OJ Watson Park

OJ Watson Park O.J. Watson Park is a beautiful 119-acre park with a 40-acre lake for fishing and pedal boats. This A state license is required and is not sold at Watson Park.

Children's Playground

Watson Park offers three children's playgrounds of varying size, shape, and surfaces.

•Northeast playground - rubber pour-in-place safety surface
•Southeast playground - sand safety surface
•West playground - sand safety surface
Family Fishing

Enjoy fishing at its finest in our two fishing lakes which has a total of 42 surface acres and maximum depth of 16 feet. Catch la

rgemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, wipers, crappie, grass carp, and hybrid sunfish. The two lakes are operated by Wichita Park & Recreation. Bait can be purchased at the Concessions building. Miniature Golf

Visit our lighted 18-hole miniature golf course. Miniature Train Ride

Enjoy a ride on our real miniature train through the beautiful scenery of Watson Park. The ride is for all ages, but each rider must purchase a ticket. Inflatables

Rent an inflatable for your next party or special event here at Watson Park! Rental of a shelter is required to rent any inflatable (except #2). We require a $100 refundable deposit for each inflatable. Train Inflatable: $90 - 15' x 15' bouncer. Bouncin' Barnyard combo: $120 - 16' x 20' with an attached slide. Castle/Slide combo: $120 - 15' x 15' with an attached slide.

*Note that Bounce Houses or Moonwalks are not allowed inside Watson Park unless contracted through Wichita Park & Recreation. Pedal Boats

Watson Park offers 14 pedal boats each capable of holding up to three adults and one child. The maximum number of people allowed in the boat is four. The fourth person must be under the age of six. All riders under the age of 12 must wear a life jacket. No fishing is allowed from the boat. Pony Ride

Children under 60 pounds and the age of 10 can take a turn on our live Pony Ride! Children must be old enough to hold onto the saddle. A parent or guardian (16+) must walk with rider. Coupon Books
Save on your amusements by purchasing one of our coupon books. Kayak Rentals

Rent one of our 30 kayaks to enjoy on the water. Tandem kayaks available. Volleyball Courts

20 sand volleyball courts are conveniently located near parking and restrooms. Volleyball nets are also available for rent.

🎆 Red, White & BOOM! presented by Evergy is back! 🎆 Get ready for Wichita’s biggest Independence Day celebration as the ...
06/23/2026

🎆 Red, White & BOOM! presented by Evergy is back! 🎆 Get ready for Wichita’s biggest Independence Day celebration as the downtown skyline comes alive with a spectacular fireworks show over the Arkansas River on Saturday, July 4!

🌟 Fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. (immediately following the Wind Surge game at Equity Bank Park) 🎶 This year’s show is choreographed to music! Download the Pyrocast App or scan the event QR code to sync the soundtrack with the fireworks for the ultimate viewing experience.

🍔 Food & Festivities start at 6 p.m.
Come early, grab dinner from local food vendors, claim your spot on the lawn, and enjoy an evening of community, family fun, and patriotic celebration.

🍧 Featured vendors include:
• Kona Ice of Greater Wichita
• Hot 2 Trot
• Smokin' Diner
• Busy B's
• Funky Monkey Munchies
• Tickled Pink
• Brazita Bites

🪑 Bring your lawn chairs and blankets
🅿️ Parking info is available through the Downtown Wichita interactive map using the link below
🙏 A BIG thank you to all of our sponsors: Evergy, Audacy, and Wichita Parks Foundation
💥 Celebrate Americas 250th with fireworks, food, music, and unforgettable views in the heart of Wichita!
For more details, visit wichita.gov/BOOM

🎉 Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Emily Haralson as the new Labor Supervisor at O.J. Watson Park! 🎉Emily’...
06/16/2026

🎉 Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Emily Haralson as the new Labor Supervisor at O.J. Watson Park! 🎉

Emily’s journey with Wichita Park & Recreation began in March 2018 as a seasonal employee at O.J. Watson Park. Starting as ride staff, she quickly demonstrated a strong work ethic and a passion for serving park visitors, taking on additional responsibilities in maintenance and concession operations along the way.

Through her dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence, Emily advanced into the role of Park Ranger, where she has become a respected leader among her peers. She has played a key role in managing staff, assisting guests, and helping ensure the safe and efficient operation of park facilities. Her positive attitude, leadership skills, and ability to connect with both employees and visitors have made her an invaluable member of the Wichita Park & Recreation team.

Emily’s growth within the department is a true testament to her dedication and passion for parks and public service. We are excited to see her continue making a positive impact in her new role as Labor Supervisor at O.J. Watson Park.

Congratulations, Emily! We can’t wait to see all you’ll accomplish in this next chapter. 🌳💚

Wichita Park & Recreation
City of Wichita- Government
Wichita District 3

🎉 Juneteenth Holiday Hours Update 🎉In observance of Juneteenth, Wichita Park & Recreation facilities will have adjusted ...
06/16/2026

🎉 Juneteenth Holiday Hours Update 🎉In observance of Juneteenth, Wichita Park & Recreation facilities will have adjusted hours on Friday, June 19.

🔒 Closed:
• Park Administrative Offices
• Recreation Centers
~McAfee Pool; free swim days June 20-21 from 1-6pm

🏊 Open from 1–5 p.m.:
• Aley Pool
~College Hill
~Harvest Pool
• Minisa Pool
• Orchard Pool

⛳ Open with regular hours and programming:
• Wichita Public Golf Courses
• Riverside Tennis Center
• OJ Watson Park

We wish everyone a meaningful Juneteenth as we celebrate freedom, history and community.

🌳 Please join us in welcoming Kayla Jordan as the new Park Manager at O.J. Watson Park! 🌳A Wichita native and graduate o...
06/15/2026

🌳 Please join us in welcoming Kayla Jordan as the new Park Manager at O.J. Watson Park! 🌳

A Wichita native and graduate of Friends University with a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Kayla brings a lifelong passion for nature, ecology, conservation, and the great outdoors to her new role.

For the past decade, Kayla has worked as a zookeeper, caring for many critically endangered species and helping advance conservation efforts. Her dedication to protecting wildlife and preserving natural spaces makes her a perfect fit for O.J. Watson Park.

When she’s not at work, Kayla enjoys spending time with her family and their three dogs, reading, fishing, and gardening. She also serves on the board of the Osa and Martin Johnson Safari Museum in Chanute, Kansas.

“I’m excited and honored to accept the position of Park Manager at O.J. Watson Park with Wichita Park & Recreation,” said Kayla. “I look forward to continuing to serve all members of our community and its outdoor spaces.”

Welcome to the team, Kayla! We are excited to see your passion and expertise help O.J. Watson Park continue to thrive. 💚

City of Wichita- Government Wichita Park & Recreation Wichita District 3

🛶🎯 Adventure and fun are just a scan away! Looking for an easy way to enjoy Wichita parks and the Arkansas River? Rent a...
06/14/2026

🛶🎯 Adventure and fun are just a scan away! Looking for an easy way to enjoy Wichita parks and the Arkansas River? Rent a kayak or lawn game on your own schedule with our self-service rental stations powered by Rent.Fun.

📱 Simply scan the QR code at the station to reserve and pay—it's that easy!

🛶 Kayak Rentals Available At:
• OJ Watson Park
• Ralph Wulz Riverside Tennis Center

🎯 Lawn Games Available At:
• Central Riverside Park
• OJ Watson Park

Whether you're paddling across the water, enjoying a friendly game with family and friends, or spending the day outdoors, your next adventure is waiting.

Learn more and reserve your rental at:
🔗 https://www.rent.fun/kayaks-lawn-games-rental-wichita-ks

Address

3022 S McLean Boulevard
Wichita, KS
67217

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 10pm
Tuesday 8am - 10pm
Wednesday 8am - 10pm
Thursday 8am - 10pm
Friday 8am - 10pm
Saturday 8am - 10pm
Sunday 8am - 10pm

Telephone

(316) 529-9940

Website

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