Manhattan Park District Advances Round Barn Renovations, Launches Girls’ Softball Following Minor ‘Winter Fest’ Fire

Manhattan Park Board Meeting | February 12, 2026

Article Summary: The Manhattan Park District is expanding its recreational offerings with a new girls’ softball league while simultaneously executing extensive renovations and a specialized hiring search for the Round Barn event venue.

Parks and Recreation Key Points:

• Staff are developing a new girls’ softball program set to begin in Spring 2026 within the Southside Softball Conference.

• The district reported a successful Round Barn Winter Fest, noting that staff quickly managed a “small fire emergency” involving a rented popcorn machine.

• Extensive labor continues at the Round Barn, including scraping the second-level floor, demoing a platform structure, and installing replacement silo covers.

• Over 60 resumes were received for the new Round Barn Wedding & Event Manager position, with in-person interviews scheduled for February.

The Manhattan Park District Board of Commissioners reviewed comprehensive operational and recreational updates during its regular meeting on Thursday, February 12, 2026, highlighting ongoing renovations at the historic Round Barn and detailing a minor fire incident at a recent community event.

Executive Director Kelly presented the board with extensive updates regarding district programming and facilities. According to the Recreation Monthly Report, winter season programs have been filling rapidly, with some youth programming reaching their minimums within 24 hours of registration.

Notably, staff announced the development of a new girls’ softball program scheduled to begin in the Spring of 2026. The softball season will run from April through June, and the Manhattan teams will play in the Southside Softball Conference alongside neighboring Lincoln-Way area organizations. Meanwhile, the district’s Winter 3v3 Basketball League is currently running with 40 players, slightly down from 52 players in 2025 and 42 in 2024.

The recreation report also provided a behind-the-scenes look at the recent Round Barn Winter Fest. While the event drew a steady crowd to see Santa, the Grinch, and local school choirs, it did feature an unexpected hazard. According to the report, “Staff quickly managed a small fire emergency with a rented popcorn machine.” Because of the equipment fire, popcorn was not available at the concession stand for the remainder of the evening, though the event was otherwise deemed highly successful.

Significant physical improvements are currently underway at the Round Barn site as the district positions the property as a premier rental venue. According to the Parks and Operations Monthly Report, staff have been engaged in heavy labor at the barn, which included scraping the second-level floor of built-up debris, demoing a platform structure next to the grain bin, and fabricating and installing replacement silo opening covers. Staff are also sealing and painting sandblasted support beams and installing a cedar split rail fence on the property.

To manage the upgraded facility, the district is closing in on a new Round Barn Wedding & Event Manager. The position, posted in early January, received a tremendous response with over 60 resumes submitted. Staff selected 15 candidates for short screening interviews and narrowed the field to six for in-person interviews in February, hoping to have the manager on staff by March.