Libraries, municipal court and Wichita City Hall opened back up to the public on Tuesday, part of the first wave of city-run facilities to begin reopening more than two months after the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to close.
Most buildings and attractions shuttered since mid-March will open over the next few weeks.
"We’ve developed this gradual and safe reopening plan," said city communications manager Megan Lovely. "It’s meant to be flexible and intuitive."
Visitors to any city facility will be required to wear a mask inside.
The city is keeping an updated list of openings at its website. Mayor Brandon Whipple explained at his briefing last week that dates might change, but said it doesn’t mean the city is “moving the goalposts.”
“We’re on the virus’ timeline,” he said. “So…if anything changes, it’ll be because of the progression of this virus or if anything comes from this virus that’s unexpected.”
As of May 26, Sedgwick County had 560 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Along with most branch libraries, city hall and municipal court, Botanica and the city’s golf courses are also open. Below is a list of future openings and dates:
June 1
- CityArts
- dog parks
- fitness centers
- Linwood Branch Library
- neighborhood resource centers
- park facilities rentals
- playgrounds
- rec centers
- Riverside Tennis Center
June 2
- Cowtown
June 15
- Century II
- Water Center public tours
June 16
- Keeper fire pots relit
- Mid-America All-Indian Center
June 23
- Wichita Art Museum
July 1
- City Hall public meetings
- Fire station public tours
