Manhattan, Kan. (Nov. 28, 2016) — A public meeting and open house for possible improvements at CiCo Park will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 at Pottorf Hall at CiCo Park.

Concepts for possible improvements at CiCo Park were developed as part of Manhattan Parks and Recreation’s ongoing facility feasibility study. City staff and consultants will be on hand to answer questions and discuss some of the improvements identified in preliminary concepts. Those include larger ballfields with better playability, additional tennis courts, connectivity through the park and improved parking. The effect on stormwater detention in the park and downstream is being considered with these possible improvements.

“We want to hear from both park users and from people living near CiCo Park about their preferences for park amenities and for impacts such as traffic and stormwater runoff,” said Eddie Eastes, director of parks and recreation. “Their preferences will help us narrow down our priorities as we move forward.”

The facility feasibility study began after a Strategic Facility Improvement Plan identified four areas of improvement for parks and recreation facilities in the community. The CiCo Park concepts address two of those areas: improvements to safety and playability of playing surfaces and improvements to availability and condition of parks and trails.

No cost estimates have been developed yet for the CiCo concepts. Previous improvements identified in the study include facility additions at Anthony and Eisenhower middle schools and a neighborhood recreation center in Douglass Park. The Manhattan City Commission will hear an update on the study during a work session in January.