Manhattan Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Week of June 9, 2026
Steel and Pipe Supply Ballpark drives tournament traffic
Parks department addresses parking, drainage at new ballpark
City seeks permanent solution after successful winter warming shelter
Automated lightning system enhances safety at city parks
Anneberg Park to host Team USA World Cup watch party
Steel and Pipe Supply Ballpark drives tournament traffic
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Since its opening in March, the new Steel and Pipe Supply Ballpark has become a hub for local and regional sports. The complex has already hosted multiple USA Youth Softball and United States Specialty Sports Association youth baseball tournaments, along with other tournament play. The facility also serves as the home field for local youth leagues and Kansas State University club baseball and softball teams, with Manhattan Parks and Recreation Director Aaron Stewart reporting positive feedback from participants. The final phase of the park's construction, which includes a playground installation, will be completed by late June.
Parks department addresses parking, drainage at new ballpark
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Despite its early success, the newly opened Steel and Pipe Supply Ballpark is facing parking and stormwater management challenges. Manhattan Parks and Recreation Director Aaron Stewart and department staff are working with county officials to resolve parking shortages, which are exacerbated when the neighboring Riley County Fairgrounds host events. Additionally, recent heavy rainfalls have overwhelmed the park's drainage catchment system, prompting staff to develop additional runoff management strategies to protect the playing fields.
City seeks permanent solution after successful winter warming shelter
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The temporary warming shelter, housed at the city-owned Douglass Center Annex, successfully served an average of about 27 individuals per night this past winter, according to the Center of Hope Ministry. Operating from mid-November through March as part of a citywide initiative, the shelter provided vital overnight service for the local homeless population. While the shelter was professionally cleaned and deemed a success, parks and recreation officials noted that the annex is a historic building intended for rentals and programming. Center of Hope Ministry leaders are currently seeking a permanent shelter location for the upcoming winter.
Automated lightning system enhances safety at city parks
MANHATTAN, Kan. — A new automated weather warning system is taking the guesswork out of weather delays at local parks. The Perry Weather system, installed at the Steel and Pipe Supply Ballpark, Anneberg Park and City Park, sounds a long alarm when lightning strikes within a 10-mile radius. Visitors are directed to stay clear of the fields until the system issues three short blasts, indicating 30 minutes have passed without a nearby strike.
Anneberg Park to host Team USA World Cup watch party
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Local soccer fans are invited to Anneberg Park on Friday, June 12, for a watch party organized by Manhattan Parks and Recreation Director Aaron Stewart. The event features the U.S. Men's National Team taking on Paraguay in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage match. The game, which begins at 8 p.m. local time, will be broadcast on an outdoor screen. Admission is free, and the event will feature regular concessions alongside adult beverages provided through a partnership with Manhattan Brewing Company. Visitors are encouraged to arrive by 7:30 p.m.
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