WICHITA, Kan., Nov. 9, 2026 – Downtown Wichita expanded its Clean Team services to the Arkansas River's east and west banks on Nov. 2, through philanthropic funding from Fidelity Bank and Hutton.

Under the expansion, the team provides services four days a week, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, along the west bank from the Seneca Street Bridge south to the Douglas Avenue Bridge, and along the east bank from the Central Avenue Bridge south to the Kellogg Avenue flyover.

Services include litter removal, graffiti cleanup, weed removal, routine tree maintenance and other upkeep, along with helping visitors with directions and recommendations for downtown attractions.

The expansion complements the Clean Team’s existing service schedule in the Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID), where ambassadors work six days a week, Monday through Saturday.

“Downtown’s riverfront is an important community asset, connecting people to our parks, attractions, businesses and public spaces,” said Heather Schroeder, executive director of Downtown Wichita. “We’re grateful to Fidelity and Hutton for investing in this expansion. By extending the Clean Team’s services to the river, we can build on the program’s success and help ensure this important part of downtown remains clean, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.”

From February through September, the Clean Team collected more than 8,900 pounds of litter, removed 1,081 graffiti tags and stickers, relocated 1,653 scooters and bikes to keep sidewalks clear, and provided 145 instances of hospitality assistance to downtown visitors and stakeholders.

“We’ve seen firsthand the difference the Clean Team makes in downtown Wichita. Extending those services to the Arkansas River is a natural next step, as a vibrant, well-maintained riverfront is an important part of our community’s quality of place,” said Aaron Bastian, president of Fidelity Bank and Downtown Wichita board member.

“Over the past year, the efforts of the Clean Team have made our downtown more welcoming and enjoyable,” said Hutton executive chairman Ben Hutton. "This matters not only for residents, but also for visitors who experience our community for the first time for a conference or are in town for a job interview. We are excited to partner with Fidelity to extend their reach to the riverfront, a beautiful amenity for all of Wichita to share!"

Downtown Wichita will coordinate service delivery through its existing partnership with Block by Block, which operates the Downtown Wichita Clean Team. The expansion will last one year, after which the organizations will analyze the team's data to assess program effectiveness and determine long-term maintenance strategies for the riverfront.

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About Downtown Wichita
Downtown Wichita is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that amplifies the energy, capital and growth of downtown by empowering residents, visitors and businesses to explore the possibilities of the city’s core. In collaboration with stakeholders, the organization stimulates continued investment and interest downtown and connects private-sector and local-government resources that allow commerce and culture to thrive. For more information, visit: https://downtownwichita.org/home.