Manhattan City Digest
Your weekly roundup of parks, public hearings, and community events shaping life in the Little Apple
Source: MHK Insider Newsletter
Public hearing set for June 16 on proposed KSU Foundation tax districts
The City of Manhattan will hold a public hearing on June 16, 2026, regarding a request from the Kansas State University Foundation to establish a Tax Increment Finance district and a Sales Tax Revenue (STAR bond) district. The districts would assist with further development and construction of Edge 3.0, Champions Gate, the Bilbrey Event Center and seating for the K-State Indoor Track facility, located near the northeast corner of College and Kimball avenues. No final decisions have been made and only limited project details are available at this stage. If the proposal advances, the process will include future redevelopment plans, formal reviews, and opportunities for resident and stakeholder input before any final action. The city plans to publish notices, notify affected property owners and occupants, and post the hearing notice online. Residents can check the City of Manhattan website for City Commission agenda items, presentations, and district updates as information becomes available.
New pedestrian bridge opens in Warner Memorial Park
A new pedestrian bridge spanning a ravine is now complete and open to the public in Warner Memorial Park, an 89-acre natural area in southwest Manhattan that features mowed pathways, natural surface trails, the historic Military Trail, a park shelter and a nine-hole disc golf course constructed in 2010. The improvement project was awarded $97,200 in 2023 through the Recreational Trails Program, administered by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks using Federal Highway Administration funding, with the remaining balance paid through the City's Recreation and Trails Fund. That fund is supported by a 10-year Quality of Life sales tax approved by Manhattan voters in 2017, which earmarked $2 million for trails. Since the tax was approved, Manhattan Parks and Recreation has leveraged local funding to secure $639,182 in additional grants and expects to invest nearly $3 million in local trails by the time the sales tax sunsets.
Alpha Kappa Alpha marks 50th Charter Day with cleanup at Sojourner Truth Park
The Kappa Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at Kansas State University marked its 50th Charter Day Celebration on May 1 with a park cleanup and dedication event at Sojourner Truth Park. Nearly 50 volunteers gathered to remove more than 30 bags of trash and debris from the park and its surrounding area. The event highlighted a 10-year partnership between the local chapter and the City of Manhattan to adopt and care for the space through regular cleanups and tree planting efforts. "We are truly appreciative for the bench and the partnership," said chapter member and City of Manhattan Finance Director Rina Neal. Anyone interested in volunteering with Manhattan Parks and Recreation or adopting a park can learn more by visiting the city's volunteer page.
Manhattan aquatics facilities announce May 2026 opening dates
The City Park Splash Park will open for the 2026 season on Friday, May 8, followed by the opening of Manhattan Park and Recreation Waterparks on Saturday, May 23. Residents can begin planning for the full aquatics season by purchasing season passes, registering for swimming lessons, exploring junior lifeguarding classes, or getting involved in aquatic exercise classes. More information is available at www.mhkprd.com/aquatics.
Flint Hills Discovery Center to host Drinks and Thinks event May 26
The Flint Hills Discovery Center will host Drinks and Thinks from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on May 26, celebrating America's 250th anniversary with a special program series rooted in diverse topics. In partnership with Humanities Kansas and the Arrow Cocktail Lounge, the public is invited to attend "The Way of Tea with Ayako Mizumura," part of the "Kansas Folklife: Celebrating Kansas Traditions" series. Mizumura will provide a brief historical background of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, discussing its profound role in connecting Japanese individuals who settled in Kansas after World War II to their cultural heritage. The event will feature a live demonstration and an opportunity for guests to taste matcha tea. Attendance is free, but reservations are required.
Roar & Explore with Dinosaurs exhibit features animatronic displays and hands-on activities
The "Roar & Explore with Dinosaurs" exhibit, created by the Miami Children's Museum, transports visitors to the prehistoric age with breathtaking animatronic dinosaurs featuring lifelike movement and sound in vivid habitats. The immersive display includes a long Diplodocus, a mighty Tyrannosaurus rex, and a Velociraptor nest where guests can witness a baby dinosaur hatching. The experience also features hands-on activities for young explorers, allowing kids to piece together a 3D dinosaur skeleton puzzle and uncover fossils in a dig pit.
Manhattan Parks and Recreation hosts free screening of 'The Sandlot' in City Park
Manhattan Parks and Recreation will host a free family movie night featuring "The Sandlot" at 7 p.m. on May 15, 2026. The outdoor screening will take place in the green space across from Wefald Pavilion in City Park, and attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the classic summer favorite.
Sunset Zoo offers free admission and gifts for Mother's Day
Sunset Zoo will celebrate Mother's Day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 10, by offering mothers free entry with a paid admission. Visiting mothers will also receive special gifts from Eileen's Cookies and Bellus Academy, while Manhattan Brewing Company will be on-site selling their brews and "Mom-mosas" from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tickets on sale for 19th annual Wine in the Wild at Sunset Zoo
Tickets are currently on sale for the 19th annual Wine in the Wild event, which will be presented at Sunset Zoo from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026. This year's fundraising event will feature an "Around the World" theme, inspired by the upcoming international soccer tournament in the Kansas City region. Attendees will be served wines from across the globe, including selections from local Kansas vintners. More information and tickets are available at www.sunsetzoo.com/wine.
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