Manhattan Parks and Recreation engages community through events, contests and long-term planning

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Manhattan Parks and Recreation is inviting residents to participate in several community initiatives this fall while implementing a comprehensive 20-year strategic plan approved earlier this year.

The department is accepting photo submissions through Wednesday for its Activity Guide Cover Photo Contest. Residents can submit images showcasing parks, programs and events from Manhattan Parks and Recreation, Flint Hills Discovery Center or Sunset Zoo. The winning photo will be featured on the cover of the 2026 Spring/Summer Activity Guide.

This Saturday, the department will host Builders Bash from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 315 S 3rd St. The hands-on event celebrates building, construction and design for all ages. Youth ages 2-17 receive free admission sponsored by Midwest Concrete Materials, while regular admission rates apply for adults 18 and older.

Manhattan Parks and Recreation is also offering ice skating lessons at Manhattan Ice Academy. Three-day sessions are scheduled for November and December, with four-day sessions planned for January. Registration information is available on the department's website.

In a collaborative effort with the City of Manhattan, residents have until 5 p.m. Monday to submit names for the city's snow removal equipment. The naming contest includes 15 Public Works Department snow plows, four Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department trucks with plows, two Manhattan Fire Department trucks with plows and one large piece of snow removal equipment at Manhattan Regional Airport. Participants can submit up to three names per category at manhattanks.gov/snowplow.

The department recently sent its trail crew to Kanopolis State Park for the 2025 Trail Development & Maintenance Workshop, where staff learned trail design, layout and maintenance techniques from the Saline County Mounted Patrol & Rescue Squad.

These initiatives align with the Move MHK! Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which the City Commission adopted June 18, 2024. The 20-year strategic plan focuses on four main goals: enhancing park quality, addressing future needs and growth, improving program and service delivery, and strengthening the department's operational efficiency and financial health.

The department is also seeking naming and sponsorship opportunities for the new CiCo Baseball & Softball Complex, which attracts more than 300,000 annual visitors. Packages range from $1,500 for fence signs to $100,000 for exclusive naming rights of the entire complex or the premium view deck.

For more information about programs and events, contact Manhattan Parks and Recreation at 785-587-2757 or visit mhkprd.com.