New survey launches for Kansas River development plans in Topeka

TOPEKA (KSNT) - A local organization is asking for Topekans to weigh in on the future of the Kansas River in a new survey this May.

The Topeka Riverfront Advisory Council (RAC) is launching a new survey to gather the thoughts and opinions of locals on what the Kansas River should look like in the future. The new community survey lists three questions for people to answer.

These include ranking different elements in order of importance for the Kansas River. The five options presented in the survey include:

• Pedestrian Experience (bridge, seating, plaza, boardwalk, etc.)
• Water Connections (access, overlooks, etc.)
• Play Programming (recreational facilities)
• Art Incorporation (sculptural elements, murals, lighting, interpretive signage, etc.)
• Flexible Use Programming (food track plaza, amphitheater, etc.)

The next question asks people to rank three concepts from most to least preferred. Options for this include:

• Concept 1: The Confluence (medium impact design)
• Concept 2: Prairie's Crossing (large impact design)
• Concept 3: City to River (low impact design)

The final question asks for general feedback from survey takers on other things they think the RAC should know about. You can take the survey yourself by clicking here.

The RAC recently invited locals to an open house discussion on the future of the Kansas River on May 21 at the Great Overland Station. Topekans had the opportunity to make their voices heard on the topic and add their own thoughts to the ongoing discussion of transforming the riverfront into a place everyone can find enjoyment at.

For more information on the RAC and its plans for the Kansas River, click here. You can look through the full PowerPoint presentation from May 21 below:

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