Manhattan Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Week of March 12, 2026
Main park redo and aquatics upgrades eyed for future sales tax renewal
High bids force renegotiation for downtown water feature renovation
Parks and Recreation raises minimum lifeguard age to 16 for summer season
City plans to target aging playgrounds with federal community development grants
Tourism organization plans to hire sports tourism director following consultant report
New baseball facility nears completion with advanced lighting technology
Youth baseball and softball leagues see massive growth ahead of spring season
City science and history center to begin outdoor classroom construction in May
City day camp expands summer formats to close childcare gaps
Main park redo and aquatics upgrades eyed for future sales tax renewal
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Parks and Recreation officials are outlining a $20 million to $30 million renovation of City Park, including an updated aquatics center, as a primary target for a future Quality of Life sales tax renewal cycle. During an update on the Capital Improvement Program, staff confirmed the new proposal drops a previously debated $100 million indoor recreation center in favor of a scaled-back park redesign. The department plans to present preliminary renewal concepts to the city commission during a March 23 work session.
High bids force renegotiation for downtown water feature renovation
MANHATTAN, Kan. - The city will reconsider the design and construction of renovations to the Blue Earth Plaza water feature after initial contractor bids came in higher than expected. Park planner Alfonso Leyva informed the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Advisory Board that the city will attempt to renegotiate the costs to lower the project's price tag. The renegotiated contract is expected to go before the city commission for approval later this month.
Parks and Recreation raises minimum lifeguard age to 16 for summer season
MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department has raised its minimum hiring age for summer lifeguards back to 16, citing the scheduling difficulties associated with 15-year-old labor laws. Recreation superintendent Sydni De Hart reported that recruitment remains strong despite the change, with 102 lifeguards currently hired against a summer goal of 120. The robust staffing will also allow the city to add morning lap swimming at City Park year-round.
City plans to target aging playgrounds with federal community development grants
MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department will leverage Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to replace several of the city's aging playgrounds over the next few years. The city's oldest playground at Northview Park is currently 33 years old, with the citywide average sitting at 20 years. Planners intend to replace equipment at qualifying low-to-moderate-income locations, beginning with Goodnow Park and Longs Park in upcoming budget cycles.
Tourism organization plans to hire sports tourism director following consultant report
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Visit Manhattan is currently hiring a sports tourism director to help capitalize on regional athletic tournaments and drive local economic impact. The decision follows a presentation of a sports tourism assessment by the consulting firm Huddle Up Group, which noted the city hosted 91 events in the previous year but faces steep competition from nearby competitor cities. The new director will focus on maximizing existing facilities, forming a local sports advisory board and recruiting mid-level travel tournaments to Manhattan.
New baseball facility nears completion with advanced lighting technology
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Steel and Pipe Supply Ballpark is slated for a grand opening in late March, featuring state-of-the-art lighting designed to reduce light pollution in neighboring residential areas. Officials noted the complex utilizes hooded LED lights — similar to those used at Kansas State University — which direct light downward onto the playing field without bleeding into adjacent yards. The grand opening will be followed by a local league opening day event in mid-April.
Youth baseball and softball leagues see massive growth ahead of spring season
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Manhattan's youth baseball and softball programs are experiencing significant growth, prompting the city to add additional teams and upgrade player apparel for the upcoming season. Recreation supervisor Tyler Burroughs highlighted that the seventh- and eighth-grade divisions have expanded rapidly, now making up half of a regional league. The department has also secured private donations and sporting goods sponsorships to provide higher-quality jerseys to participants.
City science and history center to begin outdoor classroom construction in May
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Construction on a new outdoor classroom at the Flint Hills Discovery Center is scheduled to begin in May, with an anticipated completion date in September. The project is part of the city's 2026 Capital Improvement Program and will head to the city commission for final approval in April. The center is also bringing back its popular weeklong summer exploration camps for school-age children after a brief hiatus.
City day camp expands summer formats to close childcare gaps
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Little Apple Day Camp is modifying its schedule to provide seamless summer childcare for Manhattan families. To eliminate a midsummer gap, the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department collapsed the camp's traditional week off, running two continuous full sessions from the end of the school year to the beginning of the next. Additionally, the department is introducing 11 new weeklong camp options at Peace Memorial Auditorium to accommodate families needing more flexible, short-term commitments.
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