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City of Manchester

Parks & Recreation

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City Recreation Programs

children on tennis courtThe Parks & Recreation Department is now offering ONLINE recreation program registration (excluding Private Swim Lessons). You can now register from the comfort of your home. Simply follow the link below to access the online registration portal.

Rec Program Registration

The Parks & Recreation Department offers many recreation programs and special events……..something for everyone – toddlers, youth, adults and active seniors!

Registration forms are available at City Hall and online. The Parks & Recreation Department can also add your e-mail address to a database and information will be sent to you as classes become available. All registration forms must be completed, signed and fee paid in full before registration will be accepted. A parent or legal guardian must register any child under 18. All registrations must be returned to City Hall or completed online. There are no refunds after the first scheduled session unless canceled by staff. Refunds prior to the first session are assessed a $5 processing fee.

Program Changes: The department reserves the right to cancel, postpone or modify programs due to weather, enrollment, or any unforeseen circumstance. Dates and times are subject to change.

 

Adult Recreation Programs

Adult & Co-Ed Volleyball

Get your team signed up for women’s or co-ed volleyball. Women play on Monday evenings, co-ed play on Wednesday evenings. Registration begins in October, leagues start in November. Must be 18+ and out of high school. All games take place at West Delaware Middle School gym.

Cost: $150/team

Please return registration and payment to City Hall, 208 E Main Street, Manchester, Iowa 52057.

No registrations will be accepted after the schedule has been made.

PLEASE CONTACT PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR DOUG FOLEY FOR A REGISTRATION FORM.

Basketball League (Men's)

This league is open to all males 18+ and out of high school. No college basketball players. Games are held on Sunday afternoons at the West Delaware High School Gym. Registration begins in October, the league starts in November.

Cost: $225

PLEASE CONTACT PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR DOUG FOLEY FOR A REGISTRATION FORM.

Cornhole League

Cornhole…..bags…..bean bag toss…..baggo…. Call it what you want, either way it’s a tailgate classic. The Manchester Parks & Recreation Department and Del Co Fairgrounds have a league for all the backyard players.

  • Games start in January
  • Thursday Evenings at the Delaware County Fairgrounds Community Center
  • 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
  • Men and women encouraged to play.
  • This is a low competition, fun league. There will be side games/contests each night.
  • Alcohol will be served at the Community Center.
  • Sign up at the City Office.

PLEASE CONTACT PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR DOUG FOLEY FOR A REGISTRATION FORM.

Dodgeball League

Everyone’s favorite playground game is back for another season.

Manchester Parks & Recreation is once again offering a Dodgeball League. All players must be a registered freshman in highschool or older. So get your team together and warm up your arm……it’s dodgeball time!

Wednesdays in March & April at the Delaware County Recreation Center. Cost is $75/team. Set up will depend on the number of teams entered.

PLEASE CONTACT PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR DOUG FOLEY FOR A REGISTRATION FORM.

Fitness & Yoga

women doing yoga pose women doing yoga in the grass women doing yoga pose

Group Fitness Classes are offered at various time throughout the year. Classes will vary due to popularity and demand. Classes are a combination of step aerobics, kick boxing, and strength training. Check in with us on current availability of classes.

Yoga Classes are offered periodically throughout the year. Location to vary.

Registration: For more information, please call 563-927-1118 or e-mail Parks & Recreation Director, Doug Foley.
 

 

Youth Recreation Programs

Baseball/Softball (Manchester Kids League)

Please visit the following website for more information: https://www.manchesterkidsleague.org/.

Basketball 

YOUTH BASKETBALL (GRADES 3-6)

Teams are set up to compete in the Tri Rivers League as well as other travel tournaments.

 

YOUTH CLINICS

Clinics are held in in conjunction with the West Delaware Basketball programs

  • Offensive Skill Sessions
  • Ball Handling, passing, and shooting
  • Defensive Skill Sessions
  • Positioning and rebounding
  • Team Development & Play
  • T-Shirt
  • Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes before the start of your session.

COST: TBD, includes T-shirt

Please mail form and money to:
Rich McMahon / West Delaware Basketball Clinic
236 Winslow Drive
Manchester, IA 52057

Players may sign up the first day of the clinic. Please send in your entry form as soon as possible in order for us to order the correct number of t-shirt sizes. Please call 563-920-7059 or 563-927-5048 for additional information.

*Schedules subject to change based on number of participants

REGISTRATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN FALL/EARLY WINTER

Broadway Kids

group of kids singing kids singing with hands raised in air

Join this group of young performers as they prepare for a performance at the WDHS Hanson Auditorium on the final evening.

REGISTRATION OPENS: Spring NO PROGRAM LIMIT

  • Registrations taken daily, Monday through Friday, 8-4pm
  • Date: TBD
  • Ages: 8 – 12
  • Location: Hanson Auditorium, West Delaware High School
  • Time: 9am – 12pm
  • Fee: $45
  • Deadline: TBD

Day Camps (Summer)

Day Camps are being offered through a partnership of the Delaware County ISU Extension Office, NICC/UIU Manchester Center, Delaware County Conservation and the City of Manchester Parks & Recreation Department. These programs offer hands-on activities meant to challenge skills. Classes may change from year to year. Please contact the Extension Office or NICC/UIU Manchester Center for the most updated information.

The ISU Extension Office also offers the following Youth Clubs: Archery Club, Fishing Club, Knitting, Crochet & Needlecraft, 4-H.

For more information on these clubs or to join, please contact the ISU Extension Office at 563.927.4201.

Flag Football

kids running in flag football kids talking to coach kid preparing to hike football

This program stresses the basic fundamental football skills, team work, fair play, and good sportsmanship. Teams and games will be coached and officiated by parent volunteers.

STARTS: Season tentatively begins in September (length determined by number of teams)
LOCATION: Fields along East Acers Street, behind the WD Middle School
FEE: $30.00
DEADLINE: TBA

1st & 2nd Grades:
When: Saturdays and some Monday/Wednesday Evenings

3rd & 4th Grades:
When: Tuesday & Thursday Evenings

Football (Manchester Youth Football League)

Football (Grades 5-6) Manchester Youth League (Summer/Fall)

kids playing football

The Manchester Youth Football League is a separate entity from the City of Manchester Parks & Recreation Department.

This program is offered to kids completing grades 5 – 6.

For more information on how to register and/or how to become involved with this league, please contact City Hall at 563-927-1118.

Kids & Critters Camp (Summer)

kids at critter camp young girl playing with animal group of kids playing with animal group of kids posing with dog

If your child likes animals, Kids and Critters Camp will be pawfect for him or her. The kids will learn about dogs, cats, and other critters, and about being a responsible pet owner through a variety of fun activities including stories, games, speakers, crafts, and snacks.

Camp Mascot, Toshi Fiona Schreck, will be there to guide campers throughout the week.

AGES: 7 – 12
WHEN: June
PLACE: Central Park & First Presbyterian Church, 312 E Butler Street
TIME: 9:00am – Noon
FEE: $25.00
DEADLINE: TBD

Soccer:

PEE WEE SOCCER (ages 4-6) 

kids taking picture in front of soccer goalIntroductory skills to the fast paced game of soccer! Program emphasizes basic skills and teamwork. Program designed for youth completing Kindergarten.

Sessions: Held in June & July
Time: 8:30-9:30am
Location: Seibert Park Field, 508 Quaker Mill Drive
Fee: $15/session

 

 

SOCCER STARS (ages 7-10)

This program will emphasize basic skills, teamwork and is designed for kids who are ages 7 - 10. 
Minimum of 4 kids / Maximum of 16 for this program.

Sessions: Held in June & July
Time: 9:45-11:00am
Location: Seibert Park Field, 508 Quaker Mill Drive
Fee: $15/session

 

Soccer Clinic (Youth Co-Ed Grades 1-8) 

Youth completing grades 1-6.  Soccer skills, drills, fundamentals and FUN.  Led by West Delaware Soccer Coaches and Players.  This program will focus on learning skills, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Grades: 1st – 8th
Dates: Begins mid-July
Location: TBD
Fee: $15
Deadline: TBA

 

Summer Reading Program 

library building library building library shelves with books

No matter what your age or reading ability, the Manchester Public Library offers a summer reading program for you! Incentives are given for meeting reading goals, exciting programs will be offered, and as always, it’s FREE!

Programs begin in June. For more detailed information, please contact the Manchester Public Library at 563.927.3719 or www.manchester.lib.ia.us.

Swimming Lessons 

group of kids with swimming instructors woman and young girl swimming

Group & Private Swimming Lessons are offered by the Manchester Parks & Recreation Department. Classes are offered on different levels based on skill and age levels. All classes are taught by trained and certified American Red Cross instructors. Registrations for swimming lessons must be made in person, due to limited availability.

Private lessons are available for those children or adults who prefer a one on one teaching situation. Private lessons are scheduled in 1/2 & 1 hour time slots. Times will vary. Private lessons will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.

Parent & Child Aquatics
$30/child
For children ages 6 months to 3 year. Classes are offered evenings, 5:15- 5:45pm. Classes are 1/2 hour in length; a parent or other adult is required to be in the water at all times. 
Preschool Aquatics
$35/child
For children ages 4-5. Classes are offered 12:15-12:45Ppm and 5:15-5:45pm. Classes are 1/2 hour in length; a parent or other adult with child is optional
Levels 1-6
$35/child
Classes are 45 minutes in length. Lessons are offered between 9:00am-12:00pm weekdays.

Jr. LIfeguarding
$20/Participant
Guard Start is a new program designed for kids aged 11-14 who are either finished swim lessons and/or want to become a lifeguard when they turn 15 years old.

For more detailed information on the Aquatic Center, please see the Aquatic Center tab under Parks & Recreation. You may also call the Manchester Parks & Recreation Department at 563-927-1118 or email the director at dfoley@manchester-ia.org.

Swim Team (Manchester Marlins) 

Please visit the following website for more information: Manchester Marlins Swim Team.

Tennis (Summer) 

kids on tennis court

Lessons will focus on the skills and rules of the game of tennis. Program is offered to youth ages 8 years and older

WHEN: Mid-summer
PLACE: Tirrill Park Tennis Courts
TIME: 9:00am – 10:00am (Ages 8-10), 10:00am – 11:00am (Ages 11+)
FEE: $25.00, includes t-shirt
DEADLINE: TBA

Volleyball (Grades 3-6) (Fall)

Youth Volleyball stresses the basic fundamental volleyball skills, team work, fair play and good sportsmanship.

AGES: 3rd – 6th Grade

STARTS: September
DAYS: Sunday afternoons
TIME: 3rd Grade: 1:00 – 1:50pm | 4th Grade: 2:00 – 2:50pm | 5th & 6th Grades: 3:00 – 3:50pm
LOCATION: West Delaware High School Upper Level Gymnasium
FEE: $25/child
DEADLINE: TBA

Learn to Ski

three water skiers young girl water skiing water skiers making pyramid water skiers on boat man helping girl water ski

Husky Practices
Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:00pm – dark, May through August (Tuesday rain date)

All Husky shows and practices are at Schram Pond and are free to the public. The Hartwick Huskys will also be offering three FREE Learn to Ski Programs. These programs are open to kids and adults of all skill levels. Whether you are an experienced skier or its your first time, stop out and let the Huskys give you a free lesson! Just show up at Schram Park ready to go, no equipment necessary.

  Follow the Hartwick Huskys on Facebook

Fun for All Ages

Adopt-A-Park or Garden

gazebo with flowers adopt a garden sign garden tirrill garden

Help assist the Parks Department this spring, summer and fall by adopting one of our parks or one of our many flower beds. Any individual, group, business or service club can adopt a park or flower bed for one or more years at a time. Simply contact the Parks & Recreation Director at 563-927-1118 if you are interested in finding out more about this great program.

Beckman Sports Complex

beckman complex sign beckman complex baseball field

The Beckman Sports Complex is the home of the Manchester Kids League and West Delaware High School Baseball. The complex has been the host of several local and state tournaments. The facility has four fields available for use for softball and baseball games. There is a full service concession stand with restrooms and picnic shelter. Recently the complex added a broadcasting booth that can report on all fields. The complex is located close to West Delaware Middle School at the corner of Stiles and Acers Street.

West Delaware High School Baseball

West Delaware High School Softball

Manchester Kids League Contact: Call City Hall at 563-927-1118 for contact information.

Bikeway Walkway

walking biking path walking biking path with bridge walking biking path

The City of Manchester is home to almost 3 miles of paved trails. The two longest trails are located on Acers/Stiles Street and Bailey/Brewer Streets. A trail is also located along the Maquoketa River from the West Marion Street bridge to Tirrill Park.

Bikeway/Walkway Extension Projects
Two trail extension projects took place in 2015. The trail that ended beneath the West Main Street bridge was extended along River Street to the north through Tirrill Park to the Aquatic Center.

The second extension was added to the north side of the new portion of West Marion Street. The extension runs behind Corcoran Furniture and connects to the existing trail located by Walmart.

Click here to view the Manchester Trail Map

Christmas Lighting Tour

house with christmas lights house with christmas lights house with christmas lights

Do you decorate your house or business with lights? How about a nativity scene? If so, you should join this contest. You can enter yourself, a friend, or if you see a house of business that does a great job decorating, let us know! Just contact Parks & Recreation Director, Doug Foley at 563-927-1118. All of the entries will be shown on the Lighting Tour.

Tour of Christmas Lights
All senior citizens, 60 years and older can join the tour for free! Special thanks to KMCH, F & M Bank and the Delaware County Senior Center for sponsoring the bus tour. Participants will also be treated to a free Chili Supper courtesy of the Golden Age Activity Center. Please call the Manchester Parks & Recreation Department at 563-927-1118 to register.

WHEN: TBD
TIME: Doors Open at 4:30pm (Tours Begin at 5:00pm)
WHERE: TBD
HOW: Reservations Required (563-927-1118)

Delaware County Fair

Please visit the following website for more information: Delaware County Fair Website.

Delaware County Recreation Center

Please visit the following website for more information: Delaware County Recreation Center Website.

Farmer's Market

 

people walking at farmers market

Shop Local! Stop down to the Manchester Farmer’s Market to get your fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods and other great products. The market is open Saturday mornings from 7:30-11:00am from the end of May through October.

Located behind Bushel & A Peck along River Street in Manchester.

Franklin Street Movie Night

boy laughing popcorn prize buckets boys watching movie girls dressed up in costumes
movie crowd movie prizes movie screen crowd inflatable movie screen

Stop down and join us in downtown Manchester to watch a family friendly movie on the BIG SCREEN!

That’s right, a movie will be played right in the middle of South Franklin Street. Games & activities before the movie, food and drinks available. Bring a blanket and some chairs and get ready to enjoy!

OUTDOOR MOVIE!
WHERE: South Franklin Street
WHEN: September starting at dusk (approximately 8:00pm)
FREE ADMISSION! FREE POPCORN!
…..And Prizes…..

 

Hartwick Huskys

three water skiers young girl water skiing water skiers making pyramid water skiers on boat man helping girl water ski

Husky Practices
Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:00pm – dark, May through August (Tuesday rain date)

All Husky shows and practices are at Schram Pond and are free to the public. The Hartwick Huskys will also be offering three FREE Learn to Ski Programs. These programs are open to kids and adults of all skill levels. Whether you are an experienced skier or its your first time, stop out and let the Huskys give you a free lesson! Just show up at Schram Park ready to go, no equipment necessary.

  Follow the Hartwick Huskys on Facebook

 

Manchester Community Gardens

Community gardens provide common ground for people to grow plants, build strong communities and provide the space needed for a garden. Garden plots are available to any City of Manchester resident interested in growing his/her own produce.

  • Plots are approximately 10 x 15 feet
  • 20 plots available
  • Plots of land are leased for an annual fee of $30 per plot; maximum of 2 plots per gardener
  • Tilling & Soil testing will be done prior to the growing season
  • Water will be available on site
  • Sawdust, grass clippings and compost bins will be available on site
  • Parking and port-a-pottys will be available
  • Gardens are open May 1 – October 15
  • 50% of your rental fee will be refunded when your garden plot is cleaned and the water key is returned at the end of the season.

Registration Forms are available at the City Office.

For more information, please contact Manchester Community Garden Coordinator JJ Davis at 563-608-7680.

Manchester Community Garden Brochure

Manchester Day at the Cedar Rapids Kernels

mc talking to kids at baseball game mayor milt kramer throwing first pitch

Join other Manchester residents for a day full of sun, fun and baseball.

 

Maquoketa River Paddling

Enjoy paddling along the mighty Maquoketa River. Find the Maquoketa River Paddler’s Guide and map at the link below to guide your paddling trip.

Click here to open the Paddler’s Guide

Check River Levels Here and Here

Follow Manchester White Water Park on Facebook

Follow Manchester Whitewater Paddlers/Surfers on Facebook

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