Manhattan Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Week of August 13, 2026
Quality of Life sales tax renewal discussion postponed
Parks and recreation targets 35 percent cost recovery amid new expenses
Summer camp registrations spike 87 percent after format change
Youth baseball and softball see continued growth, regional partnerships
Parks and recreation prepares for girls' flag football growth
Extreme heat prompts revamp of senior trip programs
Flint Hills Discovery Center revenue climbs 7 percent despite attendance dip
Flint Hills Discovery Center to break ground on outdoor classroom
Discovery Center drives tourism with visitors from 45 states
Quality of Life sales tax renewal discussion postponed
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Discussion of a potential 2028 renewal of the Quality of Life sales tax has been delayed until after the November election. The change comes as the Manhattan City Commission pivots to presenting a 0.5 percent streets-only sales tax to voters this fall. Staff indicated they will return to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for feedback on the Quality of Life tax once the November election concludes to avoid confusing the public with multiple sales tax proposals.
Parks and recreation targets 35 percent cost recovery amid new expenses
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department is aiming for a 35 percent to 40 percent overall cost recovery, though officials noted recent changes may require adjusting those goals. The addition of building services introduced a $700,000 annual expense, dropping last year's overall recovery rate to about 27 percent. Officials stated the recreation division must push for higher cost recovery to offset substantial expenses on the parks side that generate minimal revenue.
Summer camp registrations spike 87 percent after format change
MANHATTAN, Kan. — A shift to offering weekly sessions for the Little Apple Day Camp helped drive an 87 percent increase in summer instructional camp registrations this year, totaling 781 filled spots. The new format provided flexibility for families unable to commit to traditional five- or six-week blocks. Despite the growth, the day camp still saw waitlists of 50 to 55 children per session, prompting staff to explore licensing a recreation center to increase capacity for next summer.
Youth baseball and softball see continued growth, regional partnerships
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Youth baseball and softball programs saw a 10 percent participation increase this summer, bolstered by a continuing partnership with the regional Big Six League for seventh- and eighth-grade teams. The regional format allows older local players to compete against surrounding towns like St. George and Riley. The Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department also upgraded team uniforms, providing sun visors for girls' softball teams and partnered with local businesses for team sponsorships to keep registration fees under $100.
Parks and recreation prepares for girls' flag football growth
MANHATTAN, Kan. — With girls' flag football officially sanctioned by the Kansas State High School Activities Association in April 2026, the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department is making adjustments to its youth leagues to anticipate local demand. While Manhattan High School has not yet adopted the sport, department staff are aligning senior girls' flag football age groups to feed into potential future high school teams. Staff are also boosting local marketing efforts to capitalize on the sport's growing national popularity.
Extreme heat prompts revamp of senior trip programs
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Summer heat took a toll on senior trips organized by the city, with only one of three planned trips successfully taking place. Participants expressed a desire for more indoor, climate-controlled destinations rather than outdoor activities. To improve the experience, the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department plans to expand indoor offerings and utilize a 25-passenger bus with a commercial driver to replace the current 15-passenger vans, which lack adequate air conditioning and easy access.
Flint Hills Discovery Center revenue climbs 7 percent despite attendance dip
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Flint Hills Discovery Center served more than 86,000 visitors in 2023, a slight decrease from the 90,000 visitors in 2022, but saw overall revenue grow by 7 percent. Director Stephen Bridenstine attributed the revenue boost to daily admission and membership rate increases implemented early in 2023. The membership price hike was required to maintain the center's eligibility in the Association of Science and Technology Centers reciprocal program, which offers members free admission to partner museums nationwide.
Flint Hills Discovery Center to break ground on outdoor classroom
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Construction on a new outdoor classroom at the Flint Hills Discovery Center is slated to begin this fall, with completion expected in January. Fully funded by the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation, the educational space will be located on the southeast corner of the property and will host new programs starting in March. The addition follows the June installation of the "Vigilance" bison sculpture out front, another foundation-supported project aimed at enhancing the facility ahead of its 20th anniversary in 2032.
Discovery Center drives tourism with visitors from 45 states
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Flint Hills Discovery Center continues to act as a significant tourism draw for Manhattan, welcoming visitors from at least 45 states and 321 distinct Kansas communities over the past year. Cell phone tracking data indicates that nearly 20 percent of the facility's visitors arrive directly from a hotel. The center also saw record access through free or reduced-rate initiatives, serving more than 16,000 youth and adults through programs like Museums for All and the state's Sunflower Summer.
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