WICHITA, Kansas (KWCH) – An era is coming to an end: There is no longer any free public parking in downtown Wichita.
The city of Wichita announced Saturday that starting January 1, 2025, all public parking lots in downtown Wichita, including Old Town and the Delano neighborhood, will be converted to metered parking.
The change was approved by city council members last year by a vote of 5 to 2, allowing the city to move to early 2024. The plan has been in the works since 2009.
The city said the plan was necessary to raise money for the upkeep and maintenance of city parks, as that work had been postponed.
The switch to more paid parking is expected to generate approximately $2.7 million in 2025.
The city recommends that those who frequently park downtown, including residents and workers, purchase a monthly parking pass. Depending on the location, the pass costs between $20 and $50 per month.
A third party provider called The Car Park will manage enforcement of the new parking plan.
A website will explain the new plan in more detail. City officials will also hold several informational meetings about the changes. The next meeting will be held on Monday, August 12 at 1 p.m. at 505 E. Douglas.
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