Manhattan Parks and Recreation Vol. 4 Activity Guide

It is our policy to provide persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in and enjoy the benefits of our services, programs, and activities. In order for us to provide reasonable accommodations, we ask that you request the assistance needed by contacting Parks and Recreation at 1101 Poyntz Avenue in Manhattan, or call 785-587-2757 (TDD Kansas Relay Center at 800-766-3777).

We are here to assist you in the registration (application) process as well. Essential eligibility requirements for each program are on file. Assistive devices are available upon request.

First-Come, First-Paid: Space is limited for most of the programs we offer, and registration is accepted on a firstcome, first-paid basis. In some instances, a waiting list may be available.

MHKPRD Scholarship Policy: Some of our programs qualify for scholarships. Scholarships provide 50% off registration fees up to $150 per qualifying household. You must show proof of participation in the USD Free/Reduced Fees program, or qualification under Federal Income Availability Guidelines.

Refund Policy for Activities Requiring Registration: Registrants will receive a full refund if we cancel the program, or we may be able to transfer you to another class. A full refund is granted if request to withdraw is received 1 week (7 days) before the class or event start date. A partial refund is issued when requested between 1 week and at least 48 hours before the start date. No refunds will be granted if the request is less than 48 hours in advance or if the participant fails to show. Participant withdrawals must be received during business hours.

Please note: Some programs have age restrictions and birth dates are required for each participant. Phone numbers are required for staff to access your account and for emergency purposes. For assistance, please call 785-587-2757, or come to our offices, Monday through Friday, 8 AM-12 PM and 1 PM-5 PM, 1101 Poyntz Avenue, in City Hall.

Recreation

mhkprd.com

@manhattanparksandrec @ManhattanPRD

Youth Sports

Youth Basketball

Grade 1st/2nd Grade Boys & Girls

Dates

January 8 - March 5 (Mon/Tues)

Location

Fee $35

Home-School PE

Age 5-8 year olds

Time 1 PM - 1:40 PM

Dates

Fee $50

Location Eisenhower Rec Center

Anthony/Eisenhower Rec Center

Grade

3rd/4th Grade Boys & Girls

Dates

Fee $40

November 6 - January 23 (Mon/Tues)

Location

Anthony/Eisenhower Rec Center

Grade

5th/6th Grade Boys & Girls

Dates

Fee $45

November 9 - January 25 (Thursdays)

Location

Anthony/Eisenhower Rec Center

Grade

7th/8th Grade Boys & Girls

Dates

January 15 - March 7 (Thursdays)

Location

Fee $50

Anthony/Eisenhower Rec Center

February 6 - April 18 (Tues/Thurs)

Age 9-14 year olds

Time 1:50 PM - 2:40 PM

Dates

Fee $60

Location Eisenhower Rec Center

February 6 - April 18 (Tues/Thurs)

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Youth Sports

My First Basketball

Age

3, 4 & 5 year olds

Times

10 AM (3 YO)

Fee $30

11 AM (4 YO) 12 PM (5 YO)

Sessions (Saturdays)

January 6 - January 27

February 3 - February 24

Learn to Play Ultimate

Grades

6th - 8th Grade

9th - 12th Grade

Dates

Fee

After-School Program

Semester Fall Dates

September 5 - December 20

Spring January 3 - May 21

Location

ARC/ERC

Fee $45

Program Available to: Middle School Students at Anthony & Eisenhower

Registration Information Coming Soon!

January 8 - January 29 (Mondays)

Location Eisenhower Rec Center

Dodgeball Tournament

Divisions

Middle and High School Location

Anthony Rec Center

Fee $100

Date

February 24

Want to support Manhattan Parks & Recreation?

Scan the QR Code to learn about our sponsorship opportunities!

Adult Sports

Adult Volleyball

Co-Rec (Tuesday)

Open Cornhole League

December 12 - February 27 Fee $280

Dates

Location

Eisenhower Rec Center

Co-Rec (Wednesday)

Location Pavilion Dates TBD

Pickleball

Fee $50

December 13 - February 28 Fee $280

Dates

Location

Eisenhower Rec Center

Co-Rec (Thursday)

Location

Anthony Rec Center

Dates

Fee $65

January 3 - February 28 (Wednesdays)

Dates

December 14 - February 29 Fee $280

Location Eisenhower Rec Center

Adult Men’s League Basketball

Dates

February 4 - April 10 (Wed/Sun) Fee $475

Location

Anthony Rec Center/Peace Memorial Auditorium

Spike Ball

Location

Eisenhower Rec Center

Dates

Fee $30

December 3 - January 21 (Sundays)

Wiffle Ball

Location

Free Agent registration is available for all adult leagues

Eisenhower Rec Center Dates

Fee $60

January 8 - February 26 (Mondays)

Douglass Activity Center

Fitness Pass Program

Douglass

Douglass

Fitness Classes

Kids Night Out to

Douglass Activity Center

Table Tennis Tuesdays

Location

Douglass Center Gym

Dates

Tuesdays (starts September 5)

Juggling Class

Location

Douglass Center Gym

Dates

Tuesdays (starts September 5)

Cornhole League

Location

Douglass Center Gym

Dates

Time 6 PM

First Fridays

Spend Friday nights at the Douglass Community Center! On the first Friday of the month from 6 – 9 PM we are hosting game night! Come play ping pong, pool, putt putt golf and much more! There will also be snacks and drinks available!

Location

DCC & DAC

Dates

Time 6 PM - 9 PM

Time 5:30 PM

First Friday of every month

Time 5:30 PM

Thursdays (starts September 7)

Lego Building Location

Douglass Annex

Dates

Time 5:30 PM

2nd Tuesday of every month (starts September 12)

Ice Rink

mhkprd.com/IceRink @mhkprdaquatics Wefald Pavilion at City Park

Admission & Pricing

Adult $3.50 Child $3.50

Skating Lessons

November Mini-Sessions

Monday/Tuesday

December Session (3 Day Sessions)

Mondays or Tuesdays

January Sessions (4 Day Sessions)

Mondays or Tuesdays

Skate Rental

$3.50 Punch Pass $30 for 10 punches

Ice Rink Rentals

Rent the Ice Rink for you next event! Rentals available outside of public hours and programming for 1.5 hour time blocks. Skate rentals are included in the price of reservation.

Wednesday - Friday 4:00 - 7:00 PM

Saturday & Sunday

1:00 - 7:00 PM

USD 383 Holiday Breaks

12:00 - 7:00 PM

November 20-24 December 21-January 2

January 15 February 9

Size 1 - 75 People

Flint Hills Discovery Center

flinthillsdiscovery.org

Youth Programs

Mission Aerospace

May 20 - September 10

Explore the history of flight, navigation, and NASA’s vision for the future. Experiment with thrust, lift, control surfaces and gyroscopes. Build rockets and paper airplanes, then test them for distance and airdexterity. Launch your rocket to Saturn, your plane to Sydney, or learn about a career at NASA!

Nature Together

Parents, bring your littles to the outdoor classroom and build your skills to raise a nature lover. Play games, hear stories, and explore natural items using your five senses. Come prepared to get a little dirty, learn about nature, and be a role model in the outdoors for your child. Registration opens August 14.

Age

18 months – 3.5 years old, with an adult

Dates (Wednesdays)

September 20, 27

October 4, 11, 18, 25

September 23, 2023 - January 7, 2024

Discover the beauty and majesty of America’s Great Plains in the work of award-winning photographer Michael Forsberg. From 2005-2009, Forsberg crisscrossed the Plains from Canada to Mexico, capturing the wildlife, habitats, and conservation challenges in the heart of the continent. Inspiring, informative, and timely – the exhibit is a love letter to this endangered ecosystem.

Price (six-week session)

FHDC Members $50

Non-Members

$60

Time 9:30-10:30 AM

Youth Programs

Preschoolers in the Flint Hills

The wonder of the Flint Hills comes to life as children begin discovering the culture, history, and ecology of the region. Each class includes hands-on activities, crafts, story time, and a snack. Registration opens August 14.

Age

3-5 years old

10:30 - 11:30 AM

Discovery Camps

Discovery Camp is a unique program offered throughout the school year. Sessions focus on STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics – as they apply to the Flint Hills. Registration opens August 14.

Grade

K - 2nd Grade

The

of Johnny Kaw

Family Programs

Walk and Talk

Lessons in nature provided by your friendly Flint Hills Discovery Center staff and local experts. Each Walk and Talk location and topic will vary depending on the season and expert leading the group. Preregistration is required. We encourage you to sign up with your friends and family so you can share the majesty of the Flint Hills with your favorite people.

Guided Konza Hikes

Come along for an immersive experience into the Flint Hills. Learn about the geological features of the region and observe the native plant species of the season with this 2.6 mile hike. Registration opens August 14.

Dates

September 27 & October 11

Time 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Location

Age

Ages 8 and up*

Reflective Nature Hike

Nature is all around us. Discover it with an innovative program as you experience the outdoors in a new and relaxing way. Melanie Nord will teach you how to absorb or take-in nature through meditative practice. Explore this technique at the Discovery Center before trying it in our beautiful downtown neighborhood. Registration opens August 14.

Travel from the Flint Hills Discovery Center

Price

FHDC Members $8 $10

Non-Members

Date

Friday, October 6 Time 2:30 - 4 PM

Age

All Ages*

*Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Price

FHDC Members $8 $10

Non-Members

Events

Aerospace Day

Blast off with the Flint Hills Discovery Center as we partner with Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus for a day filled with activities embracing the world of aviation and space flight. The first 500 kids receive a free STEM activity kit.

Date

Saturday, August 26

Price

Time 10 AM - 5 PM

Free FHDC admission thanks to support from NASA

“Strange Connections: from the Great Plains to Scotland” with Jim Richardson

Join National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson on this photographic journey to the Scottish Highlands as he compares the people and places he found there with our beloved Flint Hills.

Date

Thursday, October 5 Time 5:30 - 7 PM

Price

Free thanks to support from Humanities

Kansas

Humanities Hike

Hear from a variety of humanities scholars as they share their personal and professional takes on the Flint Hills landscape during this unique hike through a native tallgrass prairie at the Konza Prairie Biological Station.

Date

Saturday, October 14 Time 2:30 - 4:30 PM

Location

Konza Prairie Biological Station

Price

Free thanks to support from Humanities

Kansas

Events

Bison, Beef & Bourbon

Get a taste of the Flint Hills at this exciting evening of food, fun, and entertainment all to support the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation. For more information, go to www.auctria.events/ BisonBeefBourbon2023

Date

Thursday, October 19

Location

Time 6:30 PM

Stanley Stout Center at Kansas State Universtiy

VIP Gallery Walk with Michael Forsberg

Enjoy an intimate evening with award-winning conservation photographer Michael Forsberg, including a private tour of his Great Plains exhibit before his scheduled public presentation. Limited space available. More information coming soon.

Date

Friday, November 3

“Finding Home in Flyover Country – A Photographer’s Journey” with Michael Forsberg

Crisscross the North American prairie with Michael Forsberg as he recounts his photographic journey into the heart of America during this informative talk.

Date

Friday, November 3 Time 7 - 8:30 PM

Price

Free thanks to support from Humanities Kansas

Events

Kansas Holiday Market

Embrace the spirit of the holidays as you shop Kansas products on Small Business Saturday. Sponsored by From the Land of Kansas, vendors will be set up outside and our gift store and the Discovery Center exhibits will remain open until 8 PM

Date Saturday, November 25 Time 2 - 8 PM

Price

Free to visit vendors, regular admission rates apply to enter the exhibits.

Breakfast with Santa

Bring your entire family to the annual breakfast with Santa. There will be food, fun, and a picture with Santa! Registration opens on October 2 for FHDC members and October 9 for non-members.

Dates

Saturday, December 2 & 9

Price

Family New Year’s Eve Glow Party

Celebrate the New Year with food, music, games, and our kids’ midnight (8 PM) iconic balloon drop with a glow party. Registration opens on October 2 for FHDC members and October 9 for non-members.

Date Sunday, December 31 Time 6 - 8:30 PM

Price

FHDC Members $18 $24

Non-Members

Under 2 years old $9 $20

FHDC Members

Non-Members

$26

Early Childhood Programs

Sensory Safari | Preschool Ages

Foster your child’s curiosity with sensory focused exploration of the natural world. Through guided and interactive activities, children will explore the many aspects of nature and wildlife. Each class will go outside, so please dress accordingly. Parent/guardian must accompany child, and non-participating infants/toddlers are welcome to tag along. The registration fee only applies to participating children. Each class will last 30 minutes, and start promptly at 9 AM, and families are encouraged to extend their learning by visiting the Zoo after the class. Preregistration required.

Time 9 AM

Price (per session)

FOSZ Members $8

Creature Feature | Preschool Ages

Help your child explore the natural world with these animal-themed classes at Sunset Zoo. This hands-on program will highlight a unique animal each November, December, January, and February. Staff will help children and their parent/guardian explore the animal’s individual characteristics through a variety of activities. Each Creature Feature class may go outside, so please dress accordingly. Parent/guardian must accompany child, and non-participating infants/toddlers are welcome to tag along. The registration fee only applies to participating children. Each class will last 30 minutes, and start promptly at 11:30 AM, and families are encouraged to extend their learning by visiting the Zoo after the class. Pre-registration required.

Non-Members $10 Time 11:30 AM

Price (per session)

FOSZ Members $8 Non-Members $10

Early Childhood

Zoofari Tails Storytimes

Slither into reading with Sunset Zoo and the Manhattan Public Library on the fourth Friday of every month. Each month features a different animal story; all storytimes include unique animal artifacts and some storytimes will present a live animal! This is a free program and registration is not required.

(785) 587-2737

Time 10 AM

Location

Manhattan Public Library

Dates

September 22

October 27

November 17 (3rd Friday) December 22

Animal Tale Storytimes

Animal Tales are pop-up story times that take place at Sunset Zoo near an animal habitat. These short, engaging story times incorporate a children’s book that features an animal in our care at Sunset Zoo, a related animal artifact, and a take home craft to extend your experience.

Because these are pop-up story times, there is no regular schedule for these programs. Watch Sunset Zoo’s Facebook page for the next Animal Tales Storytime. They are announced approximately 24 hours in advance. Animal Tales are free with your paid admission to Sunset Zoo. Friends of Sunset Zoo Members can use their membership to get free entry, and no additional fee is required to participate in the story time. No pre-registration required.

Family Programs

Painting with Animals | All Ages

During this unique experience, families will visit a featured animal and use their powers of observation to create a masterpiece. To kick off your experience, Sunset Zoo staff will introduce the featured animal highlighting fun facts about the individuals in our care at the Zoo. After the brief introduction and interaction with related animal artifacts, families will be guided through a painting experience using tempera paint and 8x10 canvases. Depending on the featured animal, experiences may take place in the zoo at the animal’s habitat or in a space more conducive to viewing the featured animal. Below are some example paintings.

At the conclusion of the painting experience, a painting or print from the featured animal will be given away to one lucky participant. While paintings dry, families are welcome to enjoy the rest of Sunset Zoo.

Space is limited, thus pre-registration is required. Registration is first come, first serve. Sunset Zoo staff will greet families participating in front of the Zoo’s ticket booth and guide participants to the location of the painting experience. Experiences will last approximately 45 minutes.

Time 9 & 11:15 AM

Price

(per session)

FOSZ Members $30

Non-Members $34

Chimpanzee 9/16 | 9 AM Chimpanzee 9/30 | 9 AM

School Age Programs

School Safari Camp | Grades K-5

All Kindergarten through 5th graders can now join Sunset Zoo for unique animal experiences all school year when USD 383 is not in session. Campers will embark on journeys that will keep them engaged, both physically and mentally, while their teachers at school take time to plan for future lessons and grow professionally. Journeys will include explorations into animal groups, individual species, ecosystems, and how they can help the natural world around them. Two age-specific classrooms are available during School Safari Camps, one for grades K-2, the Hyena Clan, and another for grades 3-5, the Chimp Troop.

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade Camp

3rd - 5th Grade Camp

Volunteer Programs

Z.O.O. Crew After-School Program

Supported through a grant by the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation’s YES! Fund

Help care for the zoo’s education animal ambassadors while exploring a whole new career path! Team members will learn respect for animals, life and work skills, while contributing to their community. This volunteer after-school program runs 3pm-5pm Monday through Friday from September 18 through December 15; optional transportation from school to the zoo provided by Z.O.O. Crew Supervisors. Parents can pick up their child at the zoo’s ticket booth no later than 5:15pm. No participation fee; however, a nominal fee applies to students needing transportation from school to the zoo. To learn more and apply, visit SunsetZoo.com/ Volunteer. Application deadline: Friday, September 1.

Grades

Middle & High School Students

Dates

September 18 – December 15

Adult/Senior Programs

Sunset Zoo Corps

Zoo Corps volunteers are adults, 18 and older, who care about their local zoo and want to help out in their community. As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to promote the Zoo with your passion, help with special events, engage in lifelong learning, and much more.

The Zoo Corps program consists of multiple volunteer opportunities based on the needs of Sunset Zoo. The currently list of volunteer opportunities include:

Conservation Engagement Volunteer

Zoo Operations Volunteer

AM ZOO Crew Volunteer

Keeper Assistant

Landscape Volunteer

Engage Sunset Zoo guests directly through conservation and other hands-on interactions to promote the Zoo’s conservation mission.

Assist the administrative team with office tasks that help keep the Zoo moving forward.

Provide for the well-being of the ambassador animals in our care in the Education Department.

Provide Sunset Zoo’s zookeeper staff with regular support in their day-to-day tasks.

Support the beautification and local conservation efforts of Sunset Zoo by tending to the many onsite gardens.

Training for each opportunity consists of an orientation training and a unique series of on-the-job trainings to familiarize volunteers with the associated volunteer responsibilities. Orientation is comprised of both online and in-person sessions. There is a $10 registration fee. Registration is accomplished by completing the online volunteer registration form and successfully paying the registration fee. Once you complete this registration form, you will receive an email with a link to our online payment system. Proceed to the payment system and pay your registration fee to complete the registration process. The receipt for your payment will include the link to the Google Classroom. More details available at www.SunsetZoo.com/Volunteer.

Events

Water Safari & Water Matters Day

Come join the Zoo and learn about water conservation, and also have fun throughout the day with water themed play. The MFD will be here, games, sprinklers and more!

FOSZ Pool Party

Members of Sunset Zoo are invited for one last splash of summer at a FOSZ Pool Party!

Date

Saturday, August 12

Location

Time 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM

Date

Saturday, August 5 Time 12 PM - 4:30 PM

Price

Kid’s admission is FREE with adult paid admission

Northview Waterpark

Brew at the Zoo

Enjoy cold beer and awesome food while exploring Sunset Zoo, all to benefit the Friends of Sunset Zoo’s Conservation team. It’s a fun way to save wildlife! Tickets for one of the year’s biggest fundraisers go on sale Friday, August 11. Check out sunsetzoo.com for full details.

Date

Friday, September 22 Time 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Price

$55 (Tickets go on sale Friday, August 11)

Events

Come join the Zoo for trick or treats, costume contests, pumpkin decorating, entertainment and more. Over 20 candy stations and lots of animals to enjoy! The evening of October 20 is designed for families with special needs, designed to be lower sensory and less crowded. Tickets will go on sale September 15.

Date October 20 Time 5:30 - 7:30 PM

October 21 & 22 9:30 AM - 5 PM

Price

Regular admission rates apply, $1 off FOSZ

Come celebrate the holiday season with a trail of holiday lights, see Santa and his helpers and enjoy an evening of crafts and treats for the entire family. Tickets for this holiday event go on sale October 27 and sell out each year.

Dates November 25 & 26

Admission Time

Time 4:30 PM - 8 PM

FOSZ Early Admission 4:30 - 5:30 PM 5:30 - 8 PM

General Admission

Price (FOSZ $1 off)

Childen 2 & under Free

$6 Child (3-12)

Adult (12+)

$11