Local forum held to discuss future of City Park and indoor aquatics

A public forum was hosted Thursday night by the League of Women Voters of Manhattan/Riley County to allow the public to learn more about a possible overhaul of City Park and a new indoor aquatics center concept that could end up in front of voters this fall.

Local officials close to the project took part in a forum Thursday evening at the Manhattan Public Library, hosted by the League of Women Voters. The League shared its own concerns about City Park as the potential location for an indoor water facility concept.

David Dzewaltowski, Professor Emeritus of Kinesiology at Kansas State University, says a central location makes the most sense for city and chamber officials wanting to use any potential facility as an economic driver for the community.

Parks and Rec Director Aaron Stewart explains the department’s approach to the plan.

Parks and Rec Advisory Board member Ed Klimek says he still has “black eyes” from 2008 protests of a potential indoor water park being located in City Park.

 

City officials are set to consider a master plan for parks and rec on June 18. Look for more information from Thursday’s forum in this weekend’s edition of the Manhattan Mercury.