Fairmount Park

A Touch of Wichita History

Situated in northeast Wichita, Fairmount Park is a 10-acre green haven that's been bringing the community together since 1925. You'll find this neighborhood space near Hillside and 13th Street, right next door to Wichita State University's bustling campus.

This isn't just your average park - it's more like the neighborhood's living room. With an ideal balance of sun-soaked open spaces and cool, shady spots, plus sports courts and family attractions, it's the kind of place that transforms from a peaceful morning retreat to a lively community hub as the day progresses.

Get Together: The Community Space

The heart of Fairmount Park might just be its community facility that can host up to 60 people. The facility works well for birthday celebrations, family reunions, or baby showers.

It's well-kept with all the basics - tables, chairs, and restrooms - giving you a weather-proof option for your gatherings. And don't worry about the parking situation; there's plenty of space nearby for your guests' vehicles.

Play Hard: Sports and Recreation

For the active types, Fairmount Park offers several options. Lace up and head to the baseball/softball diamond, shoot some hoops at the basketball court, try your foot at the newer futsal court (which replaced one of the tennis courts), serve it up on the tennis court, or spike away at the volleyball court.

The sprawling open fields regularly host impromptu football games and practices. And if you're looking for a bit more challenge in your jog or walk, the park's rolling hills add just enough variety to keep things interesting.

Family Fun Zone

Kids have plenty of room to burn energy at the playground areas scattered throughout the park, with equipment suited for little climbers of all ages. When summer heats up, the splash pad becomes the neighborhood hotspot, with kiddos from toddlers to elementary schoolers cooling off in the spray.

A newer addition that's worth checking out is the StoryWalk, combining reading with outdoor exploration - ideal for turning a regular park visit into a learning adventure. Scattered picnic tables, grills, and drinking fountains make it easy to extend your stay from an hour to an afternoon.

The Practical Stuff

You'll find plenty of parking and public restrooms throughout the park. Just a heads-up: while the restrooms are typically open, the cleanliness can be hit or miss depending on when you visit.

Dog owners, you're in luck - the park is pet-friendly with plenty of space for your four-legged friends to explore, but there's no fenced dog park area. Its location next to WSU means you'll often see students taking study breaks or nearby residents enjoying a bit of green space in their day.

The Park Vibe

The grounds are generally well-kept, with mowed lawns and clean facilities. One of the nicest things about Fairmount Park is how peaceful it feels - set back from major streets, it offers a quiet escape from city noise. Certain corners of the park have remained beautifully natural, well-suited for those looking to reconnect with a bit of Kansas greenery.

With its deep roots in local history, modern amenities, and community-centered design, Fairmount Park continues to be one of Wichita's beloved green spaces. As home base for the Wichita Trojans, it remains an important gathering spot for both planned events and those spontaneous, perfect summer days when you just need to be outside.