Manchester State Park (Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Manchester State Park |
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Former torpedo building, now a picnic shelter
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 Manchester State Park
Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | Kitsap, Washington, United States |
| Area | 111 acres (45 ha) |
| Elevation | 20 ft (6.1 m) |
| Established | Unspecified |
| Operator | Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission |
| Website | Manchester State Park |
Manchester State Park is a cool place to visit in Washington. It's a state park that covers 111 acres (about 45 hectares) and has a long shoreline of 3,400 feet (about 1,036 meters) on the Kitsap Peninsula. This park used to be a military base. It helped protect Bremerton and was also a fuel station and fire-fighting spot for the Navy.
The park has some old buildings from its military past. You can see a former torpedo warehouse built in 1901. There's also a mining casemate and a gun battery. Today, it's a fun place for many activities. You can have picnics, go camping, or enjoy boating and fishing. There are 1.9 miles (about 3 kilometers) of trails for hiking. It's also great for birdwatching, seeing other wildlife, playing volleyball, and horseshoes.
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What Is Manchester State Park?
Manchester State Park is a beautiful area managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. It's located in Kitsap County. The park offers a mix of natural beauty and interesting history. It's a great spot for families and friends to spend time outdoors.
History of Manchester State Park
This park has a rich history tied to the military. It was once known as the Fort Ward Military Reservation. Its main job was to protect the nearby city of Bremerton. Bremerton was important because it had a naval shipyard. The park's old buildings show its past as a defense site.
From Military Base to Park
After its military use, the area became a state park. This means it's now open for everyone to enjoy. The old military structures are still there. They remind us of the park's past and add to its unique charm. It's cool to see how a place that once had a serious job is now a peaceful park.
Fun Things to Do at Manchester State Park
Manchester State Park offers many activities for visitors. Whether you love nature or history, there's something for you.
Outdoor Adventures
- Picnicking: There are great spots to enjoy a meal outdoors.
- Camping: You can stay overnight and experience nature up close.
- Boating and Fishing: The shoreline on the Kitsap Peninsula is perfect for water activities.
- Hiking: Explore the park's 1.9 miles of trails.
- Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for different birds and animals.
- Sports: Play volleyball or horseshoes with your friends and family.
Exploring Historical Buildings
The park has several old military buildings that are fun to explore.
- Torpedo Warehouse: This building was built in 1901. It used to store torpedoes. Now, it's often used as a picnic shelter.
- Mining Casemate: This is another old military structure. It was part of the park's defense system.
- Gun Battery: You can also see where big guns were once placed to protect the area.
Images for kids
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Former mining casemate at Manchester State Park
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View of Rich Passage and Bainbridge Island from Battery Mitchell
