9
PARKS OF MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP
PINE LAKE PARK & PLAYGROUND
At the shoreline of Pine Lake, adjacent to Lake Drive, is Pine Lake Park
and Playground, home of the Splashpad, a water spray park. Also located
in the park is a playground area with climbers, slides and swings for all
ages. There are two covered picnic areas with a rest-room building nearby.
From the beach area there is a pathway that traverses the shoreline and
leads across the top of the dam and into the Pike Lake Park residential
community. The lake accommodates boating; canoes and kayaks can
often be seen paddling across the serene vista. Off-street parking is
provided by a paved parking area and a sandy lot on the north end of
the beach.
SIXTH AVENUE PARK
In the Pine Lake Park residential community, at the intersection of Sixth Avenue and Hannibal
Street is Sixth Avenue Park, a newly renovated park that provides two basketball courts, two
tennis courts, playground with swings and climbers (for toddlers and older children) and a shaded
pavilion for parents to escape the sun. There is a beach volleyball court,
large field for sports and off-street parking at this location. In 2017, the
NJ League of Municipalities awarded this park and our Department of
Public Works, a first place Rehabilitation Project Award.
GRAND ARMY MEMORIAL PARK
Though small in size, this 100 square foot park stands tall in its purpose: “To Perpetuate
the Memory of the Grand Army of the Republic.” While not a recreation facility, Grand Army
Memorial Park is both a serene and historical setting where one can enjoy sitting on a bench.
There is a 20-foot tall masonry monument to the Grand Army; Union soldiers from the Civil
War. In the center of the park are two cannons from the Civil War
dated 1862. This park serves as one of the sites for the Township’s
Memorial Day ceremonies. (Location of ceremonies alternate
annually between this location and the WWII Park in Whiting.)
MANCHESTER SOCCER COMPLEX & SUMMIT PARK
Located off Colonial Drive South, just south of Route 37, is the home of the Manchester/Lakehurst Soccer
Association. The Manchester Township Soccer Complex is equipped with two full-size soccer fields and
an array of smaller practice fields that run parallel to the railroad tracks. Parking and rest-room facilities are
provided on-site. At the east end of the complex is the Summit Park Playground with two basketball courts
and two tennis courts. There are several pieces of playground equipment and a parking lot.
BOWKER FIELD
Located in downtown Whiting, this park was constructed in the early
1930s. In 1945 it was named after local resident and soldier Raymond
Bowker who was killed in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II.
In 1998, Bowker Field was renovated with additional facilities added.
At this location there are two softball fields, tennis court and basketball
court at the rear of the complex. There is a bocce ball court and a large
playground area with picnic tables. Off-street parking is provided.