Manhattan Park District Explores Potential Acquisition of Brookstone HOA Park

Manhattan Park Board Meeting | March 12, 2026

Article Summary: The Manhattan Park Board discussed a request from the Brookstone Homeowners Association to take over ownership and maintenance of their neighborhood park, weighing the estimated $80,000 to $100,000 cost to replace aging playground equipment.

Brookstone Park HOA Park Key Points:

• Brookstone HOA management approached the district about transferring park ownership.

• Existing playground equipment is roughly 20 years old and nearing the end of its useful life.

• Replacing the equipment with similar structures is estimated to cost between $80,000 and $100,000.

• The Board directed Executive Director Kelly to ask the HOA what financial contribution they would provide toward the replacement.

The Manhattan Park Board on Thursday, March 12, 2026, opened discussions on the potential acquisition of a neighborhood park currently owned and maintained by the Brookstone Homeowners Association (HOA).

Under New Business, Executive Director Kelly informed the Board that the management group representing the Brookstone HOA had recently approached the Park District. The group formally asked if the district would entertain the idea of taking over the ownership and ongoing maintenance of Brookstone Park.

While exploring the feasibility of the transfer, Kelly evaluated the park’s current infrastructure. He informed the Board that the existing playground equipment is approximately 20 years old, placing it near what the industry considers the end of its useful life.

To understand the financial liability of accepting the park, Kelly sought out a quote for replacing the aging structures. He reported that installing similar, updated playground equipment would carry a total cost of $80,000 to $100,000.

The potential six-figure replacement cost prompted a strategic discussion among the commissioners regarding the district’s financial responsibilities should they accept the property.

Following the deliberation, the Board directed Kelly to return to the Brookstone HOA management group to negotiate. Kelly was instructed to seek out what amount of funding the HOA would be willing to contribute toward the replacement of the playground equipment if the Park District ultimately agrees to assume ownership of the park.

No formal vote on the acquisition was taken during the meeting.