Tatarax residents petition county to return vacant lot for neighborhood park
The local homeowners association hopes to reclaim land transferred in 1994 to build a play area for growing families.
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Growing numbers of young families in the Tatarax neighborhood are pushing their local homeowners association to reclaim a long-vacant lot from Riley County to build a new park.
The treasurer of the Tatarax Homeowners Association addressed the Riley County Commission on Tuesday to request the return of Lot 70. The property, along with adjacent Lot 69, was transferred to the county via quitclaim deed Nov. 22, 1994, but has remained undeveloped for nearly three decades.
The association previously approached the commission about the property in 2022, but past attempts to reclaim the land stalled because the association's 501(c)(4) nonprofit status did not align with state statutes governing the transfer.
"We would like to utilize it as a park and play area because we are acquiring a lot more families within the HOA who have children," the association's treasurer said. She noted that a dedicated neighborhood space would allow children to play locally rather than requiring parents to drive across town to other parks.
Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:
