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
Professor: Surging gas prices will have long-term effects
Illinois Quick Hits: DHS says ICE captures child sex abuser released by Illinois DOC
Durbin calls probe ‘sham’; state lawmaker backs transparency
Lawmen believe trip from Carolinas to Washington a threat to Trump
Trump threatens new EU auto taxes that could drive up prices
Independent tax tribunal faces elimination by Pritzker budget proposal
States consider drones to stop school shootings
Trump: Iranian regime ‘disjointed’, won’t indicate if further strikes are coming
House Farm Bill includes new seafood office, shrimp trade study
Arizona congressman seeks to protect sex abuse victims
Trump threatens 25% tariff on EU cars and trucks
Trump ends tariffs on Scotch whisky after King Charles visit