GROUNDBREAKING, AND NOW IT’S OPEN
A groundbreaking ceremony at the newest addition to Derryfield Park the FitLot, sponsored by AARP was held on July 9th. AARP officials gathered with Mayor Craig, Alderman Will Stewart, MPRC staff and many AARP members to celebrate. The FitLot is now done and WMUR came to film a story featuring the outdoor fitness area complete with workout equipment, a sunshade, and rubberized flooring. Signage was just installed so now is the time to check it out. Watch for more information on upcoming fitness sessions to be held at the FitLot by instructors from the YMCA.
PULASKI MONUMENT RESTORATION
Daedalus Inc. a private practice in art conservation, was on site on Wednesday July24 and started cleaning the Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski Monument in Pulaski Park. The preparation for that moment had been several years in the making. Thank you Aurore Eaton, Patricia Howard and all of the donors who made this happen with the city! The scaffolding is going up and they are starting to work on the bronze now. Daedalus expects to be finished with the entire restoration project by mid-August.
NH SENIOR GAMES DISC GOLF CHALLENGE
July 13 was the day and disc golf was the game. At The Hollows Disc Golf Course and with an 8 a.m. shotgun start, the discs flew through the 18 hole course for the next few hours. When it was done, the pictured individuals won their age divisions but more importantly gained comradery, insight, and exercise. We also had a great deal of fun. The NH Senior Games continue through August with pickleball, basketball, golf, and many other medals to be decided in this non-qualifying year. You can get involved. Start by checking out the games at www.nhseniorgames.org.
COOL AT THE POOLS FOR A WHILE LONGER
The pools are always a challenge for our staff, from cleaning, maintaining the proper chemicals, informing the public about rules and proper attire, as well as staffing lifeguards. It is an eight-week-long season that goes by so quickly. The final swim meet at Raco is this weekend. We will be closing the pools in mid-August at the end of the day on Sunday, August 18. We anticipate that the Splash Pad will remain open on weekends through Labor Day weekend, closing at the end of the day on Monday, September 3. We post updates on Facebook — please like us at Manchester NH Parks & Rec.
LOOK… ALL CLEAN!
We are continually updating and maintaining our parks and look for those willing to help us out in any way possible. This time, it was MCRC to the rescue! 20 kids from Manchester Community Resource Center came to Veterans Park on a hot July day to pull weeds, clean up and mulch at Veterans Park in the center of the city. We are grateful for their hard work and for MCRC leadership who reached out to Parks and Rec looking for a community service project for the teens.
TENNIS IN THE PARKS
Registration for our Fall Session is open. All new registrations who have not participated in the program before will get a tennis racquet, t-shirt, and ball to keep. To sign up please visit this link or email ebukowski@manchesternh.gov.
BRIGHTENING UP THE NEIGHBORHOOD
We’ve been busy making areas of the city near the Municipal Office Complex nicer and easier to maintain with bright plants, new trees, and flower beds. Gill Stadium received new plants along stadium walkways, transplanted from spreading lilies at the office complex. Ragged shrubs that caught wayward trash were replaced with new flower beds that are relatively easy care. Trees around the office building experienced a very difficult winter. New trees were planted to complete the picture.
At the corner of Bridge and Elm Streets, the mural is complete and the creation of the city’s newest park has begun. Public art like this is such a great addition that adds tremendous vibrancy to the cityscape!
SAM CAREY BASKETBALL
The Sam Carey Summer Skills and Drills has only 3 more Saturday dates left. We wanted to thank Dave Greenidge Jr. for being such a great leader for this program. He does so well mentoring the kids on how to conduct themselves on and off the court. This program would not be possible without the financial support of the Rock On Foundation. We are excited to be able to offer this each summer!
FUN IN THE SUN
We are halfway through our 6-week camp program, and what an awesome time it has been! The 11- and 12-year-olds enjoyed themselves at Hampton Beach and they also hiked Mt. Major. The younger kids loved making Forky from Toy Story 4 in Arts and Crafts. The swimming lessons at the pools as well as creative water games helped counteract the effects of the high heat. The Bookmobile and teachers from the School District provided inspiration which encouraged the kids to read in the program. It’s great at Fun In The Sun.
