Sunflower Summer to return, but shorter | Derby Business News

The Kansas Department of Commerce, which administers the program through Kansas Tourism, recently put out the call for applications of participating attractions – set to be announced in June. Due to the funding approved, one of the biggest changes noted is that the program will start later this year – beginning July 12 (and going through Aug. 3) instead of Memorial Day weekend.

While $5 million in funding was requested for the program, ultimately the Kansas Legislature approved a final budget that included $3.5 million in funding for Sunflower Summer – leading to the shorter timeline. Past local participants are already preparing for what those changes could mean.

“It will have a significant impact, there’s no doubt about it. I would suspect we’ll see less than half of what we’ve seen in the past using that [Sunflower Summer] app as a result,” said Field Station: Dinosaurs Park Manager Garion Masterson. “Our biggest concern is that it means a lot of families will choose to forgo visits in May or June, making staffing and some of these things in the summer harder to do.”

Masterson confirmed that Derby’s dinosaur park is planning on being a part of the program again, which would mark its fourth year. The lone year it did not participate was the program’s inaugural year in 2021.

Sunflower Summer covers admission costs for eligible students (pre-kindergarten through 12th grade) and one adult guardian per attraction, per season. Tickets can be claimed through the free Sunflower Summer app and are later redeemed at the participating venues upon arrival.

Even with the $3.5 million in funding secured for the program, it was stated Sunflower Summer could be further shortened based on app/ticket usage. Additionally, some attractions no longer qualify to be part of the program – like Derby’s Rock River Rapids.

In its first year participating in 2024, Rock River Rapids drew more than 50,000 guests through the Sunflower Summer program – accounting for 40% of the water park’s total attendance, which was the third highest in its history.

Given the high volume of use at Rock River Rapids last summer, DRC Superintendent Chris Drum did note staff will “continue to keep a close watch on any further developments” with Sunflower Summer.

Similarly, while the program has continued to evolve, Masterson noted Field Station has remained a “strong advocate” of Sunflower Summer. Though some significant changes have been made this year, he is hopeful the program can find the proper footing to continue its benefits into the future.

“There’s no doubt that this program has improved the quality of life for Kansans and for residents of the state,” Masterson said. “I hope that the Legislature continues to support it, and we can find the right place to administer this program.”