Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Park District Board for Nov. 2025
Manhattan Park District Board Meeting | Nov. 2025
The Manhattan Park District Board of Commissioners met on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Hansen Community Center to address financial levies, personnel policies, and project updates. President Bridget Hope called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Commissioners Kristy Byers, Joe Farkas, and Ed Ludwig were present; Commissioner Nick Goodwin was absent.
The meeting was highlighted by the approval of a tentative tax levy increase and updates on major capital projects like the Round Barn restoration.
Holiday Events Scheduled:
The district announced upcoming community holiday events. “Round Barn Winter Fest” is scheduled for Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This will be followed by “Breakfast with Santa” at the Hansen Community Center on Saturday, December 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
2026 Meeting Schedule Approved:
The board voted unanimously to approve the 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule for the Board of Commissioners. The schedule sets the dates for district governance for the upcoming calendar year.
Baker Road Bridge Update:
According to the October project status report reviewed by the district, the Baker Road Bridge replacement project is nearing its conclusion. The bridge construction, which replaced the structure with a 2-lane bridge, has been ongoing since April. Completion is expected sometime in November.
Recreation Participation:
The Recreation Department reported that “The Den” program currently has 50 participants. Additionally, the district’s “Trick or Treat Trail” event was deemed a success, drawing approximately 1,300 participants and 18 sponsor tables over a two-hour period.
Latest News Stories
U.S. House advances GOP-backed energy reliability bill
Illinois’ safe gun storage law goes into effect Jan. 1
Manhattan Fire Trustees Approve 2026 Budget and Tax Levy; Workers’ Comp Costs Jump 20%
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for December 11, 2025
New Lenox Homeowner Granted Variance for 4,000-Square-Foot Accessory Space
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Village Board for December 16, 2025
County Expands Paratransit Services, Board Members Question Long-Term Funding
California attorney general joins coalition to protect trans youth in sports
Supreme Court blocks National Guard deployment to Chicago
Chicago mayor refuses to sign or veto budget at ‘not a campaign event’
Illinois quick hits: DOJ sues over sanctuary expansion law
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Joliet Junior College Board for Dec. 10, 2025