Round Barn Restoration Advances; New Parks Take Shape in Manhattan

Manhattan Park District Board Meeting | Nov. 2025

Article Summary: The Manhattan Park District is making significant progress on capital improvements, including the restoration of the historic Round Barn and the development of new parks in local subdivisions. Phase 1 of the Round Barn restoration is nearing completion, while construction is underway at Ivanhoe Park.

Capital Projects Key Points:

• Round Barn Restoration: Phase 1 of the barn restoration is wrapping up, with Phase 2 scheduled to begin in December or January.

• New Park Development: Construction of the playground at Ivanhoe Park has started, and the district has officially taken over the Prairie Trails Park site.

• Annexation Progress: The annexation agreement to bring Round Barn Farm into the Village of Manhattan is expected to be in place by December 1.

• Maintenance Upgrades: Crews have planted 43 trees around the Round Barn property and installed new flammable storage cabinets for safety compliance.

The Manhattan Park District Board of Commissioners on Thursday, November 13, 2025, received comprehensive updates on facility projects and land development during their regular meeting.

Executive Director Kelly reported that Phase 1 of the restoration of the historic 100-foot Baker-Koren Round Barn is weeks away from completion. The district is preparing for Phase 2, which is slated to begin this winter. Simultaneously, legal teams are finalizing an agreement to annex the Round Barn Farm property into the Village of Manhattan, with a target completion date of December 1.

In park development news, the district reported that construction of the playground at Ivanhoe Park has commenced, utilizing a $234,200 OSLAD Grant. Crews are currently waiting for playground structure pieces to arrive, and path work is beginning.

At Prairie Trails Park in the Benck’s Farm subdivision, the district has officially taken over the site. Improvements such as electric, water, and trees have been installed, and staff recently planted eight new trees around the park.

Maintenance crews have been active at the Round Barn site, planting 43 trees, installing split rail fencing, and sandblasting concrete silo pads. Additionally, in compliance with PDRMA safety standards, staff installed steel flammable storage containers at the Maintenance Office and Round Barn Farm.