The purpose of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is to consider all major proposals and propositions for the construction, reconstruction and improvement of public parks and recreation facilities including the acquisition of land for park purposes, the acquisition of major recreational equipment and facilities, and the institution of new programs in the recreational system, and to make recommendations on these items to the City Commission.

The Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board was created in March 1976, through an interlocal agreement between the Manhattan City Commission and the Riley County Commission, to provide for coordinated planning within a jurisdictional area called the Manhattan Urban Area, which includes the Manhattan city limits and the surrounding urbanizing area