Planning a family day of fun for everyone can get expensive. If trips to the movie theaters or shopping centers are starting to rack up in cost, try packing a lunch for a picnic and playtime on the jungle gym at one of Concord’s many public parks and recreation centers located throughout the Capital city.
Keach Park is conveniently spread out, boasting 10-plus acres for prime recreational leisureliness. The large playground features four slides, a climbing wall, and swings for all ages. In the summertime, the seasonal public pool is opened, directly next to the playground equipment for the option of a refreshing swim. There is a pavilion with picnic tables underneath to set up lunch, arrange for a family barbecue, or just sit and read a book in the shade while children play nearby. There are also large trees and shaded areas with seating throughout the park, providing a place to set up and enjoy a day with family in any season. Keach Park is located in the Heights area of Concord, just off Loudon Road, across from Aroma Joe’s. An often busy area of town, the park provides a tranquil space to burn off some energy or catch up with friends, cost free.
Located in the northern part of the city in Penacook Village, Rolfe Park is one of Concord’s largest parks at almost 38 acres. It has a baseball field, softball field, little league field and soccer fields for use during the autumn months. Basketball and tennis courts are also available for public use. The full-sized playground is adjacent to a seasonal pool with a wading pool for toddlers and parents. The park offers hiking trails through the shaded woods nearby. Handicap parking is available in the lot by the pool and playground. And if you’re looking to plan a lunch or full day of activities, Rolfe Park is one of the few city public spaces that provides trash cans for parkgoers’ convenience. So make sure to pick up after yourselves! Also unique to Rolfe, a Little Free Library is located on the campus to promote a friendly, community book exchange.
Rollins Park is home to childhood memories of Concord South End kids spanning generations. The park provides a great atmosphere for play or relaxation, with paved walking paths throughout, a picturesque gazebo and stone bridge area, as well as a full-sized playground. There is also a baseball field, a softball field, field hockey field and tennis and basketball courts. Rollins Park is home to the city’s largest public pool, which is open during the summer months. A picnic shelter provides shade for guests. During the winter months, an ice rink is constructed in the northern part of Rollins. There are Porta Potties available for use, but no trash cans, so please carry out what you carry in. If driving to this South End spot, parking can be found on Bow Street.
Garrison Park is a great place to gather some friend for a pick-up basketball game or shoot hoops solo on the court. Garrison Park is comprised of a playground, basketball courts and a seasonal pool. The park is located just off North State Street, in the western part of the city and is 11.5 acres in size.
A wide open field for dogs to run, a game of catch or kickball to be played, or any form of exercise you may desire can happen at the city’s South End Martin Park. While local youth recreational teams or organized events aren’t utilizing the 29-acre space, anyone can use the multipurpose field. The land is often well kempt and city officials advise users to kindly clean up after their pets when necessary. Right off Iron Works Road, this park includes a privately-leased softball field and a
½-mile walking trail.
Fletcher-Murphy Play Lot offers a playground and a basketball court that is known for its pick-up basketball games, according to concordnh.gov. The park sits in the south end of Concord.
A popular recreational space for family entertainment is the Monkey Around Playground at White Park, 1 White St. Other playgrounds can be found at: Kimball Park, 171 N. State St.; Merrill Park, 27 Eastman St.; Reed Park, 105 Hall St.; Thompson Play Lot, 37 N. Spring St.; and West Street Playlot, 92½ S. State St.