Livingston Park — Attraction in Manchester

Livingston Park is a solid spot if you're into scenic walks, peaceful vibes, and ducks that look like they’ve seen some things. The trail around Doris Pond is perfect for a stroll — just bring a flashlight, night vision goggles, or a strong sense of adventure because the city apparently doesn't believe in lighting it up. Other states figured this out years ago, but hey, why illuminate nature when you can fund yet another city council meeting about it?

Now, about the “new and improved” playground. It was promised as an upgrade. What we got? A toddler-only zone that basically tells any kid over six to “go get a job.” My 10-year-old just wanted to swing — but unless he’s into dragging his backside across the ground like a mop, that’s not happening. The swings are so low it’s like they were designed by someone who’s never met an actual child taller than 3 feet.

It kind of feels like the city is designing public spaces for everyone except the tax-paying families who actually use them. We’ve got amenities catering to the homeless population on every corner (which, hey, compassion is great), but can we maybe also throw a bone to the folks funding the lights that aren’t there and the swings that scrape the Earth?

At the end of the day, Livingston Park still has its charm. It’s a great place to walk your dog, breathe some fresh air, and wonder how your property taxes bought a playground your kid...

I've always enjoyed the walk here. Well maintained. Not to long, not to short. Scenic all seasons. Ducks hang out in the pond. Great place for a picnic, if people would pick up after themselves:( Public bathrooms available, not outhouses. The bathrooms are a little beat up but useable. Playground active with children. Manchester public pool next door. Update: June, 2020; Still an enjoyable walk! Listening to birds, seeing chipmunks and a family of ducks, people fishing and on their canoes. Moderately busy. Picked up, but, trash cans were overflowing. Bathrooms were closed. Update: July 2025; Access to the Dorrs 🎵 Break on through to the other side!🎵 Pond Trail is the highlight of the Park. My kids and I enjoy the walk here. The pond, not named Amy, is used for ⛸️ skating in the winter ❄️. There is a paved small boat 🚢 access available. I picked up a shopping 🛍️ bag worth of trash 🗑️ along the trail. I have been on trails in Manchester that have been worse. There is a makeshift bridge that leads to Pine 🎍 (?) Tree 🌲 Island 🏝️. The small island is in good 👍 shape but I think 🤔 it was used by the homeless people once. This park is popular and I have seen out of state license 🪪 🍽️...

It's a public pool so they are very busy some of the staff can be kinda pushy. A lot of parents go with there children and don't really watch them so that makes it difficult. They have a deep end which is separated from the shallow end which is pretty cool. There is a area where babies can play which is really nice. They tend to give the parents are hard time if there not wearing swimming suits which is kinda crazy if there not swimming. They have a slide which the kids enjoy its deep but not very deep so all kids can enjoy. There is a park, soccer field, baseball field and a track all right there. The trail is awesome too. It's a great place to bring the family. Pack a lunch or you can go to the near by places which are good also. They also have the ice cream truck that comes. Just need to be a resident of Manchester and have a photo ID with the address on it. Then it's free. They have swimming during the day and then night...