Make It An Active Summer In Manchester: 10 Ways To Get Moving

Summer is a great time to get outside, explore your community and try a new activity. Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun, a new fitness routine or a peaceful place to walk, Manchester Township and the surrounding area offer plenty of ways to stay moving.

Before heading out, be sure to check each organization's official website for the latest schedules, registration details, fees and availability, as seasonal programs and hours may change.

1. Walk The Trails At World War II Veterans Memorial Park

Enjoy a walk through wooded trails while taking in the park's memorial areas and playground. It's an easy way to spend time outdoors close to home.

World War II Veterans Memorial Park, Lake Road, Manchester
Website: Manchester Township Recreation

2. Spend A Day Swimming At Harry Wright Lake

Cool off with a swim at Manchester's public lake recreation area, which also features picnic areas and other outdoor amenities during the summer season.

Harry Wright Lake, Lake Road, Manchester
Website: Manchester Township Recreation

3. Join A Manchester Township Recreation Program

The township's Recreation Department offers a variety of seasonal activities for children, adults and older residents throughout the year. Check the current program guide to see what's available this summer.

Manchester Township Department of Recreation
Website: Manchester Township Recreation

4. Play Tennis At Bowker Field

Bring a racquet and enjoy a casual game on the public tennis courts at Bowker Field, which is part of Manchester Township's park system.

Bowker Field, Route 530, Manchester
Website: Manchester Township Recreation

5. Shoot Hoops At Bowker Field

If you're looking for a simple way to stay active, the basketball court at Bowker Field offers space for pickup games or individual practice.

Bowker Field, Route 530, Manchester
Website: Manchester Township Recreation

6. Visit Cattus Island County Park

A short drive from Manchester, this Ocean County park off Fischer Boulevard offers 7 miles of walking trails and many views of Barnegat Bay. The park is home to the Cooper Environmental Center, with hands-on educational displays such as a live-view osprey cam, habitat tree and tunnel, a bird viewing area, children's activity corner and a spectacular collection of live reptiles and fish. The park also is home to a beautiful Butterfly Garden where you can view native plants and pollinators.

Ocean County Parks & Recreation – Cattus Island County Park, 1170 Cattus Island Blvd., Toms River
Website: Ocean County Parks and Recreation

7. Explore Double Trouble State Park

Take a scenic walk through trails that combine natural landscapes with historic village surroundings in neighboring Berkeley Township.

Double Trouble State Park, Route 530, Berkeley Township
Website: NJDEP Parks and Forests, Double Trouble State Park

8. Go Hiking At Wells Mills County Park

Located nearby in Waretown, Wells Mills County Park features miles of hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty amid the more than 900 acres of pine and oak forest in the Pine Barrens. There is a three-story Nature Center with a great display floor, a library, and the Elizabeth Meirs Morgan Observation Deck on the third floor that is dedicated in honor of a very active naturalist and conservationist in Ocean County. Environmental programs and classes are held regularly.

Ocean County Parks & Recreation – Wells Mills County Park, 905 Wells Mills Road (Route 532), Waretown
Website: Ocean County Parks & Recreation, Wells Mills County Park

9. Try A Fitness Class At The Ocean County YMCA

Residents looking for indoor exercise can explore group fitness classes, wellness programs and other recreational opportunities offered by the YMCA.

Ocean County YMCA, 1088 West Whitty Road, Toms River
Website: Ocean County YMCA

10. Ride The Trails At Allaire State Park

Cyclists and walkers can enjoy miles of multi-use trails at Allaire State Park, which sits in Howell and Wall townships, a reasonable drive from Manchester for a summer day trip. The park also is a historic site with

Allaire State Park, 4265 Atlantic Ave., Wall
Website: Allaire State Park

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