Public Engagement

We asked, and the Topeka community answered. See how your feedback is shaping the Riverfront Activation Plan.

Public input is at the heart of the Topeka Riverfront Activation Plan. Through a series of surveys, community events, and open houses, we’ve gathered your thoughts, ideas, and priorities to help guide this transformative project.

Key Public Survey Results

12,253+

public interactions

50+

open house attendees

243

presentation views

421

comment map interactions

456

video views

627

social media interactions

2,024

survey responses

3,810

email/text updates delivered

4,622

website visits

Survey #1

(December 2023 – January 2024)

like the riverfront

view the riverfront as unsafe for recreation

agree or strongly agree that the river is a beautiful community asset

believe the river is important to Topeka’s economy

agree or strongly agree the river is an untapped resource

of people visit the riverfront fewer than three times a year

Survey #2

(May – June 2024)

Respondents ranked project priorities in order of most to least important to them.

Pedestrian Experience

(bridge, seating, plaza, boardwalk, etc.) 25%

Water Connections

(access, overlooks, etc.) 23%

Play Programming

recreational facilities 19%

Flexible Use Programming

food truck plaza, ampitheater, etc. 18%

Art Incorporation

sculptural, elements, murals, lighting, interpretive signage, etc. 15%

What the community is saying

It’s an honor to help lead this charge to design and reimagine our city’s riverfront with strategic vision and action. With greater connectivity between key areas of our community on the horizon and developments in mind that will provide lively new entertainment and recreation opportunities, this is a plan the community can get excited about. Bolton & Menk has seen similar projects through to completion in other cities across the U.S., and they’ve proven to be strong partners throughout the process.

Our vision for the riverfront builds on previous efforts to activate a community asset that is central to the Topeka area’s growth and success. The bold, forward-looking projects being proposed are going to enhance and create new synergies within our downtown/NOTO core.

Most Appealing Riverside Activities

Respondents ranked potential riverside activities, below are the top five results.

#1

Walking/Jogging

#2

Picnic Areas

#3

Play Areas

#4

Kayaking/Canoeing/ Paddleboarding

#5

Biking

Most Appealing Riverside Amenities

Respondents ranked potential riverside amenities, below are the top five results.

#1

Enhanced Lighting & Safety

#2

Picnic Areas

#3

Outdoor Event/ Entertainment Space

#4

Dining Options

#5

Bridge Connecting Downtown & NOTO

Explore More

Public feedback has been essential in shaping this plan. As we continue to move forward, your voice matters. Stay tuned for more opportunities to share your thoughts and get involved.