Wichita is an upscale city with lovely accommodations, delightful dining, and lots of activities.

In addition to wining and dining, shopping and sightseeing, there are countless ways to get out and play. Wichita promotes an active lifestyle with over 4,300 acres of parklands and all sorts of facilities for fun.

On-street bike paths run for 100 miles in town with 26 miles laid out along scenic routes. Perhaps the nicest one is a 22.5-kilometer path that follows the Big Arkansas River, stretching from 21st Street North to Galena Street on the south side with easy access to several parks and attractions.

A sporty game of tennis is waiting at one of the 14 lighted courts of the Ralph Wulz Riverside Tennis Center in Downtown. For those who need to improve their skills, group and private lessons are provided. Courts are available in many parks throughout the area as well, including College Hill Park, Riverside Park South, and Linwood Park South.

Daredevils can test their skills at Wichita's most recent addition ? a 12,045-square-foot skatepark designed by internationally-renown Wally Holliday. The park just celebrated its grand opening in October 2005 and is already a big hit.

Even fishing can be enjoyed right in town. Clusters of lakes in the area are stocked with fish on a regular basis, although certain restrictions may apply in terms of permits and regulations. Possible catch in the area includes: bass, crappie, trout, carp, catfish, bluegill, and gizzard shad.

A lazy boat ride down the Big Arkansas River is a rather pleasurable pastime. Operating a motorboat on the River, however, requires a special permit. At the 119-acre O. J. Watson Park, there are facilities for fishing and paddle boating. Kids enjoy the pony and train rides there, as well. And at the end of a hot summer's day, what better way to cool off than to take a refreshing dip in one of the town's many sparkling pools?

Wichita, a city of fun and recreation, is found in south-central Kansas on the banks of the Arkansas River.