Renaming of Big Arkansas River Park to M.S. Mitch Mitchell - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Renaming of Big Arkansas River Park to M.S. “Mitch” Mitchell Floodway Park (District VI)

Department of Park and Recreation July 9, 2019

Background

• In 2016, the Park Board approved a proposal by the Wichita Area

Builders Association to construct a display about the Wichita/Valley Center Floodway in the Big Arkansas River Park.

• Wichita Area Builders Association petitioned Congressman Ron

Estes and Senator Jerry Moran to rename the Floodway as the M.S. “Mitch” Mitchell Floodway.

• This was approved and signed into national law on December 21,

2018.

• In May, 2019, the consideration of renaming the park as the M.S.

“Mitch” Mitchell Floodway Park was presented by Mr. Wess Galyon to the Park Board and unanimously approved. 2

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Analysis

• In compliance with City Council Policy #13 on Naming

Public/Facilities and/or Land, the Park Board acted as the Naming Committee.

• In accordance with the policy, M.S. “Mitch” Mitchell qualifies to be

distinguished by these observations:

• M.S. “Mitch” Mitchell is deceased,
• Mitchell was the Flood Control and Maintenance Supervisor for the Flood

Control Office for Sedgwick County and the City of Wichita from 1968-1953,

• Mitchell made significant contribution through promotion of economic

development and minimizing flood damage,

• The construction of the Floodway was nominated as one of the top national

public works projects in the 1950’s.

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Financial Considerations

• Signage displaying the new name for the park would be

needed, but the financial implications would be minimal.

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Recommendations

• It is recommended that City Council approve the

renaming of the Big Arkansas River Park as the M.S. “Mitch” Mitchell Floodway Park.

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Department of Park and Recreation

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Renaming of Big Arkansas River Park (District VI)