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
Construction Progresses on New Manhattan Fire Station, August Completion Anticipated
Land Use Committee Approves 4.98-Megawatt Solar Facility on Eagle Lake Road Near Peotone
Will County Advances Nearly $1.5 Million in Right-of-Way and Improvement Agreements for Weber, Gougar, and Laraway Roads
Public Works Committee: Approves $1.59 Million Contract for Scheer Road Bridge Replacement in Green Garden Township
Will County Board Backs $10 Million State Public Health Grant Increase Amid Funding Cuts
Barn Fire on Whispering Hills Lane Claims Livestock, Draws Extensive Mutual Aid Response
Will County Public Works Committee Shelves License Plate Reader Agreement Amid Bipartisan Privacy Concerns
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Overrides Staff to Approve New Lenox Accessory Building Variance
Will County Sheriff’s Office Welcomes Remi, First Electronic Scent Detection Dog
Will County Transportation Department Announces Open House for Manhattan-Monee Road Expansion
Will County Community Mental Health Board Faces $5 Million Shortfall in 2026 Grant Requests
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Public Health & Safety Committee for March 5, 2026
Will County Officials Warn of Zoom Court Scam Targeting Defendants for Fraudulent Dismissal Fees