Imagine pedestrian bridges, food trucks, walking and bicycle trails, and even concerts down by the Manhattan Riverfront… those are just some of the proposed designs and plans created by Kansas State University students with landscape and architecture. Schematics and drawings were shared with Manhattan intergovernmental leaders Monday.
Assistant Professor Alpa Nawre tells KMAN the students addressed one main question, “How can the river become an identity for Manhattan?” In addition she says how such an amenity so close to downtown Manhattan can be developed as a destination the city and the riverfront could benefit from.
Student Priyasha Shrestha shares the aspect of the project she worked on, which was designing a way for the city to make money from the riverfront with a multi-use development and a place for people to gather for concerts. She adds apartment buildings that take maximum advantage of the views would be another possibility.
Other students dealt with spaces for people and wildlife, engaging different demographics, and possible pedestrian bridges across the river.
Mackenzie Wendling talked about his aspect of the group project that looks at possible development of the Manhattan riverfront by the Kansas River, which involves infrastructure along the riverfront. While much of that is single use, his portion is to address that and make it multi-functional.
Student Madison Dalke studies making space for diversity, which means a space for many types of people but also many different types of wildlife to come and enjoy the riverfront.
Manhattan Citizen Phil Anderson, who was instrumental in getting the Manhattan welcome sign made from a previous river pier structure, has high praise for the K-State students’ efforts and Asst. Professor Alpa Nawre. Anderson encourages others to view the students’ work, adding the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce at Fifth and Poyntz is offering another look at the students’ work next Monday May first from 3:30-5:30.
Riley County Counselor Clancy Holeman also addressed the group about continuing discussion involving the local ambulance service. Conversations have even evolved into the possibility of merging with Pottawatomie County fire and ambulance somehow. Holeman told the group there are “five spinning plates” right now but that some big decisions need to be made between now and September on the matter.
The intergovernmental group is made up of representatives from the city of Manhattan, Riley County, K-State, USD 383, Fort Riley and the chamber.
