Parks and Recreation Department

The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for operation of Town-owned parks and recreation programs and activities. Day-to-day maintenance of parks was transferred to the Department of Public Works in 2008. The Parks and Recreation Department works closely with the Parks and Recreation Department Advisory Committee, which serves as the advisory committee to the Department, the Selectboard and Town Manager.

Department Contact Information

Department Staff

Parks and Facilities

Department Programs and Events

Volunteer at the Parks and Recreation Department

Click here to view a calendar of upcoming events at the Manchester Parks and Recreation Department.

For emergencies, please call 9-1-1 or the Police Department Dispatch Center at (802) 362-2022.  The Dispatch Center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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 Department Staff

Liz Ambuhl serves as the Director of Parks and Recreation and supervises all Department programs and events. She can be contacted via email at l.ambuhl@manchester-vt.gov or by calling (802) 362-1439.

Kate McClafferty serves as the Director of Programming. She can be contacted via email at k.mcclafferty@manchester-vt.gov or by calling (802) 362-1439.

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Parks and Facilities

The Town of Manchester owns three distinct Parks. 

Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park, named in honor of Police Chief Dana L. Thompson, who was killed in the line of duty in 1972, is located off Bonnet Street at 340 Recreation Park Road. The Park includes more than 88 acres of land, a newly erected 4,500 square foot Park House, large swimming pool and kiddie pool, three baseball diamonds, general use athletic fields, three playgrounds for kids of all ages, one-mile walking path, a dog park that is owned and operated by the Manchester Dog Park (a not-for-profit organization), a skateboard park, outdoor basketball courts and three tennis courts. A trail in the northeast corner of the Park leads to Riley Rink and a trail in the southeast corner leads to Manchester Elementary-Middle School (MEMS). The Park is open daily until 10PM.

The Park House, the newly erected 4,500 square foot facility located at the Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park, includes a 900 square foot Activity Room (complete with kitchenette, media equipment and tables and chairs for about 90 people) as well as vending machines, public wi-fi, first-aid room, bathrooms, changing rooms and showers, and staff offices for the Parks and Recreation Department. Use of the Activity Room is by permit only. Contact the Parks and Recreation Department for details.

The swimming pool at the Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park typically opens around the middle of June and closes before Labor Day. For more details about the pool and its schedule please call (802) 362-0208 or (802) 362-1439.

Applejack Field is a championship quality regulation World Cup size soccer, football and lacrosse field complete with lighting, announcing booth and historic grandstand. The professionally maintained field is home to Burr and Burton Academy football, soccer and lacrosse, the Vermont Voltage Premium Soccer Club (professional soccer team), and the Southern Vermont Storm (football). Click here to learn about becoming a sponsor of Applejack Field. Use of Applejack Field is by permit only and for sporting events only. A fee of $400 for day events and $600 for evening (lighted) events applies. Contact the Parks and Recreation Department for details.

Factory Point Town Green is located in the heart of Manchester on Depot Street near the intersection with Main Street. The Park hosts the summer concert series, organized by the Manchester and Mountains Chamber of Commerce. The nearby dam and waterfall provides for perfect setting for sitting on the grass and enjoying the sun or throwing a frisbee with friends. The Town Green was donated to the Town of Manchester by the Manchester Conservation Commission and Town residents.

Adams Park, the smallest park, is named for long time resident Harry Adams. The Park is located at the intersection of Main Street and Center Hill Road, just north of the downtown area. Between June and October, on Thursdays between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM, Adams Park hosts the Manchester Farmers' Market. Come enjoy locally grown and produced foods and crafts!

Wendy's Way, created by the Selectboard in 2008, is a 5.6 mile bike loop. The bike route is named Wendy's Way after Wendall (Wendy) Cram in recognition of his service to his country and passion for physical fitness. Wendy is an avid biker and a former member of the 1940 Olympic Ski Team, but did not compete because of the Second World War. Instead he served in the 10th Mountain Division as a skiing soldier. A dedication sign was erected by the Town on North Road. View a map of Wendy's Way.

Click here to view the Department's User Policy, which governs use of the Town's parks and recreation facilities.

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Department Programs and Events  via 

View program information and register and pay for programs at the Department's separate program website. The most recent brochure can be downloaded at the bottom of this page. The Department now accepts debit and credit cards. Click here to view the Department's lastest fee schedule.

The Department runs a variety of programs for residents including a swim lessons, summer camp, school vacation camps and a senior citizen walking program. Many of the programs offered at the Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park are run by local not-for-profit organizations and volunteers. The Department also coordinates special events for the Town including the 4th of July celebration.

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Volunteer at the Parks and Recreation Department

The Town of Manchester Parks & Recreation Department is seeking volunteers for various events and projects. Click here to learn more.