The residents of Wichita’s A. Price Woodard Neighborhood Association on Volutsia, from 13th to 9th Street, were treated to a block party on Thurs., Sept. 4, in recognition of winning the Prize Patrol Community Revitalization and Beautification Project contest.
The celebration, held from 6 to 9 p.m., featured music from DJ Don, dinner, and door prizes. It was both a reward and a chance for neighbors to come together after earning top honors for their clean and well-kept street.
Judges determined the winning blocks based on the number of homes with well-maintained yards, tidy curbsides, and overall cleanliness.
“Your effort to participate was evident,” said Juanita Ridge, president of the neighborhood association.
Neighborhoods with cared-for lawns, trimmed curbsides, and free of trash don’t just look good — they bring real benefits. Well-maintained blocks help preserve property values, build neighborhood pride, and even deter crime by signaling that residents are active and engaged in their community.
Although the Volutsia blocks stood out this year, residents acknowledge there are still challenges and areas of blight within the blocks as well as in the neighborhood boundaries.
Applause goes to the Neighborhood Association board, whose creativity in launching the beautification project gave residents a fun and competitive way to show pride in their homes and streets. Board members hope the momentum from this recognition will encourage even more participation in future efforts to keep the neighborhood thriving.
The block party highlighted their effort, bringing food, music, and laughter — and reminding residents that the work of keeping streets beautiful is both rewarding and ongoing.
