Plans for potential facility upgrades at various Manhattan parks drew mixed reactions from city commissioners Tuesday night.
City officials offered the commission a first look at the Move MHK! master plan, which includes a possible indoor aquatics center and overhauls of City Park, Northeast Community Park and Northview Park.
A facility in City Park with both aquatic and recreation components was estimated to cost around $37 million.
Some of the other possible additions include an Olympic-sized competition pool, a warm water therapy pool, diving pool, a walking/jogging track, weight and cardio fitness areas, and more.
Commissioners agreed that an indoor pool would be a worthwhile addition to the city’s repertoire, but commissioner Karen McCulloh said the proposals were too limited.
“I think we’ve got to sit back and see what fits Manhattan,” McCulloh said. “Definitely, I support indoor swimming. Absolutely. But I just feel like you’re giving me not a lot of options. You’re telling me where the entrance doors are going to be on this thing, and I don’t even know if I want the building there. You didn’t give us any other options.”
Mayor Wynn Butler said he’s “not opposed to any of this” but noted it will be a long-term plan requiring a funding source.
“We need a good business plan,” he said. “We need to understand it’s 10 or more years out. It’s going to be phased in. And we’re going to have to figure out how to pay for it. That’s the real challenge.”
The city government is exploring paying for the changes with two potential sales tax questions to pose to voters this year, including a possible extension of a quality of life sales tax scheduled to sunset in 2027, which could help fund any future projects.
Commissioner Peter Oppelt said he believes having quality parks is a vital aspect of having a “vibrant, livable community.” He also clarified that the commission has made no binding agreements or solid plans related to the possible parks upgrades presented Tuesday.
“It’s going to be a fluid document,” Oppelt said. “I think that’s a very important for people to understand. Where we are in this process, we are not making any decisions right now. We’re making very general plans and having a vision.”
The topic will be discussed at future commission meetings.
City officials are weighing potential funding options including possible sales tax ballot initiatives which could be posed to voters later this year.
Commissioners have until June 3 if they want to get a ballot question to voters for the August primary.
