Located in the heart of Manhattan, the Manhattan City Park is a great spot to enjoy live music, play sports, or just have a relaxing picnic. The Park offers year-round activities for individuals and families. Spread out on 45 acres, the Manhattan City park offers areas for gatherings and also for those looking to have a little space to themselves.
Enjoy walking on the trail, gardens, Pioneer Cabin, playground, splash park and pools.
Enjoy a walk around the park on the Clarenburg Trail. Walking once around the park equals one mile!
Walking Trails
In the Summer the Aquatic Center is the place to be! Enjoy your time on the lazy river or catch a wave and enjoy some fun in the sun. Our younger residents also enjoy the slash park located near the Johnny Kaw statue. The splash park is free and has an adjacent playground and bathrooms.
Splash Park and Aquatic Center
Constructed in 1966, Johnny Kaw stands 24 feet tall in our Manhattan City Park. The Manhattan Centennial Celebration inspired a Kansas State University Horticulture professor, George Filinger, to create the story of Johnny Kaw. Filinger thought he would spark interest in the area just as Paul Bunyon and Pecos Bill had done. Learn more about Johnny Kaw here!
Johnny Kaw
The park has an upgraded playground located near the splash park and the statue of Johnny Kaw. There are also courts throughout the park for the public to play basketball, tennis, and sand volleyball!
The Larry Norvelle Bank Shell is host to Arts in the Park, Purple Power Play, and various concerts throughout the year.
Larry Norvelle Bank Shell
The Rose Garden has several types of roses for the public to enjoy. Built by the local Kiwanis Club in 1927, the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department works to keep this amazing piece of history blooming in the park.
Rose Garden
In the winter, people enjoy the Jon and Ruth Ann Wefald Pavilion family ice rink! The city offers lessons for those wanting to learn and free skate times.
Jon and Ruth Ann Wefald Pavilion
The Pioneer Cabin was made possible by the Riley County Historical Society in an effort to preserve the history of those who settled in the area. The cornerstone of the cabin was laid on October 2, 1915, and it was built completely by volunteers.
Pioneer Cabin
The park has so much more to offer, but this provides you with the highlights. If you have a youngster playing baseball/softball, you will most likely get to enjoy evenings at the ball fields located on the West side of the park. The various pavilions make for great places to host family reunions or BBQs. Several are located near entrances and with various activities nearby to keep all ages occupied!
I hope you enjoy your time at Manhattan City Park!
