Financial report delays spark transparency questions

City Hall renovations included in parks department capital plan

Hidden maintenance costs in bond projects spark discussion

Alcohol tax funds slated for recreation center upgrades

Liability concerns prevent sale of old playground equipment

City expands day camps to meet child care demands

Youth recreation programs lower minimum age requirements

Financial report delays spark transparency questions

MANHATTAN, Kan. - A transition to a new granular budgeting system and staffing shortages in the Finance Department have temporarily halted custom financial reports for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. During the board's May 11 meeting, concerns were raised about financial transparency, prompting staff to clarify that the Manhattan City Commission is still receiving required broad financial overviews. City staff are currently building approximately 150 individual cost recovery program sheets into the new system to track specific program expenses, and the city is looking to hire a Chief Financial Officer to help manage the workload.

City Hall renovations included in parks department capital plan

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Almost $1 million in interior renovations and heating, ventilation and air conditioning replacements for City Hall are slated for 2027 under the Parks and Recreation Department's Capital Improvements Program. The inclusion of City Hall projects under the parks umbrella stems from the recent transfer of the city's building services division into the Parks and Recreation Department. The plan, funded through the city's general fund, also targets the replacement of the deteriorating east parking lot behind City Hall.

Hidden maintenance costs in bond projects spark discussion

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Upcoming heating, ventilation and air conditioning maintenance at the Anthony Recreation Center and Eisenhower Recreation Center sparked a discussion on the hidden long-term costs of bond-funded construction projects. Built in 2021 and 2022, the facilities will require ductwork and air handling unit repairs by 2028 and 2029 due to the standard 7- to 10-year lifespan of commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning components facing high public use. During the discussion, it was noted that future bond issues must emphasize truth in purchase to ensure voters and officials account for the inevitable, ongoing maintenance expenses of new public facilities.

Alcohol tax funds slated for recreation center upgrades

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Parks and Recreation Department plans to utilize funds generated by the city's alcohol tax to cover upcoming maintenance at the Douglas Activity Center. The Special Parks and Recreation Fund, which collects a quarter-cent tax per alcoholic drink sold in the city, generates roughly $500,000 annually. While approximately $260,000 of that total goes directly to the Flint Hills Discovery Center, the department plans to use a portion of the remaining $240,000 to supplement general fund dollars for aging ductwork and air handling units at the activity center.

Liability concerns prevent sale of old playground equipment

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The city will likely dispose of or recycle the mid-1990s playground equipment at Goodnow Park rather than auctioning it off to the public when it is replaced next year. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board discussed the replacement, which will be funded by Community Development Block Grant money, and clarified that selling the old equipment poses a major liability risk. City staff explained that the uncertifiable equipment cannot be safely repurposed by residents or other municipalities, making demolition and disposal by the hired contractor the standard protocol.

City expands day camps to meet child care demands

MANHATTAN, Kan. - In response to high local child care demand, the Parks and Recreation Department is expanding its day camp locations to the Manhattan City Auditorium and Eisenhower Recreation Center. The Manhattan City Auditorium will host a junior counselor program for middle school students next year, though registration is currently limited due to the building's lack of a fire suppression system. Additionally, the department plans to add at least 185 spots at the Eisenhower Recreation Center in 2027, aiming to alleviate waitlists that typically fill within hours of opening.

Youth recreation programs lower minimum age requirements

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Parents of toddlers will have new recreation options this summer as the city adjusts age minimums for early childhood programming. The Parks and Recreation Department is dropping the starting age for parent-toddler swim lessons from 3 to 2.5 years old to gauge community interest, which could subsequently lower the starting age for group swimming lessons. The department is also exploring younger age brackets for T-ball and introductory sports to accommodate frequent community requests for programming for 1- to 3-year-olds.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us