Botanica wants to expand its gardens. Here’s how

Botanica wants to expand its gardens with help from a state water conservation grant.

The $7.295 million expansion would add a water learning center geared toward K-12 students with an attached conservatory that would utilize reused water. Botanica would also expand into the southern part of Sim Park and add French or Italian-style gardens.

“The center will feature visible water pipes, channels and a reservoir system to demonstrate the movement conservation and the reuse of water itself,” the city’s Arts Director Lindsay Benacka said.

The Wichita City Council approved the state grant application at Tuesday’s meeting.

If the grant is awarded, construction for the expansion is expected to begin next year with a late 2028 opening to the public.

“These additions will enhance both the horticultural beauty and educational mission of Botanica while contributing to long-term water sustainability and community engagement in Wichita,” a city agenda report read.

The funding would come from a state grant created in 2023. The grant covers construction costs for water-related infrastructure projects, according to the state.

The city is not required to provide matching funds for the grant.

The gardens, a public-private partnership with the city, recently implemented other water-saving initiatives, including using non-potable test water from Wichita’s new water treatment plant.

That initiative came as the city was experiencing an extreme drought earlier this year.