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Manchester's Derryfield Country Club golf course at sunrise

Mark Gomez

Chief of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery

Local Bragging Rights for Hockey Kids

The Clem Lemire Tournament was created by long-time Parks & Rec Director Clem Lemire over 30 years ago. It takes place in March at the conclusion of the ice rink season.

The tournament is divided into two divisions: elementary school and middle school. Games are played at both the JFK Coliseum and the West Side Arena. It's a fantastic way to close out the hockey season.

The tournament was a great success this past winter, with all teams getting in several games. Registration is currently open for the upcoming March 2025 tournament.

Early bird pricing is $40 per student and will continue until Dec 31. After this date, the price goes up to $60 per student. March

Silly Rabbit, Treats are For Kids



With the indispensable support of the Kiwanis Club of Manchester, Parks & Rec hosted the Easter Bunny at the former Hallsville School Gym this past March. The larger-than-life rabbit handed out Easter baskets full of goodies to tons of local children!

One of our newer traditions, this has been a popular event that fosters a lot of community engagement. We look forward to continuing this public-private partnership in 2025.

Spring Carnival at the JFK

In April, Parks & Rec hosted the Manchester Spring Carnival by welcoming back Fiesta Shows to the JFK Coliseum parking lot. This event drew thousands of people over the week-long stay.

Featured rides included the Carousel, Zero Gravity, Seven Seas, Viper, and the popular Expo Wheel. These pair nicely with traditional carnival food vendors and popular games offering fantastic prizes.

The Spring Carnival takes place every year during April school vacation. See you there in 2025!

Pickleball Drop-in Hours and Skills Classes



Over the course of 2024, Parks & Rec offered pickleball skills classes (taught by professional pickleballers Ryan Fu and Max Freeman) and hundreds of hours of drop-in sessions at the former Hallsville School Gym.

Drop-in pickleball at Hallsville Gym will continue throughout the winter and spring at the following times:

Mondays: 9 AM - 11 AM

Tuesdays: 6 PM - 8 PM

Wednesdays: 9 AM - 11 AM, 4 PM - 6 PM, and 6 PM - 8 PM

Fridays: 11:15 AM - 1:15 PM

Saturdays: 8 AM - 10 AM and 10 AM - 12 PM

Cost is $5 per session or $30 for a block of 10 sessions.

You must register ahead of time. These sessions are immensely popular and fill up fast, so don't delay. Click the button below!

Summer Fun in the Water

Parks & Rec aquatics facilities once again provided a refreshing place to cool down in 2024. We offer two pools (at Livingston Park and Raco-Theodore Park), two splash pads (at Sheehan-Basquil Park and Rock Rimmon Park), and a complete beach experience (at Crystal Lake Park).

Raco-Theodore Pool, home of Manchester Swim Team, is the only 10-lane outdoor Olympic-sized pool in New England. This facility hosted three competitive swim meets this past year.

Livingston Pool benefitted from our partnership with Swim NH by hosting free swim lessons for our Fun in the Sun participants and discounted private lessons for Manchester residents.

Fireworks at Arms Park

The Manchester Independence Day Celebration, staged at Arms Park, is the largest City-run event taking place each year. The celebration brings thousands of people to the area, and in 2024 Pyrotecnico put on the spectacular show that Manchester residents have come to expect.

The event was headlined by the 39th Army Band, who played a mix of big band hits and rock/pop favorites. Parks & Rec partnered with several food vendors to make the experience complete.

This event would not be possible without the support of the Manchester Police Department, the Manchester Fire Department, the Manchester Parking Division, and the Manchester Economic Development Office.

Fun in the Sun (and Gaga Pit)



Parks & Rec's flagship recreation program, Fun in the Sun, had a new twist in 2024 with a more diverse set of activities on offer. Campers enjoyed karate lessons, music classes, and an inflatable gaga ball pit, in addition to standards like swim lessons, reading groups, a Fisher Cats baseball game, and more.

Fun in the Sun takes place at parks across the city. It is open to children ages 6 to 12. The program runs from the first week of July to mid-August, from 9 AM to 3 PM. The camp will be back in 2025!

Our Spooktacular Fall Season



Parks & Rec enjoyed a busy fall season! In Partnership with the Manchester Economic Development Office, the Manchester City Library, and the Greater Manchester Chamber, Parks & Rec had a blast hosting several fall events:

Downtown Trick or Treating was a huge success this year and featured over 30 participating businesses! We had great representation from the Manchester Police Department, the Manchester Fire Department, the Manchester Health Department, and the Manchester City Library, who brought the Book Mobile. Parks & Rec set up its new gaga ball pit at Stanton Plaza as part of an afternoon of of games, candy, and music.

We also hosted a special Movie in the Park at Derryfield Park this past fall, showing a Halloween favorite: Hocus Pocus. Prior to the movie, the great folks at McIntyre Ski Area offered hayrides from the park up to Weston Tower, where patrons were treated to spectacular views of the fall foliage.

The Witch of Weston Tower was a popular attraction again this year. On select weekends in October, visitors to McIntyre Ski Area enjoyed a scenic chair lift ride up the mountain, followed by a hayride to Weston Tower, where they were greeted by a Halloween-decorated tower with a spooky surprise at the top.

We can't wait to build on these events next year, so stay tuned for even more fall fun in 2025!

Golf Indoors

Mike Ryan's Indoor Golf and Learning Center, located at the Derryfield Country Club, is a great place to socialize and keep your golf swing sharp, especially during the long winter. With over 90 virtual courses to choose from, you can travel the world without leaving Manchester!

There are both men's and women's leagues that run all winter, in addition to public play. Restaurant and bar service from The Derryfield Restaurant is just upstairs, creating a complete social experience.

In addition to virtual golf simulation, the winter can be a great time to take lessons with Corey Mansfield, our Head PGA Professional, and Ben Stone, our Assistant PGA Professional.

To book a tee time, call (603) 625-1169 or click on the button below.

Hoopin' it Up

In 2024, Parks & Rec once again hosted drop-in basketball at Beech Street School every winter Saturday through March. We are pleased to announce that the tradition continues and the 2024-25 program is off to a great start!

These free drop-in sessions allow kids to work on skills and play pickup games. The program runs through March 15.

No registration is necessary. The schedule is broken up by age group, as follows:

Elementary School: 9 - 11 AM

Middle School: 11:30 AM - 1:30PM

High School: 2 - 4 PM

Wreaths Across America

On December 15, Pine Grove Cemetery hosted Wreaths Across America, during which over 150 interred veterans received a wreath in honor of remembrance.

Participants included members of the Sons of the American Revolution and the The Molly Stark Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Over 50 people came to watch the presentation and assist in the distribution of wreaths.

Wreaths Across America’s mission is “to honor and remember fallen military service members, recognize the sacrifice of their families, and to teach the value of freedom to the next generation.”

The beautiful ceremony honored all six branches of military, in addition to the National Guard, Merchant Marines, Prisoners of War, and Missing in Action. 

Snow Sports in the Heart of the City

Parks & Rec is proud to offer Manchester residents the ability to ski, snowboard, and snow tube without ever leaving Manchester!

At McIntyre Ski Area, you can do all of the above, then relax in the lodge. McIntyre offers rentals, lessons and leagues. Snow is made throughout the late fall and winter (when Mother Nature doesn’t provide it).

With two lifts servicing 11 trails, two magic carpets with a large beginner area, the Mac Pack Terrain Park, the Grom Park, and the eight-lane Snowtubing Bonneville Family Thrill Hill, there’s something for everyone!

Supporting Special Events



Every year, in addition to organizing its own events, Parks & Rec is proud to host and provide key logistical support for important community-sponsored events.

In 2024, these events included:

• CelebratED at Veterans Park
• Friends of Stark Park Concert Series at Stark Park
• Hope for NH Recovery Festival at Veterans Park
• Manchester Brewfest at Arms Park
• Manchester Pride Parade and Festival at Veterans Park
• Memorial Day Commemoration at Veterans Park
• National Night Out at Victory Park
• Queen City Bike Tour traversing multiple trails and parks
• Veterans Day Commemoration at Veterans Park
• We Are One Festival at Veterans Park

Other events Parks & Rec supported in 2024 include: Taco Tour, Cruising Downtown, Glendi, the St. Patrick's Day parade, the WZID Family Fun Fair, and countless community block parties and charity walks/runs.

Winter Soccer Clinics



Parks & Rec has partnered with Seacoast United to offer soccer clinics inside the Hallsville Gym this winter. This is a great opportunity for players to learn new skills and keep old ones sharp during the winter.

Clinics will be held every Saturday from January 11 to February 1 at the following times:

• 1st and 2nd Grade: 1 PM - 2 PM
• 3rd and 4th Grade: 2 PM - 3 PM
• 5th to 8th Grade: 3 PM - 4 PM

Pricing is $75 for residents and $100 for non-residents and includes access to all scheduled clinics.

We anticipate this being the start of a long-term relationship, so stay tuned for more programming later in 2025!

Fairer Fairways



Parks & Rec personnel, with a big assist from Highway Division crews, completed major upgrades to drainage this spring at the Derryfield Country Club golf course. The project addressed issues at holes 7, 9, 10 and 11.

Golfers reaped the benefits of the upgrades throughout the 2024 season, and we are very pleased with the results.

This winter, the Parks & Rec tree crew has rented special equipment and is in the process of removing upwards of 30 dead trees from the course. We expect to continue culling selected trees over the next few years to improve playability, enhance aesthetics, and reduce maintenance complications.

Bass Island Park Erosion Mitigation



This past spring, Parks & Pec was awarded federal and state grants for improvements at Bass Island Park. These included installation of two additional storm drains, placement of new erosion protection mats, and a restored boat launch and peninsula.

These improvements help to decrease the amount of storm water runoff, increase access to the waterfront, and protect against future erosion.

South Manchester Rail Trail Extension



The long-awaited extension of the South Manchester Rail Trail, from Perimeter Road to Gold Street, was completed in spring of 2024!

Managed by the Department of Public Works Highway Division, this project not only enhances our community’s connectivity but also promotes healthy lifestyles and provides a beautiful space for everyone to enjoy.

More rail trail additions are planned in the years to come.

Honoring Combat Photographers



This spring, Veterans Park became home to a new statue honoring combat photographers. This five-feet tall, cast-bronze monument weighs over 700 pounds and is a breath-taking addition to Veteran's Park.

The inscription reads: "Since the Crimean War (1853-56), combat photographers have risked their lives to document through imagery the heroic moments, great sacrifices, awful destruction, and moral dilemmas of war."

Donated by former combat photographer Josh Denoncourt and the Broadside Foundation, this statue is a long overdue tribute to these unsung heroes of war. We look forward to this statue standing tall in the park for decades to come.

Livingston Park Gets a New Track



The Livingston Park track has been reopened to the public after a complete surface replacement this fall. Additional painting and finishing touches will be completed in spring of 2025 after the school track season.

This track serves as the home for track teams from Central High School, Hillside Middle School, and Trinity High School. It also hosts activities from a wide array of recreational organizations.

Friends of Piscataquog River Park



The Friends of Piscataquog River Park had a tremendous volunteer season this past year, hosting many events centered around trail maintenance, vegetation removal, trash pickup, and other park improvement projects.

Over the month of October alone, the group held a total of 16 volunteer days, attracting a total of 154 volunteers and generating 501 volunteer hours!

We can't wait to see everything this amazing group will accomplish next year!

Friends of Stark Park



The Friends of Stark Park has been a valuable partner for decades. Their mission is “to develop, revitalize, maintain and protect the heritage and recreational use of Stark Park as an historic asset of the City of Manchester.”

Their 2024 Summer Concert Series was a major success, featuring acts like the Manchester Community Summer Band, the Compaq Big Band, and the Wolverize Jazz Band.

The Friends also hosted historical tours and planted new trees. We are looking forward to all of the events and improvements this group has planned for next year!

Greening Our Streets

Overseen by the Parks & Rec tree crew, the Green Streets Tree Canopy Program offsets up to 50% of the cost of eligible residential street tree plantings.

Eleven new trees were planted in 2024, and we are still accepting applications for the Spring 2025 planting season. Spots are limited, so don't delay. For more information and details on how to apply, click on the button below!

Tennis in the Parks

This past spring and summer, we once again partnered with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to host both youth and adult Tennis in the Parks.

This program offers beginner tennis players the opportunity to learn the basics of tennis in a fun and pressure-free environment. Participants even receive a free racket and ball!

USTA-approved coaches ensure that lessons are consistent and structured. This is an immensely popular program and we are looking forward to bringing it back in 2025.

Breakin' Chains in The Hollows

Local disc golf outfitter Breakin' Chains is a valuable partner in our management of The Hollows Disc Golf Course.

Designated a Park Champion through our Partnership for Parks program, Breakin' Chains volunteers donate countless hours towards the maintenance of both the north and south courses. This past spring, they got together with volunteers from Realty One Group Next Level for a large cleanup at the north course.

Beyond volunteerism, Breakin' Chains routinely hosts tournaments and leagues throughout the year that attract thousands of enthusiasts. The New England Amateur Disc Golf Championship alone draws hundreds of players to Manchester.

Helping to Restore History

Beyond performing routine maintenance activities, in 2024 Parks & Rec partnered with several volunteer groups, including Sanford Temperature Control and Realty One Group, to remove vegetation, paint decorative fencing, restore and clean headstones, and even complete a forestry mulching project.

These activities all support a broader, long-term effort by the City of Manchester to restore Valley Cemetery, highlight its history, and make it an asset to the surrounding community.

Expect to see more improvements in the years to come.

Vegetation Removal



A major responsibility of the Parks & Rec maintenance crews is to manage and remove vegetation. We do this in a wide variety of settings with a wide variety of tools.

Crews completed several dozen projects this past year, from the big to the small. A few of our favorite projects from this past year were:

• We completed a massive brush removal project inside of Valley Cemetery to increase visibility from outside the cemetery as well as from within.

• We assisted the Friends of Piscataquog River Park in clearing an area for a future pollinator garden.

• We removed significant vegetative overgrowth at Simpson Park to improve appearance and visibility.

This Work is Tree-mendous



As always, managing trees in parks, cemeteries, and rights-of-way was a major component of Parks & Rec operations in 2024. Crews were responsible for:

• Removing fallen trees and limbs
• Mitigating imminent hazards
• Treating trees for common diseases
• Planting new trees

This past fall, we were thrilled to assist the Friends of Stark Park in planting several plum trees throughout Stark Park. We are looking forward to watching the trees grow and mature!

Spreading Holiday Cheer



Parks & Rec had a great time participating in the MHT Holiday Parade this November. Our Rudolph float was a hit and we cannot wait to be a part of it again next year! Thank you to all who organized, attended, and otherwise helped make this parade truly special.

Beyond participation in the parade, Parks & Rec crews have played their usual role in helping to make Manchester festive for the holidays. This includes:

• Hanging wreaths along Elm Street and in select downtown parks
• Installing the manger scene and sleigh in Stanton Plaza
• Stringing lights on the Christmas tree in Stanton Plaza
• Placing garlands and wreaths at ice rink entrances
• Decorating the Massabesic Traffic Circle
• Assisting Friends of Stark Park to trim up the park's gazebo

Setting the Stage



Throughout the year, Parks & Rec crews prepare athletic spaces for local school and recreational league use. Work includes mowing, irrigation, field lining, artificial turf field grooming, ice preparation, water quality calibration, putting up nets and windscreens, and ensuring goals are in place.

Sports supported by this important work include baseball, basketball, disc golf, field hockey, football, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, pickleball, skiing, soccer, softball, swimming, and tennis.

In addition to daily practices and games, below are some of the major competitions we hosted in 2024:

• American Legion Baseball Northeast Regional Tournament at Gill Stadium (kudos and thank you to Sweeney Post!)
• Footrace for the Fallen at Gill Stadium
• Manchester City Golf Championship at the Derryfield Country Club
• Manchester City Marathon (start/finish at Veterans Park)
• NHIAA Cross Country Divisional Championship at Derryfield Park
• NHIAA Division I Hockey Semifinals at JFK Coliseum
• Northwoods Throwdown Softball Game at Gill Stadium
• Southern NH Skating Club Ice Revue at JFK Coliseum
• Turkey Bowl at Gill Stadium

475 Valley St, Manchester NH 03103

(603) 624-6444

manchesternh.gov/parks