Stimulus Money to Improve Wichita Sidewalks

November 04, 2009

(WICHITA, Kan.)

What's a smooth walk down your neighborhood sidewalk worth? The federal government says about half a million dollars.

Stimulus money will pay to have the sidewalks in the neighborhood between Oliver and Old Manor Road, and 13th and Kensington replaced. Coming to the relief of those living and working there.

Mail Carrier Ron Muhasky probably knows the sidewalks in the northeast Wichita neighborhood better than anyone. Sidewalks that could make the list of hazards that go along with the job.

"With tree roots coming up and the ground settling and stuff there's quite a few rough areas."

There are probably a few areas that could be called a little more than rough. Just ask Linda Love and her family.

"It's real real bumpy. When the kids are out here playing they trip and fall it's just not good."

That's why the little pink marks, dotting her sidewalks, are spelling relief for the Loves and their neighbors.

Love adds, "I saw them out here and I was like, 'what are you guys doing?' And she was like, 'We're just making markings because we're getting ready fix the sidewalk,' and I was like 'good job.'"

The city of Wichita is getting just under a half a million dollars to repair uneven sidewalks like this ones near the Love's house. A project they hope can quickly improve the appearance of the neighborhood and the quality of life within it.

Muhasky adds, "When you have snow and stuff like that and you don't know what's under the surface that's when you trip and stuff like that."

Trips he hopes he'll be taking fewer of very soon.

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