Indoor Recreation



Indoor Improvements

Two indoor recreation centers are to be constructed. One each at Anthony and Eisenhower Middle Schools. Amenities include:

  • 30,000 to 40,000 square feet each
  • 3 to 4 multi-purpose gymnasiums to accommodate drop-in public use, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, soccer, kickball, softball, baseball and many other activities, programs and events
Indoor Recreation Center

Why Indoor Recreation?

The Strategic Facility Improvement Plan community survey showed the following needs:

  • 87% of survey respondents preferred the City to develop and operate an indoor sports and recreation facility to meet the unmet needs of the community
  • 91% of households with children younger than 10 prefer the City develop and operate an indoor facility
  • 78% of households indicate space for indoor sports practices and training are not being met at all or space is providing below 50% of their needs

Indoor recreation was the No. 1 priority identified in the Facility Feasibility Study for the "creation of indoor space geographically located to meet unmet needs in the community."

Current City Gym Space

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Current Indoor Recreation Inventory & Use

The City of Manhattan currently has gymnasium space at City Auditorium (1 basketball court), Community House (1 undersized basketball court), and the Douglass Center (1 undersized basketball court). This space is used by Manhattan Parks and Recreation programming, including sports practices and games, choir and theater rehearsals, athletic camps, and staff training. The gyms are also used by the community for a variety of special events. City Auditorium was previously used by Manhattan Christian College for volleyball and basketball practices and games on a daily basis. MCC is opening its own gymnasium this fall.

USD 383 has gyms that are used exclusively by the district until 6 p.m. For a few hours, each evening, a variety of school district, Manhattan Parks and Recreation, and community organizations and athletic groups vie for time in their spaces.