Richard D. Hanson Memorial Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Richard D.


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Summary

Hanson Memorial Park is located in the town of Manchester in the state of New Hampshire. The park is a popular destination among locals and tourists alike due to its vast range of outdoor activities and scenic beauty. The park spans over 320 acres, and visitors have access to multiple hiking trails, picnic areas, fishing spots, and playgrounds. Additionally, the park boasts a stunning man-made pond that is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and swimming.

One of the most popular points of interest in the park is the beautifully landscaped Japanese garden. The garden is a serene and tranquil oasis that features a koi pond, multiple waterfalls, and a traditional Japanese tea house. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden or participate in a guided tour to learn about the garden's history and cultural significance.

Another interesting feature of the park is the meticulously maintained disc golf course. The course is challenging but beginner-friendly, making it an excellent activity for groups of all ages and skill levels. Additionally, the park offers multiple nature trails that wind through the woods and along the banks of the Merrimack River, providing visitors with an opportunity to see local wildlife up close.

The best time of year to visit Richard D. Hanson Memorial Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and outdoor activities are in full swing. However, the park is open year-round, and each season offers its unique set of activities and events. In the fall, the park's trees turn a beautiful shade of red and orange, making it an excellent destination for leaf-peeping. During the winter, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and in the spring, the park's gardens come to life with colorful flowers and blossoming trees.

In conclusion, Richard D. Hanson Memorial Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors in New Hampshire. With its vast range of activities and stunning natural beauty, the park offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, kayak, or simply relax in a peaceful setting, Richard D. Hanson Memorial Park is the perfect place to do it.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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