Manhattan City Digest

Sunset Zoo Director Retires After Nearly Three Decades

After 29 years of service, Sunset Zoo Director Scott Shoemaker has retired, concluding a tenure marked by significant expansion and conservation achievements. During his leadership, Shoemaker oversaw the development of signature exhibits such as the African Forest Trail and Expedition Asia, while also securing the zoo’s accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums through 2030. His legacy includes hosting renowned conservationists like Jane Goodall and establishing popular community events, solidifying the zoo's role as a regional hub for education and wildlife preservation.

New Indoor Batting Cages Open at Douglass Activity Center

The City of Manhattan has opened a new indoor batting cage facility adjacent to the Douglass Activity Center at 905 Yuma Street, occupying the former Flint Hills Breadbasket building. The self-service facility offers drop-in use for $5 per person, with access controlled via key fobs purchasable at local recreation centers. Officials have also introduced individual and team membership options, ranging from monthly to six-month passes, which include guaranteed session times and rental discounts.

City Park Parking Regulations Set to Change in 2026

Effective January 1, 2026, the City of Manhattan will update the Fuchsia Parking Zone, removing approved status for areas near the City Park Activity Center and Wefald Pavilion to accommodate increased programming. Under the new regulations, parking in these specific areas will be restricted to a two-hour limit, and overnight parking will be prohibited between 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.. City officials released a map detailing the adjusted boundaries to ensure adequate parking availability for park visitors and event attendees throughout the day.

Discovery Center to Host Early New Year’s Eve Celebration

The Flint Hills Discovery Center will host "Family New Year's Eve Dream Builders" on December 31, 2025, offering a kid-friendly alternative to midnight festivities. The event runs from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and features a "Kids' Midnight" balloon drop at 8:00 p.m., along with a dance party, glow maze, and access to all exhibits. Tickets are priced at $22 for members and $28 for non-members, with pre-registration required for the limited spots available.

Winter Break Science Camp Scheduled for Late December

The Flint Hills Discovery Center will host "Camp Discover: Engineer It" on December 29 and 30, offering hands-on STEM activities for children in kindergarten through second grade. The sessions, which run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., will challenge students to build windmills and design assembly lines to explore the engineering process. Registration is required for each day individually, with costs set at $30 for members and $35 for non-members per session.

Preschool Programs Focus on Prairie Ecology

Two distinct preschool programs will launch in January at the Flint Hills Discovery Center to introduce young children to the region's ecology and history. "Preschoolers in the Flint Hills," for ages 3 to 5, runs on Tuesdays starting January 6, while the parent-child class "Preschool Together," for ages 2.5 to 4, takes place on Thursdays starting January 8. Both four-week sessions feature the "Prairie Pals" theme, incorporating live animal ambassadors, crafts, and story time for a fee of $50 for members.

Traveling Construction Exhibit Enters Final Weeks

The "Building Buddies" traveling exhibit at the Flint Hills Discovery Center is entering its final weeks and is scheduled to close on January 4, 2026. The interactive exhibit, which explores construction and community planning, has been open since September and encourages children to "lend a hand" through play-based learning. Access to the temporary exhibit is included with admission and will also be available during the New Year's Eve event.

City Seeks Applicants for Advisory Boards

The City of Manhattan is currently accepting applications from residents interested in serving on various advisory boards and committees. Openings are available on several bodies, including the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Aggieville Business Improvement District, the Human Rights Advisory Board, and the Historic Resources Board. Interested citizens can review the full list of vacancies and submit applications online through the city's official website.

Source: MHK Insider Newsletter