MANCHESTER, NH — The following is a round-up of news and upcoming events from the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.
WINTERFEST 2019!
Winterfest 2019 is coming up Feb 25-Mar 2. Hosted by the Office of Youth Services, activities are offered during February School Vacation that are open to families and children across the city. The following activities will be offered:
- Public Ice Skating at JFK Feb. 25- Mar. 2, 2 – 4 p.m.
- Net Generation Tennis Kickoff Feb 25, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beech Street School.
- Open Gym / 3v3 Sign up at Beech Street School Feb. 26 – 28 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 3v3 Basketball Tourney – at Beech Street School
- Free Throw Contest at Beech Street School March 1, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Drama Time with Children’s Stage Adventures is coming to Northwest School on the West Side, thanks to The Rotary Club of Manchester. Manchester children ages 6-16 can participate in a whirlwind week of drama culminating in a high quality production of the classic tale “The Fisherman & His Wife.” To sign up please email ebukowski@manchesternh.gov. A pianist is needed. If anyone is interested please contact us.
BASKETBALL AT BEECH STREET SCHOOL
There are six weeks left of Saturday Basketball. This is an open gym program which will end Saturday March 9. To sign up come, to Beech Street School at your child’s designated time slot. For more info please call 624-6444.
7-8 years old: 9- 10:30 a.m.
9-10 years old 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
11-12 years old 1-2:30 p.m.
13-17 years old 2:30 -4 p.m.
DERRYFIELD COUNTRY CLUB GOLF PRO
So far 13 application packets were received in the city’s search to bring in a new golf professional to the golf course. With heavy hearts and the realization that time moves on, we are in the process of analyzing the credentials from those who feel they are the best person to help us push the club forward in the coming years. Interviews are being held and we hope to announce a final decision around the beginning of March.
THE READING PROGRAM
Thanks to the Scrivanos’ family for their donation of $15,000 toward the summer reading program, a cooperative effort by several entities. Our Fun In The Sun has included reading activities by MSD teachers that help keep the kids on grade level over the summer. Some of the city schools offer programs so children across the city can have the opportunity to read and are encouraged to participate wherever they can.
NEW BENCHES TO BE BUILT FOR PINE GROVE
The pieces of granite pictured here may not look like much now, but they will be upcycled into beautiful benches for the Veteran’s Section of Pine Grove Cemetery. They were graciously donated to the city and we are excited to see the finished product when they are installed in the spring.
PARKING/DRIVEWAY AT GOSSLER & PARKSIDE
We are working with Hoyle Tanner & Associates, Inc. on a redesign of the parking and driveway areas in front of Parkside Middle and Gossler Park Elementary Schools. Safety has been a concern for a long time and the process has begun, courtesy of a grant specifically awarded to address these issues. The anticipated time frame of construction is this summer.
TURF REPLACEMENT AT GILL STADIUM
Gill Stadium will have a new synthetic surface come this fall! Bids are due on February 6 at 10 a.m. Five firms have been prequalified to bid on the project. We anticipate removing most of the natural surface from the stadium and replacing the entire open area with turf. Gill Stadium is home to the Central Little Green and multiple youth sports team. Scheduling will be a challenge during construction but we hope to accommodate all by moving teams to other locations.
RAIL TRAIL UPDATE, GRANT RECEIVED
Plans continue to move forward with three major trail projects. The South Manchester Rail Trail is moving to the preliminary planning stage as is the Rockingham Trail. The Downtown Connector Trail is close to final design. Manchester has just been notified we have been awarded a grant to extend the South Manchester Rail Trail to the Londonderry trail. Once completed, this network will connect Goffstown/New Boston, through Manchester to Londonderry and points south.
WALK FOR YOUR HEALTH/WALK WITH EASE
Walk for your Health is slated to start on April 16 at Livingston Park. New this year we are adding another walking option to the program called Walk with Ease. Walk with Ease will be led by a trained professional, and is a six-week program that will be offered along with our regular Walking Program. It will be a little more structured with stretching, and discussions about health. According to the Arthritis Foundation, this program is proven to decrease arthritis pain and improve overall health.
CLEM LEMIRE HOCKEY TOURNAMENT
Registrations forms for the Clem Lemire hockey tournament are due February 11. We will be creating the practice schedule shortly and the tournament takes place in mid-March.