Vision For Manchester's Charter Oak Park: Skate Park, Turf Field

MANCHESTER, CT — A master plan for the future of Manchester's parks includes a vision for a new skate park and artificial surface field at Charter Oak Park.

The park, located at the bottom of the Main Street hill and Charter Oak Street, is, according to results from a recent public survey, one of the most used parks in town, with 56 percent of respondents saying they have used it for recreation and 97 percent saying they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the park.

A $2 million project to renovate the park added new playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, a revamped softball field, a "music garden for children, and freshly paved parking lot and walkways in 2017. Additional upgrades included new test room facilities, 22 more parking spaces, a two-way driveway, a resurfaced bicycle path, improved lighting, and surveillance equipment.

Future improvements now include a new skate park on the western edge of the facility, a track for BMX-style bikes and a "warrior" obstacle course for users of all ages.

An artificial turf field, additional rest rooms and drinking fountains here also in the Master plan.

The new Parks and Facilities Master Plan is designed to be "fully collaborative and community-supported." The Master Plan outlines how to further develop future parks, trails, open space, and recreational areas so as to meet the needs of the community while also investing in the town’s economic and cultural value.