O.J. Watson Park is a beautiful 119-acre park with a 40-acre lake for fishing and pedal boats. This park offers a rustic setting for fishing and picnicking
Children's Playground
Watson Park offers three children's playgrounds of varying size, shape, and surfaces.
•Northeast playground - rubber pour-in-place safety surface
•Southeast playground - sand safety surface
•West playground - sand safety surface
Family Fishing
Enjoy fishing at its finest in our two fishing lakes which has a total of 42 surface acres and maximum depth of 16 feet. Catch largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, wipers, crappie, grass carp, and hybrid sunfish. A state license is required and is not sold at Watson Park. The two lakes are operated by Wichita Park & Recreation. Bait can be purchased at the Concessions building.
Miniature Golf
Visit our lighted 18-hole miniature golf course.
Miniature Train Ride
Enjoy a ride on our real miniature train through the beautiful scenery of Watson Park. The ride is for all ages, but each rider must purchase a ticket.
Inflatables
Rent an inflatable for your next party or special event here at Watson Park! Rental of a shelter is required to rent any inflatable (except #2). We require a $50 refundable deposit for each inflatable.
Train Inflatable: $90 - 15' x 15' bouncer.
Bouncin' Barnyard combo: $120 - 16' x 20' with an attached slide.
Castle/Slide combo: $120 - 15' x 15' with an attached slide.
*Note that Bounce Houses or Moonwalks are not allowed inside Watson Park unless contracted through Wichita Park & Recreation.
Pedal Boats
Watson Park offers 19 pedal boats each capable of holding up to three adults and one child. The maximum number of people allowed in the boat is four. The fourth person must be under the age of six. All riders under the age of 12 must wear a life jacket. No fishing is allowed from the boat.
Pony Ride
Children under 90 pounds and the age of 12 can take a turn on our live Pony Ride! Children must be old enough to hold onto the saddle. Staff and parents are not allowed to walk with the rider.
Coupon Books
Save on your amusements by purchasing one of our coupon books.
Volleyball Courts
32 sand volleyball courts are conveniently located near parking and restrooms. Volleyball nets are also available for rent.
To Provide fast and friendly service to all.
O.J. Watson Park was dedicated on May 22, 1965. Named in honor of former Board of Park Commissioner President O.J. Watson, it is one of the largest parks in the City of Wichita park system. Prior to development, the site was four sand pits.
The beautiful 119 acre site offers a rustic setting which includes a 40-acre lake for fishing and pedal boats. A Kansas Fishing license is required to fish. Concessions and bait are available at the concession facility during spring, summer and fall. Additional amenities include a miniature train ride , pony rides, miniature golf, sand volleyball courts, a campfire circle, hayrack rides a Community Facility, open shelters, charcoal grills , 3 playgrounds, drinking fountains, 510 paved parking stalls, and restroom facilities. O.J. Watson park is also part of the Arkansas River Bicycle Path.
Admission to the park is free, but a fee is charged for participation in some activities and all rides. Open Shelters, the Community Facility, campfire circle, and hayrack rides are available by reservation. The park also offers over 100 picnic tables on a first come/first served basis.
The park offers a variety of recreational and educational programming for all ages. Check our Activities Guide for dates, times and fees.
O.J. Watson Park offers five open picnic shelters and one heated/air-conditioned enclosed shelter (community facility). Arrangements for these facilities are made with the staff at Watson Park by calling 529-9940.
Shelters are generally located near restroom facilities, include outdoor tables and trash receptacles, and often have electrical outlets and outdoor grills. You may bring your own outdoor grill for cooking. The enclosed shelter seats 50 people and offers restrooms, tables and chairs. Set up of tables and chairs is done by the renter.
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