Concord Parks and Gardens

(Concord, New Hampshire - NH, USA)

A number of the most scenic and popular green spaces around Concord line the banks of the Merrimack River, such as the West Terrill Park, which offers waterfront picnic tables and a surprising amount of native wildlife. And of course, the Merrimack River Greenway Trail certainly deserves a mention here.

Many of the local parks are very child-friendly and come with dedicated play areas suiting kids looking to let off a little steam. Conveniently sited within the city center and just past the University of New Hampshire School of Law, White Park features an excellent children's playground and is a favorite with locals, who often come here to eat their lunchtime sandwiches on one of the numerous benches.

If you are wandering around downtown Concord, then try to divert your route through Bicentennial Square, just off Warren Street. Snack stalls and coffee shops are close by, being accompanied by granite statues, a water feature and summertime concerts.

Garrison Park

Address: Hutchins Street, Concord, New Hampshire (NH), 03301, USA
Garrison Park resides on Penacook Lake's northern tip and features twin basketball courts, an open-air swimming pool and a playground area, which quickly fills up when schools finish for the day, due to after-school care facilities. Being located outdoors, the pool is obviously very much weather dependent and therefore out of action during the harsh winter months, tending to open each year around the middle of June.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

White Park

Address: 1 White Street, Concord, New Hampshire (NH), 03301, USA
White Park is edged by Beacon Street, Center Street, Liberty Street, Washington Street and White Street, and comes with excellent sports facilities. These include two adjacent soccer fields, a baseball diamond and a basketball court. There is also a large landscaped lake, a well-laid out playground with lots of climbing equipment and tunnels, and many seasonal attractions, such as winter sledding and ice skating on the pond, and a fun Easter Egg Hunt, which is always well attended.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

West Terrill Park

Address: Frederick E. Everett Turnpike, Concord, New Hampshire (NH), USA
Lying in between the Merrimack River and the Frederick E. Everett Turnpike (Interstate I-93), West Terrill Park has recently enjoyed something of a major cleanup, thanks to a dedicated team of local volunteers. Picnic tables and benches overlooking the riverfront have been added, along with a pathway and a sports field. This is a relatively small public parkland, although its scenic setting and fenced area for dogs serve as major draws for the locals.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Memorial Field

Address: South Fruit Street / Clinton Street, Concord, New Hampshire (NH), USA
The capital's Memorial Field is to be found alongside White Farm and is packed with superb sports opportunities. These include no less than four baseball diamonds (one of which comes complete with its very own stadium), together with a couple of soccer pitches, two American football fields (one with a track for running and athletics), ten tennis courts and ten basketball courts. If there is a sporting event happening in Concord, then there is a good chance that it is taking place at the Memorial Field.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free