The City of Andover held an event to celebrate to the progress that has been made to rebuild and recover from the EF-3 tornado that hit Butler and Sedgwick Counties a year ago.
A prayer breakfast was held at Andover Central Park on Saturday along with a number of community activities.
Andover Mayor Ronnie Price said nearly two-thirds of the buildings that were damaged have since been repaired. Price acknowledged the support the city received from volunteers and donations; including $900,000 to the United Way Recovery Fund, from which around $260,000 was distributed to 70 families that were impacted by the tornado.
The Wichita Area YMCA released images showing the plans for rebuilding the Dr. Jim Farha Andover YMCA building that was heavily damaged in the storm. The main building is not expected to open for another year, but the Water Park is scheduled to reopen on May 27th, for the Memorial Day Weekend.
YMCA president and CEO Ronn McMahon said the toddler area at the Water Park will have new amenities, and there will be a cabana that can be rented for special occasions. He said everything inside the building will be brand new, and it will include a new “Lucky Climber,” a 44-foot climbing structure for kids.
