(MANHATTAN, KS – March 13, 2020) Based on recommendations from the Riley County Public Health Department (RCHD), Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in order to minimize the threat of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) for communities, City Administration has made the decision to cancel city-sponsored events and programs until March 30, 2020 to protect public health.

All Parks and Recreation programs, activities, and facility rentals will be closed or cancelled during this time period, effective immediately. This includes youth sports, adult sports, and special events. The Flint Hills Discovery Center and Douglass Center will also be closed to the public, and all programs and reservations in those facilities are cancelled.

Refunds will be issued for programs and events that cannot be rescheduled. Details will be published on the City of Manhattan website cityofmhk.com next week.

City Hall and other operational facilities will remain open. The City Commission, along with advisory boards and committees, will continue to meet regularly as scheduled. The City will focus on maintaining as many city services and operations as possible while balancing the needs of the public, City employees, and their families.

The Animal Shelter will remain open to the public and Animal Control Officers will remain on duty as scheduled. The outdoor areas of the Sunset Zoo will also remain open to the public during regular operating hours, but indoor areas including all indoor viewing areas, the gift shop, and the Nature Exploration Center will be closed until March 30. All education programs, camps, special events, and rental programs at the Zoo, including Zoo Sprouts Day Care, will be cancelled.

Find more information and updates at www.cityofmhk.com, or by following the City on Facebook at cityofmanhattan, or Twitter @cityofmhk.

The mission of the City of Manhattan is to sustain order and protect public safety, promote public health, preserve the built environment, and enhance economic vitality. The city supports a regional community in which individuals and families develop and thrive.