Manhattan Park Board Meeting | September 2025

The Manhattan Park Board at its Thursday, September 11, 2025, meeting ratified the emergency purchase of a bucket truck to aid in park maintenance. The board also tabled a decision on funding a conceptual site plan for a potential new development, citing a desire to first negotiate cost-sharing with a developer. For more details on these issues, please see our full-length articles.

In a highlight of community involvement, the board accepted a donation of handmade bird and bat houses from a local Girl Scout troop. Routine business included the approval of over $368,000 in monthly bills and planning for upcoming holiday events.

Girl Scout Troop Donates Bird and Bat Houses: Members of Girl Scout Troop 75749 presented the board with two bat houses and one bird house they built to earn a badge. The park district will install the houses at Round Barn Farm and Central Park. Board President Bridget Hope thanked the troop for their generous donation and civic-mindedness, calling their community involvement “tremendous.”

Board Approves August Bills: The board unanimously approved the Treasurer’s Report for August 2025, which included the payment of bills totaling $368,441.96. The amount covers the district’s operational costs and may include lodging and travel expenses.

Foundation Plans for “Breakfast with Santa”: The park district’s Foundation Committee met to discuss ways to improve fundraising efforts. The committee is focusing on plans for its upcoming “Breakfast with Santa” event, which is scheduled for the morning of December 6 at the Hansen Community Center.

Upcoming Fall and Winter Events: The Park District announced its schedule for several popular upcoming events. The Trick or Treat Trail will be held at Round Barn Farm on October 25 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Winter Fest is scheduled for December 5 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., also at Round Barn Farm.