New signage, created by Jeff Tervo, is now gracing three of the parks in Manchester. Wurster Park, Manchester’s oldest park, was designed by John Gilbert in 1867 as part of the “village green“ for the original plat of downtown Manchester. Surrounded by historic homes and churches, it still serves a similar purpose 150+ years later. It was named Wurster Park in the 1950s, after Lawrence P. “Dutch“ Wurster, who was prominent because of his years of service to the community. He was for many years Clerk at the People’s Bank and also instrumental in developing the high school athletic field from a swamp, a feat many said could never be done.

Carr Park, established in 1925, is named for the Carr family, whose original homestead on W Austin Rd was a log cabin just to the north of the Parr homestead. Brothers William and Elijah Carr’s holdings eventually included a tract of land that included what is now Carr Park. At one time the Carr property included two houses, a brick kiln, and a cider mill.

Manchester’s newest park along the riverfront, completed in 2019, has become a popular place to walk and visit, and is, of course, the landing site for the canoe and kayak race each May. In addition to the riverfront seating, the park features beautiful views of the downtown area. Signs for the parks were commissioned by the Village Parks Commission. Chi-Bro and Kirk Park are due for new signs by the end of summer.