WHO WE ARE
The Department oversees 19 park and recreation facilities for the community to enjoy, from nature trails, outdoor fields, courts, and open green spaces along with the Wendell A. Barwood Arena and Sherman Manning Aquatic Facility, which opened June 2022.
Hartford Parks & Recreation offers pa natural spaces, and facilities that hel community stay active, enjoy nature, connect through events and program Department provides a wide range of recreation and sports activities, mana the White River Junction Amtrak ope and oversees town cemeteries and th West Hartford Library Community Ce
STAFF / FY25 DEPT. REVENUE &
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VISION
The residents of Hartford and the surrounding communities recognize the vital importance of natural places and recreation. Through diverse programming that aims to reach all, regardless of age, gender, race, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation or socioeconomic background, the Hartford Parks & Recreation Department cooperates with community groups to bring a variety of recreational opportunities to local residents. The department is committed to maintaining the highest quality parks and facilities while dedicating itself to improving its program offerings and practices to meet current and future needs
To serve the recreational needs of the community by offering lifelong learning through recreational and educational programming utilizing existing parks and facilities.
FACILITIES BY THE NUMBERS
The Department issues permits for various park functions and uses. Permits allow us to track park usage, such as attendance for events and the number of scheduled uses our parks system has through the course of a year. Our goal at Hartford Parks & Recreation is to keep our parks and facilities clean, safe and enjoyable for all residents and visitors today, tomorrow, and for many years to come. Through our parks and facilities, we are committed to protecting open space, connecting the community to nature and ensuring all residents have access to the benefits of our parks and recreation services.
Parks
Courts
AthleticFields
IceArena
FACILITIES HIGHLIGHTS
SHERMAN MANNING AQUATIC FACILITY 2025
We had a great opening of the facility with good startup weather and several returning staff members. Weather became somewhat unpredictable as we entered the full summer season, but attendance was good. The staff conducted multiple pool parties and special activities throughout the season. Camp Ventures utilized the facility during a special scheduled time prior to public swimming. A new robotic vacuum was purchased. This reduced staff time vacuuming the pool and was programmed to operate when the pool was closed.
The facility operation was open for a total of 10 weeks and included 59.5 scheduled hours per-week for total of 595 hours being offered.
Total number youths under the age of 4 that were admitted for free 355 Daily transactions for a visit to the pool 3,068 Total visits by patrons with a membership 4,100 Recreation Department program usage and attendance 2,750 (pool parties, swim team, summer camp)
Total number of visits used during operating hours 10,842
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
CAPRA RE-ACCREDITATION
As part of the accreditation process, Hartford Parks & Recreation had to demonstrate compliance with 154 recognized standards and document all policies and procedures. Often the process helps identify efficiencies and heighten areas of accountability, all of which translate into higher quality service and operation to benefit the community.
“Hartford Parks & Recreation is the only agency in Vermont that has achieved this national honorary distinction through the National Recreation and Park Association” said Hartford Parks & Recreation Director Scott Hausler. “Re-accreditation is a great achievement for our department and confirms our commitment to providing the highest level of park and recreation services to our community. Successfully completing the stringent review process is the mark of excellence that demonstrates Hartford Park & Recreation’s commitment to providing quality programs, parks and customer service,” he added.
DID YOU KNOW?
MOBILE DEVICE LOCATION INTELLIGENCE
The Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce uses Placer.ai (mobile device location intelligence) mobile device data to show consumer behaviors such as foot traffic and visit patterns for data-driven decisions.
6,300 individuals visited Kilowatt South for the 4 of July celebration this past July th
25,500 individuals visited Maxfield May 1 through October 25 st th (for total of 72,400 visits)
The Department offers many seasonal special event programs throughout the year, strengthening community and enhancing the quality of life throughout the town and region. In addition, we partner with many agencies and organizations to provide community wide activities.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Hartford Parks & Recreation works closely with many groups, organizations and businesses to make Hartford a better place to live, work and play. Hartford Parks & Recreation encourages you to get involved and make an immediate impact in our community through volunteerism.
* Youth/Adult Athletics, Special Events, Boards & Commissions ** (Vermont Volunteer Per-Hour Rate)
RECREATION PROGRAMS & SCHOLARSHIPS
Hartford Parks & Recreation offers a variety of recreation programs for both youth and adult athletic leagues. Our department is committed to leading the community to improve health and wellness through parks and recreation programs. Scholarship assistance is available through Hartford Parks & Recreation to Hartford residents only. Scholarships are funded through the Brian Hanson Scholarship Fund and allow kids of Hartford to participate in sports, camps and after school activities.
Total Number of Transactions Processed……………..…...............….20,650
Top activity by popularity………………….….......................…Camp Ventures Number of Classes and Activities ………………....................................... 296
Total Scholarships Offered FY 25..................................................$12,590
This year Hartford Parks & Recreation raised $10,448.75 at Quechee Balloon Festival. All donations were collected through parking donations.
MEDIA OUTLETS AND DISTRIBUTION
Constant Contact - 4,204 active contacts as of 11/24/2025. Email blast distributed on Thursday of each week at approximately 4:00 p.m. for 54 connections a year. Special Event email blasts. 7% open via mobile device and 93% open on desktop.
Bulletin Boards - Flyers are posted on bulletin boards at the Town Hall, Wendell A. Barwood Arena, local schools, libraries, Bugbee Senior Center, and Camp Ventures. Valley News Calendar - (print & Facebook), Upper Valley Facebook Events Page. Hartford Chamber of Commerce - Each flyer for events and programs is shared with the Chamber and they select and choose what to post.
Weekly Updates to News Media - Weekly updates are shared via email to 49 connections (radio, TV, newspapers, calendars).
ListServ - Events posted as needed to Hartford, Upper Valley groups.
Town Schools - Flyers produced for all events and shared electronically via email. Facebook/HPRD - Flyers are posted when ready and on average ten posts per week for 520 posts on average per year. 3.5K current followers.
Facebook/WABA. Arena specific flyers are posted when ready and on average five posts per week for 260 posts on average per year. 966 follow the page.
Facebook/Sherman Manning Aquatic Facility. Pool specific flyers are posted when ready and on average 5 posts/week. 845 current followers.
Facebook/Other. Events are posted on Valley News and Upper Valley events page. Hartfordrec.com - Current events/flyers are posted on home page and updated multiple times a year.
Town of Hartford P & R Page - Parks and Recreation information is posted. Live Facebook feed is also part of the main page for constant updates.
MyRec Email - Flyers are emailed to past participants enrolled in programs/special events.
Program Guides -
With Seasonal Programs and Events. 1,000 Program Guides are printed for each season (Fall/Winter & Spring/Summer) totaling 2,000 overall Program Guides.
