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You are hereParks and Recreation Department

Parks and Recreation Department

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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 Committee, which serves as the advisory committee to the Department, the Selectboard and Town Manager.

WEBSITE: activenet.active.com/manchestervtrecreation

SUMMER DEPARTMENT OFFICE LOCATION (May through October):

  • Location: Dana L. Thompson Park (340 Park Recreation Road, Manchester Center, VT 05255)
  • Hours of Operation: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday
  • Telephone: (802) 362-1439
    • Amy Herrmann (Director of Parks and Recreation): Extension 12
    • Nate Walrath (Director of Programming): Extension 11
  • Fascmile: (802) 362-0200
WINTER DEPARTMENT OFFICE LOCATION (November through April):
  • Location: Town Hall (6039 Main Street, Manchester Center, VT 05255)
  • Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday
  • Telephone: (802) 362-1313, option 7

  • Fascmile: (802) 362-1314

Note: During the cold winter months Department employees relocate to Town Hall in order to save money on heating and electricity. The Park is still open to the public.

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.


Town Swimming Pool (Lee Krohn photograph)

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 and a winter carnival that occurs in February.  

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.

Stay up-to-date on the happenings at the Parks and Recreation Department at Facebook.Facebook logo

Manchester owns three distinct Parks. View information about Manchester Parks & Recreation facilities.

There are countless other recreational opportunities in Manchester operated by other government entities or not-for-profits. View other recreation opportunities in Manchester.

June through October, on Thursdays between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM, the Adams Park (located downtown at the intersection of Main Street and Center Hill Street and Park Street) hosts the Manchester Farmers' Market. Come enjoy locally grown and produced foods and crafts!

Amy Herrmann serves as Parks and Recreation Director. She is responsible for the overall operation of the Parks and Recreation Department and its programs. Amy has worked at the Parks and Recreation Department since 2005. She has an undergraduate degree in recreation management from Green Mountain College in Poultney, Vermont and a masters degree in business administration from Colorado Technical University. She is an Army veteran, a USA Cycling BMX National Champion and a BMX World Championship Team Member in 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2007 through 2009. Amy can be contacted via email at a.herrmann@manchester-vt.gov. 

Nate Walrath serves as Director of Programming. Nate can be contacted via email at n.walrath@manchester-vt.gov.

Part-Time and Seasonal Parks and Recreation Employee Emails: