Rhoades Wetland Park

R. Michael Rhoades Wetland Park, opened in November 2023, is a beautiful natural space designed for birding, nature walks, and peaceful moments—right within Newton’s city limits. Created in partnership with the Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams (KAWS), the park is home to native wildflowers, buzzing pollinators, and a variety of wildlife that thrive in its restored wetland habitat. It also features birding-by-ear elements for blind and low-vision visitors, five custom murals that blend art and nature, solar lighting along the path, and a Free Little Library for visitors to enjoy a good book surrounded by nature.

A committed group of stakeholders gave their time and funding to create the community wetland space, including the R. Michael Rhoades Foundation, KAWS, Ducks Unlimited, the Evergy Green Team, the Sunderland Foundation, City of Newton, KD Department of Health and Environment, BNSF Foundation, Newton Lions Club, Mark L. Miller, Cargill Cares, AARP, Wallace Foundation, Chickadee Checkoff, KS Dept. of Ag Division of Conservation, KDWP Habitat First, Dyck Arboretum, Newton Etcetera Shop, NMC Health, Newton Murals & Arts Project, Rotary Club of Newton, the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, KDWP Outdoor Wildlife Learning Sites, Builders Concrete & Supply Inc., The Prairy Foundation, Walmart Community Grants, Joe and Joy Robb, Somers, Robb and Robb Law Offices, Adrian & Pankratz Attorneys at Law, Kansas Wildscape Foundation.