NOW IS the perfect time to unplug and connect with Manchester Parks and Recreation, a department whose mission is to provide affordable, inclusive, quality programs and facilities to all individuals and families within the community.
The department boasts 104 acres of parkland and 69,000 square feet of indoor recreation and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. At any given time, 400-500 people occupy the pool daily. Aside from their outdoor pool, they have indoor pools, massive waterfalls, and a lazy river, giving it that water park feel that makes summer even more exciting.
Depending on the weather, the pool is open from late May until early September. In addition to their popular swimming pools, they offer children’s activities and a special treat for community members with disabilities.
Aquatics Director Colt Pittman began his aquatics career with the department in college as a lifeguard in 2016. From there, he worked his way up to becoming the aquatics director and has made a difference ever since.
Pittman started a program in 2021 called “Sensory Sensitive Saturdays,” which has been an enormous success. Pittman, having family members with different needs, understood the importance of creating a more inclusive environment.
During Sensory Sensitive Saturday, once a month, people of all ages with sensory sensitivities and disabilities are welcome to enjoy the pool free of charge. During that time, recreation staff turns off noise-making water features and noisy pool features that may disturb people with sensory sensitivity. Lifeguards do not use their whistles during that time, and the environment is calm and welcoming to members of the community who may not otherwise feel comfortable participating on other days.
Pittman said, “People may not want to come if they have a disability of any sort, whether they’re on the autism spectrum or [have] a physical disability. If we have that many people here, it’s not necessarily an environment they might want to be in if they have 500 other people with them.”
The parks and recreation department also offers a variety of events, such as underwater egg hunts, for younger swimmers ages 2 to 12, where they can hunt for eggs in the pool and earn prizes, and watch dive-in movies.
Their themed summer camp, an eight-week summer camp for children, which begins the last week of May and runs until the last week of July, is sure to make their summer break a warm and fun-filled experience. The age range for the summer camp is from 5 years old (or kindergarten age) to 12. Young community members from all over the county enjoy spending time at the camp.
One of the more beneficial aspects of participating in department activities is its friendly staff and family-oriented atmosphere.
Activities Coordinator Katie West said, “It’s nice for them to have a place to come to and just kind of get out and do things with their families and communities.”
West began working at the department in June 2020. Last May, she transitioned from working part time to full time.
West said she enjoys being the first face people see when they walk into the parks and recreation building and witnessing their excitement as they inquire about activities.
“It’s really cool to see a bunch of new people come in and want to be interested in doing things in the community.”
The Manchester Parks and Recreation staff strive daily to ensure visitors have the space to interact with others in a safe and inclusive indoor and outdoor environment and the ability to move their bodies and stay fit.
Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Becki Johnson said, “Of course, there’s the health aspect where people exercise or get fitter. We strive for the whole individual, whether a child or a senior citizen. We want to give them opportunities. Getting involved in your parks and rec helps you become a better, healthier, happier person.”
Johnson added, “Through socialization, having a safe place, moving and being set, and seeing the Katie’s at the front desk, greeting them enthusiastically when they come in the door — those are the kinds of things that we focus on with parks and rec. Just trying to improve and enhance people’s quality of life.”
Manchester Parks and Recreation is the perfect place for community members to unplug with loved ones this summer. Get connected now and learn about all the incredible and inclusive opportunities right in your backyard. They’re sure to improve your quality of life and help you create memories that last a lifetime. GN
