Parks and Rec updates MoveMHK implementation; staff to draft indoor-aquatics survey and seek county, school and university input

Erin Stewart, parks and recreation staff, updated the City Commission July 22 on MoveMHK implementation work, facilities improvements and an expected community survey on indoor aquatics and riverfront concepting. Stewart said the department is pursuing technology and sustainability steps (including a reimbursement grant to purchase automated mowers), progressing construction at the SECO ballpark complex with ballfields and tennis-court work slated for 2026, and finishing a culvert repair slated for August. She said the cemetery master plan will return to the commission after the budget season. On programming and finances, Stewart said implementing new fee and cost-recovery rules (aquatics fees began May 25 and recreation fees July 1) increased revenues: aquatics fees produced an additional $40,800 through June, and the Discovery Center and Sunset Zoo showed attendance and revenue gains. She also noted the department's scholarship program grew significantly, with $32,000 in assistance in the quarter and $48,000 year to date. Stewart described plans for an indoor-aquatics survey developed with a consultant (ETC) and said the firm proposed a statistically valid sample (about 400 responses) and a draft budget under $25,000. She recommended city staff seek input from Riley County and USD 383 (school district) and the university on shared interests and potential operational/partnership models before a questionnaire is finalized; the draft survey will come back to the commission in August and staff hopes to deploy it in September/October and return results in November/December. Commissioners raised questions about survey scope and feasibility, costs, how fee levels and expected usage would be presented to respondents, and whether conceptual site choices such as SECO Park should be included; several commissioners urged that the city secure intergovernmental buy-in (county, school district, K-State) before public polling. Stewart said estimates for a mid-level indoor aquatic facility ranged from roughly $55 million to $65 million and that any capital plan would require partner commitments and long-term operating models. Stewart also summarized other MoveMHK items: a proposed partnership to host pottery classes at CPAC, the opening of a concessions/warehouse facility with Flint Hills Breadbasket, AZA accreditation inspection results at the zoo (hearing scheduled Sept. 13), and concession sales revenue growth and operational refinements. Ending: The commission asked staff to continue intergovernmental outreach and to return with the draft survey and costs; no vote was taken.