The Manhattan Park Board made significant progress on its flagship Round Barn Farm project during its meeting on August 14, 2025. Commissioners unanimously approved hiring a new architect, Arete Design Studio, Ltd., for a partial interior buildout and passed a vital annexation agreement with the Village of Manhattan to allow for a future banquet facility at the site. A full report on the Round Barn developments is available in a separate story.

However, the board was unable to move forward with early planning for a separate sports complex, as a motion to fund a conceptual site plan failed in a deadlocked 2-2-1 vote after debate over who should pay the fee. For more on the failed vote, see our detailed article. The board also accepted land donations and approved monthly expenses.

Park District Accepts Two Land Donations
The board unanimously approved two ordinances accepting land dedications from developers for future park use. The first ordinance accepted a dedication from Core Group Investments, LLC, located in the Prairie Trails subdivision. The second accepted land from CalAtlantic Group, LLC, for a vacant parcel located south of Smith Road and west of Eastern Avenue, expanding the district’s property for future recreational development.

Board Approves Monthly Bills
Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the July 2025 Treasurer’s Report, which included the payment of bills totaling $396,878.46. The approved amount may include lodging and travel expenses for park district business.

Summer Programs Deemed a Success
Park Board President Bridget Hope thanked the district’s staff for their hard work on summer programs and events. In her report, Hope praised their efforts in “growing healthy programs and events in the community” over the summer months. According to a monthly report, summer camp enrollment reached 1,013 participants, and numerous successful events were held, including the grand opening of Dr. Scott Park.

Upcoming “Sip of Summer” Event
The park district will hold its “Sip of Summer” event on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Central Park. The event is part of a summer concert series that has been popular with residents throughout the season.