June 2019 Parks and Rec newsletter

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FUN IN THE SUN REGISTRATION

If you want to sign your child up for the JFK and Piscataquog  River Park sites for Fun In The Sun, please call us to receive an application.   We will need to see a copy of a birth certificate and proof of residency.  For more information please 624-6444.

LIFEGUARDS STILL NEEDED, POOLS OPENING

We are still accepting job applications for lifeguards.  Please call us for more information at 624-6444.  The Splash Pad is open on weekends now and it will be open daily starting June 17 from 11AM-7PM.  Livingston Pool, Raco Theodore Pool and Hunt Pool are expected to open June 24-August 18.

FOOTBALL FOR YOU-MAY 18th

Football For You was a terrific success this year.  We had over 100 kids participate.  Alumni included Scooter McGruder,  Patrick Pass, Ilia Jarostchuk, Rick Cash, and Pete Brock.
Thank you to the New England Patriots Alumni and the volunteers who were able to make this happen.

BAER SQUARE

Screenshot 2019 06 10 at 1.44.06 AM

A new monument was installed in Arms Park with a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 10th.  The statue features a replica of Ralph Baer, generally considered the inventor of video games.  The statue shows Ralph sitting on a bench, holding his Brown Box.  All of his children were present at the ceremony along with 100 dignitaries and residents.  The rain fell heavily but did not dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd.

TENNIS IN THE PARKS

We are halfway through our spring session and the program has been great!  Registration is now 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.

RACO POOL RECEIVES UPGRADE

Raco Theodore Pool was about 13 inches longer than a   regulation sized pool.  This past spring, swim team coach Steve Vanderbeken made it his mission to correct the issue.  A new steel façade was installed at the shallow end of the pool.  Most visitors won’t know how important this renovation is, but it is a big deal.  Raco Theodore Pool is now the only New England 10 lane 50-meter pool, and it has been certified by USA Swimming.  Thank you Steve!

EVENT DRAWS 500 TO JFK, 4200 to GILL

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association held their NH stop on the Decision America Tour right here in Manchester on Thursday, May 23rd.  A private reception was hosted at the JFK Coliseum with the main event at Gill Stadium.  The weather held out, the crowd arrived to listen to Christian band Crowder and to Franklin Graham who spoke afterward.   This was the last big event held in the stadium for a while.  Renovations have already begun as the turf surface in stadium is being replaced.

WALK FOR YOUR HEALTH/WALK WITH EASE

Walk For Your Health is coming to an end later this month.  It has been a great session and we are looking forward to the fall.   The Walk With Ease program ended last Friday.  This was the first time we implemented a supplement to WFYH and it went well.  Our participants were able to learn the benefits of walking regularly, socializing and stretching.  To sign up please attend any of the upcoming walks.  All walks start at 9 a.m.  On days with inclement weather, the walks are at the Mall of NH.  For more information contact ebukowski@manchesternh.gov

  • June 3rd Livingston Park
  • June 5th West Side Ice Arena
  • June 7th River Walk
  • June 10th Brookside Church
  • June 12th Massabesic Ball Park
  • June 14th Cullerot Park
  • June 17th Man/Goffstown
  • June 19th Lake Massabesic
  • June 21st West Side Ice Arena

MINI PITCH SOCCER AT SHEEHAN BASQUIL

Manchester Mini Pitch Mockup 1Work has begun at Sheehan Basquil Park at the site of the former skate park.  It’s just a slab of asphalt right now, but it is one step closer to becoming a mini pitch soccer facility.

Screenshot 2019 06 10 at 1.44.32 AM
Future mini-pitch location.

SAM CAREY BASKETBALL

The Sam Carey Summer Skills and Drills is back for the 3rd summer.  Be on the lookout for the start date which will be posted on Facebook and in a future newsletter. For more info please email ebukowski@manchesternh.gov

WATER BOTTLE FILL UP STATION

Screenshot 2019 06 10 at 1.44.19 AMThere is a new water bottle fill up station at the Sheridan Emmett basketball courts.  These courts were redone in 2016 and are heavily used by the youth in the area, as well as by our summer program participants at the JFK site.  Residents asked us to provide water for the youth.  Water bottle fill-up stations are replacing water fountains across the country because of their versatility, cleanliness and durability.

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