More than $40 million in park improvements could be made over the next ten years, but the question is whether or not taxpayers are willing to foot the bill? Manhattan city commissioners wrestled with that thought at Tuesday evening’s city commission work session.
Bruce McMillan, from BG Consultants, Inc., unveiled two options for construction at CiCo Park, which will be coordinated with USD 383. Tennis courts, improved drainage, parking, and an overhaul to the baseball diamonds are all on the list for improvements at the tune of $8.5 million. Commissioners largely favored the second option that includes 12 tennis courts and renovations to all four ball diamonds. While the second option costs an additional five hundred thousand dollars, commissioners all agreed having the additional courts would help USD 383 and other private sports leagues bring more events into Manhattan. According to Mayor Usha Reddi, these visitors to Manhattan contribute to sales tax revenue and help pay for the improvements.
While the commission will revisit the CiCo project in April, Manhattan Parks and Recreation Director Eddie Eastes presented his facility feasibility study. Eastes’ study looked at possible projects and how they would be payed for. The projects were organized into tiers based on importance as well as the source of revenue. Much like last November’s street maintenance sales tax increase, voters in Manhattan will ultimately be left to made the decision when the time comes.
The commission also heard an update on the Flint Hills Discovery Center from director Susan Adams. The discovery center is hosting a fifth anniversary celebration on April 17. Adams said she is working on a five year plan for the center, which includes additional STEM education resources for children. Commissioners commented on how the facility has yet to be paid for after five years of operation.
The post $40 million in park improvements detailed at commission work session appeared first on News Radio KMAN.
