Opinion > Columnists > Randy Scholfield

Posted on Fri, Sep. 19, 2008

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Hard to let go of Wichita

Sometimes you have to let go of things to let other gifts into your life. After seven great years here at The Eagle, my family and I are moving from Wichita to Boulder, Colo., where I'm going to work as a communications director for Trout Unlimited, the conservation group that works to ensure that trout thrive and waters flow in wild places.

I'll be helping to tell its story to the public.

It's an exciting new challenge and also the realization of a dream for me. From my teenage years on, I've regularly plotted my escape to points west to engage in what I'm sure must look to outsiders like a pointless and even daft pursuit.

I mean, we fly fishermen spend hours stalking and wading streams, in all kinds of weather, waving a rod around and laying line and tiny flies on the water, in the hope of now and then landing a trout -- often only to lift it briefly out of the water, admire its rainbow shimmer, and then release it.

It seems counterintuitive. But sometimes to enhance life, you have to release your grip on it.

For now, my family will have to let go of our life in Wichita. And that's hard, because I grew up here and we've loved our life here for the past 12 years, close to my parents, siblings and other relatives.

Our kids have thrived in this community, under the watchful care and tutelage of beloved teachers, coaches and neighbors. We have many old friends and some new ones we're sad to leave.

I've long appreciated our city's "lovable but slightly down-at-the-heels" charm, as writer Thomas Frank recently put it.

I'll miss a lot of things about Wichita, including good barbecue, Old Town and Delano, Riverside and College Hill parks and the new Keeper of the Plains site, a magical spot from which you can glimpse the future of Wichita as well as understand its origins.

The Arkansas River remains Wichita's most underappreciated asset, but it's encouraging that city leaders have recognized what a great opportunity it offers to attract people and energy to the heart of the city.

Wichita, you have a wonderful volunteer spirit. There are so many people here willing to give of their time and their lives, as tutors, coaches, church leaders and community activists.

The city is incredibly affordable and convenient, with good schools and short commutes and nice neighborhoods. It's reassuringly familiar, in the root sense of that word -- of family.

Wichitans, never apologize for our city. Never stop promoting its many charms and strengths.

At the same time, let's never hesitate to give the status quo a kick in rear.

We need to expect this city to build and support great schools.

Find leaders who are forward-looking and not just defenders of the old order. Support the arts. Be open to new ideas. Be compassionate to the poor and homeless. Be willing to invest in our community and children.

Don't settle for mediocrity.

Like most cities, Wichita remains a work in progress. I'll be eager to follow that progress in coming years.

As an editorial writer and a columnist in this space, I've had a rare opportunity to share my thoughts with you. For that, I'm grateful.

I didn't expect readers to always agree with me. They didn't. But I tried, at the very least, to give you something to think about, and maybe to think twice about.

Thanks to the many readers who sent kind words, or passed along ideas, or even vehemently disagreed with me. The worst fear of a columnist is to be greeted with silence.

I've been laying down lines here for a good stretch, and I've enjoyed every minute. It's time to move on and see what's around the next bend.