Most of the main loop trail is paved. The cut through the center of the park is accessible but the grade is very steep, similar to the grade on the Eldridge Street section of the loop. A pier offers views across Center Springs Pond.
During its first decades in existence, the park was an active gathering place, hosting thousands of visitors for annual winter sporting and other events. Center Springs Park was established in 1917, when the Cheney family donated the largely un-developable forty acres from Main Street west to the Town of Manchester. In 1921, the Hilliard family donated an additional seven acres, where later that same year a dam was built to create the six-acre pond on the western portion of the park. During the 1920s and 30s, thousands of annual visitors from the region, including nationally known speed and figure skaters, would travel to the park to participate in ice skating and other winter activities.
In recent years, many Manchester residents have rediscovered the park and its potential as a vibrant gathering place between major transportation corridors, residential neighborhoods and commercial districts. Today, the park features sport fields, picnic areas and playscapes, fishing access, and an 18-hole disc golf course.
The trails in Center Springs Park connect to the historic Cheney Rail Trail, a 2.5 mile multi-use trail connecting South Manchester to the Hop River Trail.
A CT fishing license is required for fishing in this park.
A large parking lot with two marked accessible spots is available on Lodge Drive at the north side of the Park.
From I-84, take Exit 60 for Route 44 east for about 3 miles. Turn left onto Edgerton Road. After the pond, turn right onto Lodge Drive to the parking lot. The trailhead is at the end of the lot.
From I-384, take Exit 3. From westbound, turn left onto Charter Oak Street and then right onto Main Street. From east bound, turn left onto Main Street. Continue north on Main Street to the intersection with Route 44 and turn left. After a half mile, turn right onto Edgerton Street. After the pond, turn right onto Lodge Drive. Parking and the trailhead is at the end of Lodge Drive.
Additional public Parking is available on the west side of the Park off Broad Street.
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