MANCHESTER, NH — Summer is always busy at the Parks, Recreation & Cemetery office, and this summer the projects are quite numerous. Check out this month’s newsletter below, and see what is happening at all the construction sites. We have activities going at the pools, Fun In The Sun, Fun Runs, etc. Get active and get fit for a healthier you!
FIREWORKS AT ARMS PARK
Celebrate Independence Day with the city on Wednesday night, July 3 as we kick off the party in Arms Park. Vendors will be selling some of your favorite foods starting at 6 p.m. The 39th Army Band will start around 7:30 p.m. and the fireworks will start at dusk, around 9:45 p.m. Join us at the park!
THE POOLS ARE OPEN!
Cool down on the hot days ahead at one of the three pools, at the Splash Pad or at the beach, all without leaving the city! Hunt Pool, Raco Theodore Pool and Livingston Pool are open and lots of residents have found their way in, bringing their proof of residency with them. Patrons must wear bathing suits in all facilities. No clothing is allowed in the pools including T-shirts or shorts, although rash guards are allowed (shirts made out of bathing suit material, specifically sold as water shirts). Please follow the regulations at each facility to keep the water quality safe.
FUN IN THE SUN STARTS JULY 8
Our registration nights have passed and we will only be taking registration by appointment. If you would like to still sign up please call 624-6444. The program starts on July 8 and our staff is excited to welcome the kids of Manchester to the three locations at Livingston Park, JFK Coliseum area and Piscataquog River Park. Activities include swim lessons, tennis, art, nutrition, reading, free swim and specialty days.
WALK FOR YOUR HEALTH
The Walk For Your Health spring session has come to an end. It was another great session. We were able to add a new component – Walk with Ease and we plan on continuing it in the fall session. The fall session usually starts the Wednesday after Labor Day so be on the lookout for the fall schedule.
FitLot AT DERRYFIELD PARK
If you have been by Derryfield Park on Bridge Street, you might have seen a circular construction site near the road. AARP has partnered with the City to bring a FitLot, an outdoor fitness area to this park.
Registration is open for the summer session of Tennis In The Parks. It is a 6 week program at the Manchester West High Tennis Courts for children in grades 1-8. All NEW participants will receive a racket, ball, and t-shirt. There is a $60 fee. Applications will be accepted until Monday July 8th. To register please email ebukowski@manchesternh.gov.
GILL STADIUM GETS A FACELIFT
Gill Stadium renovation project began the first week of June. The project scope incudes the complete replacement of the synthetic surface, a safety pad and an upgrade to the athletic lighting system. The LED system will now be more efficient by reducing maintenance and be less costly to operate. Construction is scheduled for completion at the beginning of the fall sports season.
SAM CAREY BASKETBALL
The Sam Carey Summer Skills and Drills is back for the 3rd summer at Sheridan-Emmett Park. It is for kids entering grades 3-8. To register call 624-6444 or visit https://manchesternh.recdesk.c
SUMMER FUN RUNS
The Greater Manchester Running Club with Manchester Parks and Recreation present the Summer Fun Runs. Meet at Livingston Park Track on 7/11, 7/18, and 7/25 for fun track and field events. Registration begins at 5:15 and events start at 6. The cost is $1 per event. For more information please email jpnyy@hotamil.com<mailto:jpnyy
VETERAN’S PARK
All of the new granite benches have been installed at Veteran’s Park to help improve the streetscape in the area.
GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW PARK
The city will soon have a new park at the corner of Bridge Street and Elm Street. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 16 with sponsors and other dignitaries.
A mural on the Lamont – Hanley Building is starting now and construction will begin within a few weeks.
DAY OF SERVICE
City Year and Harvard Pilgrim employees participated in a day of service on June 7th. The project they took on was to blaze a mile long trail that loops around on Rock Rimmon. We are very excited by this venture and look to expand and improve the trail in the future. The group also built picnic tables, did some graffiti removal, created accessible planters for students at Northwest School, and planted perennials at Cullerot Park.
GOSSLER/PARKSIDE PLAYGROUND COMPLETE
Gossler/Parkside playground has received another play structure to finish off the money from the original grant. Kids can spin to their heart’s content….or at least until they get dizzy!
RACO POOL HOSTS FIRST SWIM MEET OF YEAR
Last month we told you about a major renovation at Raco Theodore Pool that hardly any would notice. Nearly a foot of length was taken from the pool by the installation of a gutter system so the pool could be certified by U.S, Swimming. Raco’s first swim meet of the year was held there on June 29th & 30th. It was quite an event! Hundreds were in attendance. Thank you again to Steve Vanderbeken who initiated and funded this pool improvement.
GOSSLER/PARKSIDE RENOVATION
The renovation of the Gossler/Parkside parking area has begun. The renovation will reconfigure the area to keep cars away from the school and from pedestrians using the facility. This project is funded through the Manchester School District. The design was provided by Hoyle, Tanner Associates with project management being provided by the Parks Division. Completion is scheduled to coincide with the beginning of the upcoming school year.
MINI PITCH SOCCER AT SHEEHAN BASQUIL
The mini-pitch soccer court at Sheehan Basquil Park is nearing completion with the installation of fencing and lighting. This is a great addition in this area and we look forward to introducing programming at this unique facility. This is one of two courts being created in Manchester by US Soccer and SNHU. The second mini pitch will be installed at Gossler/Parkside Schools as part of their current renovation.
NEW HAMPSHIRE SENIOR GAMES
The NH Senior Games are being held around the state, some of them right here in Manchester’s parks. Depending on the sport, age ranges can be as young as 40, or the sky’s the limit on the upper age. Julia Hawkins is a 103-year-old woman who set a world record in the 50-meter dash and also ran the 100-yard dash at the national games in Albuquerque, NM, last month. Sign up at http:/nhseniorgames.org/
