which means it is ideal for a romantic walk or for small family groups. The park is ideally located by the small Arkansas rivers that ensures there is a cooling, refreshing breeze even on the hottest of days. A unique feature of the north park is the Park Villa which can be used for picnics and meetings as it is fully air conditioned and has beautiful views looking out onto stunning borders of flowers and trees.

Riverside South park is for the sporty types. Ideally located at 551 W. Central, it boasts the Ralph Wulz Riverside Tennis Center. The tennis center offers fourteen tennis courts and handball facilities for everyone's enjoyment. The south park also benefits from the Arkansas river sweeping around the area on three sides to create a horseshoe shape. Meaning that even during the most vigorous game of tennis there is a lovely breeze to keep cool.

All three parks are ideal for a fun filled day out, whether you want a more active game of tennis or a relaxing lay on beautiful landscaped lawns. Riverside has it all.

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