City prepares for FIFA World Cup visitors, plans earthwork

City scraps camera plans at Veterans Park following neighborhood pushback

Herbicide spraying notices limited to trail access points

Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center renovations near completion ahead of Memorial Day

Municipal Stadium structural report stalls after Heritage Trust Fund grant denial

West Lawrence Loop faces yearlong closure for K-10 bridge project

City prepares for FIFA World Cup visitors, plans earthwork

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Lawrence is gearing up to host the Algerian men's national soccer team for the FIFA World Cup in June and July 2026. To celebrate, the city will host six community viewing parties and has commissioned local artist Stan Herd to create a massive earthwork depicting the Algerian flag near the Lied Center, which will incorporate participants wearing colored T-shirts.

City scraps camera plans at Veterans Park following neighborhood pushback

LAWRENCE, Kan. — After suffering $10,000 to $15,000 in recurring vandalism damages to playground equipment and fences at Veterans Park, the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department scrapped plans to install security cameras following strong pushback from surrounding neighborhoods. Instead of cameras, the city will install a new light near the playground and add more tables. In return, three local neighborhood groups committed to activating the park and increasing community oversight to deter future vandalism.

Herbicide spraying notices limited to trail access points

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Following resident complaints about a lack of notice regarding herbicide spraying along the Lawrence Levee Trail, Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department officials clarified that warning signs are only posted at primary access points. Staff explained that posting signs along the entirety of the multi-mile trail system to alert residents whose private backyards connect to the trails is logistically unfeasible. However, the department is exploring the use of social media updates to better notify the public of ongoing maintenance.

Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center renovations near completion ahead of Memorial Day

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Phase 1 of the multimillion-dollar Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center renovation is nearing completion, with the facility expected to open by Memorial Day. Major concrete tear-outs and pours are finished, and crews are currently finalizing painting, doors and hardware installation. Meanwhile, the city is also close to activating a new raw water line for the Eagle Bend Golf Course, which will fill the currently depleted irrigation pond and significantly reduce the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department's municipal water costs.

Municipal Stadium structural report stalls after Heritage Trust Fund grant denial

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Efforts to assess crumbling concrete at the historic Municipal Stadium at Hobbs Park have stalled after the city was denied a Heritage Trust Fund grant. The Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department needs approximately $30,000 to fund a structural engineering report to determine necessary safety and infrastructure repairs. Staff members plan to meet with local community partners, including the Kaw Valley Kickball League, which has been independently fundraising for the legacy project, to explore alternative funding resources for the assessment.

West Lawrence Loop faces yearlong closure for K-10 bridge project

LAWRENCE, Kan. — A major segment of the Lawrence Loop west of Iowa Street will be closed for approximately a year to accommodate the construction of a new Kansas Highway 10 overpass bridge. The finished project will eventually feature a separate bridge exclusively for bicycle traffic, but current detours are limited and force cyclists to navigate narrow sidewalks along West 31st Street. Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department officials acknowledged the detour is not ideal but stated there are no better alternative routes available through the native areas.

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