Cut to the chase. Take me to the Momsense.
One of the best parts of writing this blog is when our wonderful readers introduce us to little-known places. Places that we have driven by a thousand times, and yet never knew what was just around the corner!
And so is the case with the subject of today’s post: Northwest Park in Manchester.
Now, if you are a longtime OAAM follower, you might be saying to yourself, now wait a minute, didn’t these ladies already cover Northwest Park a few years ago? And you would be right. Mandy did blog about a Northwest Park back in 2013. But that park was in Windsor. Windsor! Which is why for so many years whenever someone would mention Northwest Park to me I would kind of toss it aside thinking yeah, we covered that one already.
That was silly.
Because turns out all those readers where trying to tell me about another Northwest Park. In Manchester! And I wish I had paid attention sooner my friends, because this is one lovely park. And I am so thankful to our readers who persisted in reminding me of its existence, and so excited to finally get to share it with all of you today!
As I mentioned, this Northwest Park is located in an area that I am very familiar with (or so I thought!). It’s near the Buckland Hills shopping areas– practically behind the Bob’s Furniture Store.
Source: Google Maps
Source: Google Maps
If you are coming from the same direction as me, then you actually drive by Bob’s to get to the park. But either way, the entrance to the park begins right near the Public Storage building. 
Of course, we had to head for the playground first. There is plenty of parking right in front.
This is a beautiful playground, with tons of ramps (it is an “Accessible” playground, designed for children of all abilities) and places to climb and explore, as well as a pretty decent variety of slides. There is a also a separate toddler playscape/area. The playground isn’t completely fenced-in, but it does have some boundaries and it’s set in a quiet area of the park where you shouldn’t have to worry too much about kids running into busy traffic areas.
This bumpy slide was very popular.
Eight. The age at which it becomes impossible to get a “normal” picture.
Toddler Playscape–Front View
Toddler Playscape–Rear View (note the sand pit)
Toddler Shmoddler; you’re never too old to dig in the sand! Ha!
Swings for babies and big kids as well.
Baby swings located within view of the toddler playscape (smart!).
Swings for bigger kids happily located in an out-of-the-way corner to minimize air-ground collisions.
There are some well-spaced benches, picnic tables and even a covered pavilion around the perimeter with a good view of the action. Perfect for sitting and sipping a cup of hot coffee on a cool fall day, maybe catching up with a friend while your kiddos burn off some of that endless energy. Grownups need playdates too 
And if I haven’t convinced you of the kid-friendliness of this playground yet, let me introduce you to the REAL restrooms complete with CHANGING STATIONS. Yes! Changing stations in a park restroom. I almost didn’t believe my own eyes!
Restrooms are located in this building. There are two unisex family bathrooms (with changing stations!).
In case you need to see it to believe it!
We had to drag the boys off the playscape to explore a few other areas of the park that sounded neat. Like the Butterfly Garden (so cute).
It’s a small garden (and we didn’t see any butterflies that day), but I think little kids especially would be enamored with this area. It feels like a magical fairy space!
A little further down the walk we discovered the large, 50-foot pier that extends over Union Pond (18 feet above the water!). That was truly spectacular. But I imagine it’s even more breathtaking when the fall foliage is in peak form. I bet it looks lovely now!
This shot was taken about a month ago. It must look spectacular now with all the fall foliage!
Near the pier there is a large pavilion that is available to rent.
And just beside the pier are some stone steps leading down to trails by the water.
There is a network of trails in this park, but unfortunately we didn’t have time to stay and explore further.
But we did head back along the trail in the general direction of the playground, stopping to take in the views along the way.
Just be sure to look out for that trail off to the right if you’re trying to get back to the playground. It’s not particularly well-marked
Northwest Park in Manchester is such a gem! I’m so glad we finally paid attention to all those recommendations. And the best part about this park? It’s so close to the famous Shady Glen! Cheeseburgers, grilled cheese and sundaes all around!
That’s what we call a happy ending
Northwest Park
448 Tolland Turnpike, Manchester, Connecticut
Manchester Recreation Office staff can be reached Monday – Friday from 8:30am – 4:30pm at 860-647-3084.
Hours:
I didn’t see any posting, but typically parks are open dawn to dusk.
Pricing:
FREE!
Details:
Stroller Friendly: YES
Coffee Mug Friendly: YES
Restroom: YES, there is a *real* restroom located right next to the playground.
Baby Changing Station: YES! I wouldn’t have believed it if I didn’t see it with my own two eyes, but yes! There is a changing table in a park bathroom. And look, a pig just flew by…
Parking: YES
Food for Sale: NO
Outside Food Allowed: YES, there are picnic tables.
Cash Required: There really isn’t anything to buy…
Dress Code: Shoes appropriate for a playground.
Age Recommendations: All ages! There are baby swings and a toddler playscape as well.
Evening/Weekend Hours: YES
Discounts: Can’t do better than FREE!
Birthday Party Venue: There is a pavilion available for rental from April through October. Get more info here.
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