Playing a Round
Whether it’s the traditional sport played with clubs or its cousin played with discs, the popularity of golf is soaring.
Since 2019, there has been a 25 percent increase in the number of golf rounds played at the Derryfield Country Club. Over 35,000 rounds have been played this season alone.
On a typical summer day, over 400 disc golfers now tackle one of our two courses at The Hollows. Diehards will continue to play right through the winter.
Combined, our golf and disc golf courses account for over 150 acres of maintained recreational space in the heart of Manchester. We are proud to have been able to offer these healthy diversions throughout the pandemic.
Mark Gomez
Chief of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery
Thrashers, Get Ready!
Construction has commenced on the new skateboarding area at Rock Rimmon Park. Weather permitting, the new half-pipe and rail will be completed before the end of November.
This is the final piece of the 2021 renovations to the park, which have also included a rebuilt basketball court, expanded parking, new lighting and additional walkways.
We are excited for skateboarders in Manchester to have a place to practice and show off their skills.
Witch of Weston Tower
McIntyre Ski Area, in association with the Manchester Historic Association and Manchester Parks & Rec, presented the Witch of Weston Tower on weekends throughout October.
Over a thousand people enjoyed a ride from the base lodge at McIntyre up the mountain to Weston Observatory. Participants were able to climb the tower, meet the witch, play some games, and enjoy spectacular views of the colorful fall foliage. And over $1,000 was raised for the Manchester Historic Association.
Playgrounds update
As part of our continuing effort to upgrade playgrounds across the city, Enright, Pine Island and Simpson parks are all slated to receive new playground equipment in 2022.
Designs are being completed this fall and winter, with installation tentatively planned next summer.
Tennis in the Parks
The 2021 Tennis in the Parks Program has come to a successful end, with our last fall session on October 16th.
This year, we added an adult session to our traditional offerings for kids in grades 1 through 8. Overall, we had 94 participants.
We would like to thank Chris Bouressa,
program instructor, and Eric Driscoll of USTA New England for partnering with us to offer tennis lessons to the citizens of Manchester. We are looking forward to 2022!
Manchester Basketball League
The Manchester Basketball League is embarking on its inaugural season.
Parks & Rec is proud to support this youth recreational league created to offer Manchester’s youth a fun and instructional basketball experience. Players ages 4 to 17 are invited to join.
Session 1 began on November 6. Session 2 starts on January 15.
To register and get more information, visit manchesterbasketballeague.com
Saturday Winter Hoops Returns
After a Covid-induced hiatus last year, your favorite drop-in basketball program is back!
Beginning December 4, Saturday Basketball will run throughout the winter. This is a non-competitive drop-in program for youth. We run pick-up games and other basketball skill games.
You will be able to sign up at Beech St School on Saturdays. Program hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each age group has its own 90-minute block:
7-8 years old 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
9-10 years old 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
11-12 years old 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
13-17 years old 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m
For more information, email parks@manchesternh.gov.
Employees Corner
We are pleased to introduce our newest employee, known affectionately as “Frank the Tank.”
Nicknames aside, Frank is not “old school” at all — he’s a line-marking robot who can paint athletic fields with speed and precision, freeing up his Parks & Rec colleagues to focus on other tasks.
Although quiet and reserved, Frank has won the trust of his fellow employees. We expect him to be a valuable member of the team for years to come.
Ice Arenas
The JFK Coliseum and West Side Ice Arena are open for the season. There are many ways to enjoy our ice arenas. Check out a few below.
JFK
Public Skate
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM Saturdays & Sundays 2 to 4 p.m.
$5 Adults
$3 Children/Seniors
$5 Skate Rental *Only available on weekends* Cash only
West Side Arena
Stick and Puck
Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
$7. If under 16, must be accompanied by an adult. Goalies skate for free. Cash only
For private hockey or ice skating rentals, email parks@manchesternh.gov or call 603-624-6444.
Pumpkin Carving Competition
Parks & Rec hosted the inaugural Manchester Pumpkin Carving Competition this fall and received 32 amazing entries!
Competitors were divided into groups by age. The public voted to determine the winners.
Congratulations to our pumpkin carving champions:
Natalie R., Kyleigh J., and Ariel H.
And thank you to all who participated!
Fit Lot of Fun
Our Fit Lot Fitness Program at Derryfield Park has come to an end. Our 8-week circuit was designed to teach people of all ages and abilities how to approach workouts safely and effectively.
We were able to partner with Granite YMCA in this endeavor. The YMCA provided certified instructors for the spring and fall sessions. Be on the lookout during the winter for 2022 dates.
Manchester Derby, NH Style
Over 80 kids from across Manchester came to Gill Stadium on November 4 to enjoy the Manchester Derby Youth Soccer Clinic.
Produced in partnership with NBC Sports Network and the National Center of Excellence, this event featured drills run by elite coaches, T-shirt and scarf giveaways, and great fun for all participants.
The event was held in anticipation of the rivalry match between Manchester City and Manchester United in our namesake city in England. Manchester City prevailed 2-0.
