Topeka

Climate Recreation Community Catastrophe

Topeka
Eden Index

Climate 8.3 Recreation 4.6 Community 2.3 Safeguard

5.5/10

Topeka, Kansas is the capital city of the state and is located in Shawnee County. It has a humid continental climate characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Summers are usually warm and humid, with temperatures often reaching the high 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. Winters are cold with temperatures dropping to the 20s and occasionally below freezing. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with slight peaks in May and June.

Hydrologically, Topeka is situated along the Kansas River. This river provides a source of water supply for the city and offers opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing, boating, and kayaking. There are also several parks and nature preserves in and around Topeka, including Lake Shawnee, Gage Park, and the Cedar Crest State Park.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like hiking, biking, and picnicking in these green spaces. Additionally, Topeka has golf courses, tennis courts, and sports complexes for those interested in athletic pursuits. With its diverse climate and access to the Kansas River, Topeka offers a range of outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

What is the Eden Index?

The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.


Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 8.3


Topeka receives approximately 900mm of rain per year, with humidity levels near 82% and air temperatures averaging around 13°C. Topeka has a plant hardyness factor of 6, meaning plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most plants will die off during the colder winter months. By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.

A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.


Weather Forecast




Streamflow Conditions

Kansas

Area Rivers

Kansas



Snowpack Depths

Kansas



Reservoir Storage Capacity

Kansas



Groundwater Levels


Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.6


The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences. Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.


Camping Areas

Campground Campsites Reservations Toilets Showers Elevation
Outlet Park - Pomona Reservoir 35 980 ft
Pony Creek Lake None 1,148 ft
Holiday Park - Le Roy 4 1,011 ft
Pomona State Park 370 1,023 ft
Norman No.1 Museum RV Park 4 810 ft
Coeur DAlene - Melvern Lake None 1,057 ft
South Owl Lake None 1,078 ft
Outlet Park - Melvern None 979 ft
Turkey Point - Melvern Lake None 1,075 ft
West Wingwall - John Redmond Reservoir 6 1,050 ft
Rivercrest - Walter Johnson City Park 61 719 ft
Pony Creek Co Park None 1,054 ft
Redmond Cove North - John Redmond Reservoir None 1,045 ft
Yates Center Reservoir 12 1,037 ft
Lake Manawa State Park 72 967 ft
Verdon Lake State Rec Area 20 943 ft
Outlet Channel - Elk City Lake 15 775 ft
Riverside East - John Redmond Reservoir None 1,081 ft
Rollin RED Vandever Memorial Park 8 937 ft
Hickory Creek East - John Redmond Reservoir None 1,050 ft
Redmond Cove South - John Redmond Reservoir None 1,054 ft
Kelley City Park None 1,026 ft
Eisenhower State Park 230 1,082 ft
Riverside West - John Redmond Reservoir None 1,023 ft
Offutt AFB Military None 963 ft
The Woods - Walter Johnson City Park 56 717 ft
Waubonsie State Park 40 1,178 ft
Glenwood Lake Park None 998 ft
Elk City State Park 100 837 ft
Cherryvale - Big Hill Lake 30 890 ft
Banner Creek 34 1,113 ft
Arrow Rock - Melvern Reservoir None 1,087 ft
Riverview Marina State Rec Area 46 1,021 ft
Dam Site Area - John Redmond Reservoir None 1,062 ft
Sun Dance - Melvern Lake None 1,079 ft
Wilson State Fishing Lake 20 932 ft
Haworth City Park - Bellevue 130 964 ft
Hickory Creek West - John Redmond Reservoir None 1,047 ft
Card Creek - Elk City Lake None 815 ft
Michigan Valley - Pomona Reservoir 95 998 ft

Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):


The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area. The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.


Community Resilience Indicator (CRI): 2.3


The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.


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