The City of Manhattan is hosting a second round of public engagement to discuss the CrossroadsMHK strategic planning initiative. Two in-person events will take place Thursday, May 6 and a virtual meeting is planned for the lunch hour on Monday, May 10.
City staff, representatives from Planning NEXT, and members of the Community Committee for CrossroadsMHK will present ideas and themes gathered from community surveys and public meetings in March and April. Drafts of the plan elements will be on display and people will get the opportunity to share feedback about the vision for Manhattan’s future.
“We’re excited to see what people think,” said Assistant to the City Manager Jared Wasinger. “The ideas and feedback will form our City’s first-ever strategic plan and we want to make sure all voices are heard.”
A community committee, comprised of 35 volunteers, has also been heavily involved in planning, facilitating, and publicizing the process. Committee members have donated many hours of their time and effort to make the project a success. The City of Manhattan wants this strategic planning effort to be a community driven process.
“This plan will only work if people are willing and able to participate, so we’re doing everything we can to make the events fun and accessible for everyone,” said Public Information Officer Vivienne Uccello. “It’s going to be a beautiful evening and we hope you will join us at one of the events! We’re also planning a visit to the K-State campus earlier in the day and there’s a virtual meeting on Monday for people who prefer a no-contact option.”
All materials at the event will be regularly sanitized. Eating establishments will follow required protocol and the free ice cream at Wefald will be served by volunteers who are wearing masks and gloves.
Manhappy Hour (4:30 – 6:00 PM) May 6
Downtown Dining Platforms on Poyntz Ave
Visit downtown and join us at any of the outdoor dining platforms at Tallgrass Taphouse, El Patron, Five, Finns’s Pub, or Manhattan Brewing Co. to view plans and share your feedback.
BBQ & Ice Cream Social (7:00 – 9:00 PM) May 6
Wefald Pavilion in City Park
Meet in City Park for another opportunity to view the plans and provide your input. Smokin’ Wille’s BBQ food truck will be there for anyone who wants to purchase dinner or snacks, and volunteers will be handing out free ice cream from Call Hall! Outdoor seating will be available.
Virtual Meeting (Noon – 1:00 PM) May 10
See plans online for a lunch hour meeting on Zoom. Sign up at the www.engagemhk.org/crossroads website to get the link to participate.