McAdams Park

History and Legacy

Found in Northeast Wichita, Kansas, McAdams Park sprawls across more than 50 acres of greenery and community space. Though it started life as McKinley Park back in 1901, the park was renamed in 1966 to honor Emerson McAdams, a former city policeman who dedicated years of service as the park's recreational director.

The park has grown up alongside its neighborhood, receiving significant upgrades in 1968 thanks to funding from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the National Park Service. Even today, McAdams continues to evolve - you'll notice ongoing renovations to the community center and new facilities popping up, reflecting just how much this space matters to locals.

Commemorative Features

Walk through McAdams and you'll discover meaningful tributes to influential figures. A statue of baseball pioneer Jackie Robinson, unveiled in 2021, stands proudly with informational panels that tell his remarkable story - one of many ways the park celebrates important Black figures in American history.

The park thoughtfully honors local heroes too. Sports fans will appreciate the Barry Sanders football field and the Antoine Carr basketball courts, while swimmers can cool off at the McAfee pool. The Carl G. Brewer Community Center, named after Wichita's first elected African American mayor, acts as a hub for programming, rentals, and community gatherings.

Recreational Facilities

Whether you're a serious athlete or just looking to play, McAdams offers plenty of options. The park features six lighted tennis courts, well-maintained basketball courts that regularly host community tournaments, a football field, and Kansas's first artificial turf baseball diamond that looks pristine year-round.

Beyond sports, you can find peaceful wooded areas well-suited for relaxation, convenient picnic shelters, and multiple playgrounds where kids can slide and climb to their hearts' content. For those who enjoy a good stroll or bike ride, the park connects to the 4.9-mile Canal Hike and Bike Trails. McAdams is also home to League 42, a wonderful youth baseball program making the sport accessible to inner-city children.

Community Gathering Space

McAdams is especially vibrant during community events. The annual Juneteenth celebration is a highlight, filling the park with music, delicious food, parades, and educational activities that honor African American history and culture.

The park is well-equipped for both everyday visits and special occasions, with clean restroom facilities, concession areas, and comfortable spectator seating. Take a peaceful walk along the winding paved pathways that connect all areas of the park - they're great for enjoying the changing seasons and Wichita's natural beauty.

Aquatic Features

When summer heat hits Kansas, the fenced swimming pool area becomes a refreshing oasis. The pool does schedule breaks during extreme heat for everyone's safety, but it remains one of the neighborhood's most popular spots for families looking to cool off.

McAdams Park is one of Wichita's most comprehensive public spaces, combining recreation, community connection, and local history. It's an important gathering place for both longtime residents and first-time visitors.