Spring Programming Has Sprung – Register Now
Looking for something new to do this spring? Maybe you wanted to get into yoga, art, or even pickleball? Well, the Town of Manchester’s Department of Leisure, Family and Recreation has you covered with their spring programming slate, which includes registration-based classes, drop-in activities, special events and much more.
To review the entire slate of remaining springtime programs and special events, please click here to view the 2024 Winter/Spring Program and Event Guide. To register online, please visit the Department’s digital registration page.
In addition, the Town of Manchester’s Department of Leisure, Family and Recreation will be offering free Recreation Membership cards to all adult and senior residents for the 2024 programming season, made possible through funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
2024 Winter/Spring Program & Event Guide
Find programs, activities, and events for the 2024 Winter/Spring Season offered by the Town of Manchester Department of Leisure, Family and Recreation here!
A Recreation Membership Card can be obtained at Center Springs Park, the Community Y, Customer Services at Town Hall and the Senior Center. This card will allow access to the town’s recreation centers, outdoor & indoor pools, and the Community Y Fitness Center. Senior citizen passes are also valid for the Manchester Senior Center and Senior Center Programs.
This offer is available for Manchester residents only. Please contact the Recreation Division at (860)647-3084 with any questions.
Recreation Division
The Town of Manchester’s Recreation Division is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all Manchester residents through a comprehensive program of recreational opportunities, both traditional or otherwise, for those of all ages, abilities levels and interests. With recreation centers, parks and outdoor greenspaces, aquatic facilities and programming spaces, the Recreation Division has offerings for all within the Manchester community.
Over at the Community Y (78 North Main Street), a variety of traditional recreation programs are offered that focus on personal fitness and holistic health. Looking to get into yoga? Yoga 4 Life’s spring session offers a structured, slower-paced class that is focused on releasing stress and tensions physically, mentally and emotionally. For those looking for a more intensive program, one-on-one personal training provides a personalized exercise program that is tailored towards your specific health and fitness goals and ensures proper form and safety.
For those looking to get their football fill now that the NFL season has come to an end, check on the Lab Rat Tournament: 6-vs-6 flag football (non-contact) at the Leisure Labs at Mahoney Center, 110 Cedar Street. Tournaments are available for children ages 7-12 & 13-17; for further information, please contact Recreation Supervisor Taylor McBride at [email protected].In addition, free drop-in basketball is offered at both the Leisure Labs and the Community Y. The current drop-in schedule is as follows:
Leisure Labs at Mahoney Center (Mondays-Fridays)
- 5:00-6:00 PM: 12 and under
- 6:00-7:00 PM: 13-15 year old
- 7:00-9:00 PM: 16+
Community Y Rec Center (Mondays-Fridays)
- 6:00-7:00 PM: 13 and under
- 7:00-8:00 PM: 14 – 15 year old
- 8:00-9:00 PM: 16 – 17 year old
If sports aren’t your calling, don’t worry – the Leisure Labs has your back. Drop-in Art sessions are for anyone interested in creating an art project, experiencing different ideas and, most importantly, having some fun. All sessions are free and open to all ages; a Manchester Recreation Card is required for entry. Springtime Drop-In Art themes include Creative Critters, Lucky Clovers, Paper Butterflies, Radical Flying Kites & much more!
Looking to get into pickleball, which, believe it or not, has become the country’s fastest growing sport? Then head on down to the Nathan Hale Recreation Center on Wednesday evenings for a free, resident-only session for players of all ages and abilities. This free drop-in pickleball session is offered each Wednesday from 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM at 160 Spruce Street (Manchester Recreation Card required for entry).
Youth Service Bureau
The Manchester Youth Service Bureau, which is committed to providing opportunities for personal growth to Manchester youth, has a variety of springtime programs, services and activities, ranging from programs for early childhood families all the way through teens.
Throughout the month of April, the Youth Service Bureau will be hosting a variety of family events at the Northwest Park Early Childhood Center, 448 Tolland Turnpike. For early childhood families wanting to celebrate Earth Day with themed activities (April 23rd, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM) to a touch-a-truck at Truck Day (April 16th, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM), the Early Childhood Center has a host of activities that combine education with family-friendly fun.
For students looking to fill their April school break calendar, the Youth Service Bureau has a variety of Spring Break programs for children of all ages. Students ages 13 and up will have a chance to tour CCSU on April 9th, where they will be able to learn about the campus, program offerings and more. Looking for a nature escape? Students grades 4-12 can join the YSB at Hammonasset State Park on April 10th to explore the marshes and ocean landscapes. For the complete listing of Spring Break programs and to register for any activities, please call the Youth Service Bureau at (860)647-5213.
Alongside these leisure programs, the Youth Service Bureau also offers a variety of developmental programs targeted at middle & high school students. Programs such as Boys II Men (Last Wednesday of the month, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM) and Family Circle (Wednesdays, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM) offer developmental opportunities that are focused on self-improvement, relationship building and overall youth and family enrichment.
For older youth, the Teen Center offers a place for teens (Grades 7-12) to come together in a structured, supervised environment each Wednesday from 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM at 63 Linden Street. With activities including board games, pool, foosball and more, the Teen Center offers a chance to escape in an inclusive, welcoming environment.
Neighborhoods & Families Division
Over in the Eastside neighborhood, the Neighborhoods & Families Division is committed to offering no-to-low cost programs and special events for all members of the Manchester community. One tentpole project is that of the Spruce Street Community Garden, whose 2024 growing season is just around the corner. The garden, which consists of 28 raised beds and 12 smaller plots, is currently accepting waitlist applications for the upcoming growing season (Manchester residents only; $35.00/plot). Please click here to complete the digital Spruce Street Community Garden – Prospective Gardener application.
Looking for a night out with the family? Join the Neighborhoods & Families Division for their slate of spring programs at the Nathan Hale Recreation Center, 160 Spruce Street! For those looking for a family-friendly night at the movies, come on out for a free screening of Shaun the Sheep on Friday, April 5 starting at 6:00 PM. For further family fun, join the Neighborhoods & Families Division for their final two free Family Fun Nights of the spring season: Family Jeopardy Night (Friday, March 15, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM) and Arts and Crafts Night (Friday, April 19, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM).
As we inch closer to the haven of the warm summer months, so do we approach another very exciting time of year – the start of the annual Spruce Street Farmers Market season. Join the Spruce Street Farmers Market for their inaugural Spring Market, scheduled for Saturday, May 4th from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Market Field, 153 & 163 Spruce Street. The market accepts SNAP/EBT payments and will double the value of SNAP purchases up to $20.00 (spend $20.00 using your EBT card to receive an additional $20.00 to spend on SNAP-eligible items) and all market attendees 17 and under will receive a $2.00 Power of Produce voucher to use on any fresh fruits or vegetables.
While the warmer weather may already have many turning their eyes towards the summer, don’t miss out on the awesome slate of springtime programs and special events offered by the Department of Leisure, Family & Recreation.
Questions about any listed programs? Want to register over the phone? Call the Recreation Division at (860)647-3084.
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About Author
James Costa is the Neighborhoods & Families Coordinator for the Department of Leisure, Family, and Recreation. He began working with the division during his sophomore year at Manchester High School, and he is now a UConn graduate with degrees in Journalism & Film Studies.
Fun Fact #1: I won my car in a raffle during Manchester High School’s Project Graduation.
Fun Fact #2: My all-time favorite movies are All That Heaven Allows, Punch-Drunk Love & Twin Peaks: The Return.