March 2016 Volume 16, Issue 3 A publication of the Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau
Shining new Anneberg Park ready for increased play
Anneberg Park opened in 1987 as a sparkling, new facility as a top draw for soccer, softball and adult men’s league slow-pitch softball tournaments. An investment by the city of Manhattan toward renovations this winter has returned Anneberg, along with Twin Oaks Complex, to top-draw status for state and regional events.
Spring particularly brought frequent rain delays and the occasional cancellation for league events. Last year’s 3A state softball tournament was weather affected, as it reduced the schedule and extended play an extra day. That should largely be mitigated with artificial turf infields with increased drainage capabilities. Twin Oaks Complex is comprised of four softball fields in quadrangular formation where the new turf and improved lighting have been installed. “The synthetic turf allows us to have fewer rainouts,” said Angie Sutton, community relations manager, Manhattan Parks and Recreation
Department. “That makes it more attractive for weekend tournaments, and those are highly sought-after.
“In the ’80s, Anneberg was a premier complex. While we did still have tournaments, it was (more) out of convenience. We got early calls this year, and with a waiting list. Certainly that’s exciting for us and bodes well for the idea that we’re on the right track with what we’re doing.”
Annually, Anneberg hosts more than 1,900 baseball and softball games. Twin Oaks (fields 1-4) open for tournaments in late March. The Colley Complex (fields 5-6) are seeing upgrades with paint and field maintenance. As for scheduled tournaments, through Feb. 25, Twin Oaks was already booked through August with just three weekend exceptions, and that’s the payoff on investment the city of Manhattan had expected to get.
Twin Oaks Complex schedules youth baseball and softball, and high school and adult softball leagues. Manhattan Soccer Complex is used by youth recreation programs, local soccer clubs, adult leagues and Manhattan Christian College.
Twin Oaks Complex added turf playing surfaces to four fields at Anneberg Park.