Andover, Kansas
Community of Possibilities
Innovation and resident-focus is spring boarding this community towards a bright future
Andover, Kansas, is experiencing a surge of development and innovation. City leaders, including Mayor Ronnie Price, Assistant City Administrator Jolene Graham, Public Information Officer Megan Schapaugh, and Andover Area Chamber of Commerce President Lori Cullum, tirelessly work to improve the community’s infrastructure and amenities. The commitment to creating a vibrant and welcoming environment for residents and businesses is evident in every project and initiative underway.
Vibrant community hub
The Heritage Park Plaza embodies Andover’s dedication to establishing community spaces encouraging social interaction and enjoyment. The city recently marked the park’s grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the unveiling of the Heritage Man sculpture. Mayor Ronnie Price expressed his excitement about the project, particularly noting the return of Livingston’s Cafe. “Livingston’s, a beloved Andover original, is making a comeback. We’re also in discussions with other excellent dining establishments about adding new restaurants in the next year,” he announces.
Graham elaborates on the Skyloft apartments, a key element of the Heritage development. “The Skyloft apartments are resort-style, featuring a rooftop pool, communal grilling, patio areas, and spacious layouts designed to foster a vibrant community,” she says. The 100-acre development includes water features and walking trails, creating a picturesque setting for residents. Plans include a senior living facility, a hotel, and additional commercial spaces, enhancing the development’s appeal.
The Heritage development also includes a linear city park stretching from Heritage Park Plaza to Douglas. Graham emphasizes its role in providing a serene environment for relaxation. “Ponds, trails, and plaza areas create a natural gathering spot for our community,” she explains.
State-of-the-art recreational facilities
The re-imagined 13th Street Sports Park is another jewel in Andover’s crown. Set to open late-summer, the facility boasts five recreational ball diamonds, a splash pad, pickleball courts, sand volleyball, and more. Mayor Price highlights the park’s role in connecting the community through various transportation options, including walking trails and sidewalks. “This park is designed to create a lot of good times for both the Andover community and visitors from surrounding areas,” he states.
Graham adds, “The 13th Street Sports Park was thoughtfully designed to allow families to monitor multiple activities simultaneously. Whether you’re watching a ball game or your children playing on the playground, it’s all about family-friendly, engaging spaces.”
The park’s features are tailored to enhance the recreational experience for all age groups. The unique 40 feet tall “Luckey Climber”, splash pad, and half-court basketball area are just a few attractions encouraging physical activity and outdoor fun. Additionally, the park includes a walking trail that circles the entire area, providing a scenic route for joggers, walkers, and cyclists alike.
Fire stations for enhanced safety
The city recently opened Fire Station 2, a state-of-the-art facility designed with firefighter health and safety in mind. Graham describes its advanced features: “From lighting and sleeping arrangements to decontamination areas, every aspect is designed with the health of our firefighters in mind; especially to reduce the risk of cancer and other occupational hazards for our firefighters.” The station will also include community-friendly amenities such as a playground and meeting spaces, fostering stronger ties between the fire department and residents.
In addition to Fire Station 2, the city has also invested in remodeling Fire Station 1.Mayor Price adds, “The addition of decontamination areas ensures that firefighters can change into fresh clothes, preventing contamination throughout the station. Fire Station 2’s strategic location also allows us to respond to emergencies within four minutes, a critical factor in life-saving situations.”
Infrastructure projects
Andover’s infrastructure projects are pivotal to supporting its growth. The expansion of Kellogg (US 54-400) to a six-lane freeway is a major undertaking, with Phase 2 recently greenlit. This project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and improve connectivity within the city and to surrounding areas. The city plans to develop backage roads to enhance safety and accessibility during the freeway expansion.
“The Kellogg expansion will stretch from 159th to the east side of Andover on Prairie Creek Road. This alleviates peak-time traffic congestion, benefiting both residents and commuters. Additionally, our wastewater treatment plant’s $40 million expansion is crucial for supporting residential and commercial growth,” Graham notes.
Developing backage roads is a strategic move to ensure smooth traffic flow and enhance safety. Mayor Price explains, “These new backage roads will act as a safety corridor, ensuring efficient traffic management during construction and beyond.”
Dynamic business ecosystem
The Andover Area Chamber of Commerce is important in supporting and attracting existing businesses. Cullum emphasizes the chamber’s efforts in fostering a connected and collaborative business community. “Our business community is a community. They want to be connected and support each other constantly,” she says.
Mayor Price highlights various incentives for businesses, such as industrial revenue bonds and the neighborhood revitalization program, making Andover an attractive investment place. “We’re thinking outside the box on many things,” he states. “It’s not just about retail and commercial; we’ve recently worked with developers on a shipping and receiving logistics park, and unique projects along the Redbud Trail including a restaurant and a “Glamping” venue, as well as other diverse projects that will benefit our community.”
Graham adds that Andover’s quality of life amenities, including parks, an amphitheater, and extensive trails, make it an appealing location for residents and businesses. “Our investment in quality of life is attractive to employers because they can offer their employees a great place to live, work, and play,” she says.
Community celebrations
Andover is known for its vibrant community events that bring residents together. Schapaugh details several annual events that draw residents and visitors alike. Greater Andover Days, the city’s largest festival, features a carnival, food trucks, concerts, and fireworks, attracting nearly 5,000 attendees. Other notable events include the Hometown Christmas celebration, Police and Fire Community Cookout, and the Chamber of Commerce’s annual city-wide garage sale.
Mayor Price speaks about the community’s enthusiasm for these events. “The parade during Greater Andover Days is always packed, and we’re excited to see people coming together to celebrate our city,” he says. “We’ve also contracted ASM to manage our Amphitheater, ensuring top-notch entertainment for our residents.”
The city’s commitment to community engagement is evident in the range of events and activities. From family-friendly festivals to educational programs like the Citizens Police Academy, Andover ensures something for everyone. The Citizens Police Academy, in particular, provides residents with a behind-the-scenes look at the department’s operations, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of law enforcement.
Future outlook
Looking ahead, Andover’s strategic goals focus on completing major infrastructure projects and enhancing community amenities. Graham discusses the plans for a new activity center within to the 13th Street Sports Park, offering expanded recreational programs. “The new activity center will bring many new recreational opportunities to our community,” she notes. “We’re very excited about the designs and concepts, which will be developed in the next few years.
The city also anticipates opening new senior living facilities and an apartment complex, further supporting its growth. “We have a senior living facility being built between Dillon’s and Sunstone apartments,” Mayor Price says. “Additionally, we’re looking at a new apartment complex with around 245 units on US 54-400 at Onewood.”
Graham accentuates the importance of these developments in supporting the city’s long-term growth. “Our focus is on creating a sustainable, vibrant community that meets the needs of all our residents,” she says. “From infrastructure improvements to new housing options, we’re committed to making Andover a premier suburb of Wichita.”
Empowering business connections
Cullum notes that Andover’s businesses are deeply committed to giving back to the community. Andover Auto Body, K. Westphal Jewelers, Andover State Bank, Domino’s, and many others consistently support local events and initiatives. Cullum explains, “Our businesses are very focused on giving back, whether through donations to the chamber, sponsoring city events, or supporting the community in other ways.”
Schapaugh adds, “Capitol Federal Bank sponsors our amphitheater, and many businesses support our major events like Greater Andover Days and Hometown Christmas. Their contributions are vital to our community’s success.”
Mayor Price stresses the collaborative efforts between the city and the business community. “We work closely with businesses to create a supportive environment,” he says. “Our relationship with the Heritage Development team has been phenomenal, and we’re always looking for ways to improve and attract new businesses.”
The Chamber of Commerce offers a range of resources, from networking events to financing assistance, ensuring that businesses have the support they need to thrive. Cullum emphasizes the Chamber’s role in connecting businesses with the community. “We believe in making business fun and stress-free,” she proudly states. “Our goal is to create a supportive, enjoyable environment for all our members.”
Embracing growth and development
The city’s proactive approach to development is evident in its strategic planning and execution. Andover is focused on creating a well-rounded, thriving community, from major infrastructure projects to community events. The recent announcement of a QuikTrip in the Heritage and Yorktown corridor is another example of the city’s efforts to attract popular businesses and enhance local amenities.
Andover, Kansas is a city on the rise, driven by thoughtful planning and a strong sense of community. The city is well-equipped to support its growing population with major developments like the Heritage Park Plaza, 13th Street Sports Park, and new fire station. The proactive efforts of city leaders and the Chamber of Commerce ensure that Andover remains a desirable place to live, work, and play. As Andover continues to expand and evolve, it stands as a model of community-driven progress and innovation.
AT A GLANCE
Andover, Kansas
What: A rapidly growing suburban city in Butler County known for its excellent educational system, family-friendly community, and proximity to Wichita.
Where: In the south-central part of Kansas, sharing its western border with Wichita, the largest city in the state.
Website: https://www.andoverks.com/
