The Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park, also known as the Rec. Park by local residents, was named in honor of Police Chief Dana L. Thompson, who was killed in the line of duty in 1972. The Park encompasses more than 88 acres, the newly erected Park House, 6 lane swimming pool, diving board and kiddie pool, three baseball diamonds, multipurpose athletic fields, three playgrounds for kids of all ages, one-mile walking path, a dog park that is owned and operated by the Manchester Dog Park (a not-for-profit organization), a skateboard park, outdoor basketball courts and three tennis courts. A trail in the northeast corner of the Park leads to Riley Rink and a trail in the southeast corner leads to Manchester Elementary-Middle School (MEMS) and downtown Manchester. Restrooms are available at the Park House.
