McAdams Park

McAdams Park, located in Northeast Wichita, Kansas, is a historic and expansive public park covering more than 50 acres. Originally established as McKinley Park in 1901, it was renamed in 1966 to honor Emerson McAdams, a former city policeman and long-time recreational director for the park. Over the years, the park has expanded and undergone significant enhancements, including the introduction of facilities in 1968 supported by funds from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the National Park Service.

The park is recognized for its ties to the local community and its role in commemorating notable individuals. A statue of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, unveiled in 2021, underscores the park's commitment to celebrating influential Black figures. Several amenities are dedicated to prominent figures, such as the Barry Sanders football field, the Antoine Carr basketball courts, and the McAfee swimming pool. The Carl G. Brewer Community Center, named after Wichita's first elected African American mayor, offers programming, facility rentals, and hosts community events.

Beyond its historical and cultural significance, McAdams Park boasts a variety of recreational facilities. It features sports facilities, including lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, a football field, and Kansas's first artificial turf baseball diamond. Additionally, the park includes gorgeous wooded areas, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and a connection to the 4.9-mile Canal Hike and Bike Trails. The park is also home to League 42, a youth baseball league aimed at making the sport accessible to inner-city children.

McAdams Park serves as a vibrant space for recreation, community gatherings, and honoring local history, making it a cherished resource for Wichita residents and visitors alike.