Street around Wichita’s Sim Park to close nightly due to crime, racing

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The City of Wichita said the access road to Sim Park, Botanica, Arthur B. Sim Golf Course and Old Cowtown Museum will start closing overnight.

The closure is due to safety and security concerns. It will start on Tuesday, Oct. 1. The closure will happen nightly, beginning at 9 p.m. and ending at 6 a.m.

Wichita City Council member Brandon Johnson said signage will be posted along Amidon Avenue and Museum Boulevard near the entrances to Sim Park and Botanica to warn those entering.

“This step is being taken to further safeguard the park and museums and discourage unsafe activity in the park and surrounding neighborhoods,” said Johnson. “The area has seen reported increases in street racing and property crimes.”

Wichita Police Department Capt. Ron Hunt says there is a whole host of concerns the department is working to address.

“Some of the things we seen, we’ve had a lot of, you’ll be able to see it here in the parking lot, donuts. People coming and doing burnouts. We have video of young people coming and doing a fight club here within the park,” said Captain Hunt.

Violators can be subject to arrest or can be issued a citation to appear in court. Cars can also be seized.

During Botanica’s Illuminations , the streets won’t be closed.

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