List of Parks

Veterans Field is the heart of activity for the Recreation Department, serving as a year-round hub for sports and community gatherings.

In the fall, it is one of the town’s primary soccer fields, bustling with games and practices. During winter, the park transforms into a lively ice-skating rink, complete with a warming hut where visitors can borrow skates or take a break from the cold. Spring brings daily baseball and softball action, while summer sees "Vets"—as it's commonly known—hosting Soccer Camp, Summer Camp, and countless pickup basketball games on the court.

Exciting updates are coming in 2025, including the addition of two pickleball courts, a newly designed half-court basketball area, and a walking track around the field.

Come experience all that Veterans Field has to offer and see why it remains a cornerstone of our community spirit!

Dewey Field recently underwent significant upgrades to enhance the playing field and park layout. In 2023 and 2024, we adjusted the ballpark dimensions by expanding the infield to accommodate both Majors and Minors baseball divisions. Additionally, we extended the outfield fences by approximately 20 feet, creating a uniform boundary that meets official Cal Ripken Baseball and Softball standards. To allow seamless transitions between baseball, softball, and different age levels, we now utilize a movable pitching mound.

Another exciting addition is our new electronic scoreboard, enhancing the game-day experience. Looking ahead, we are organizing fundraising efforts for Spring 2026 to introduce advertising sponsorships on the outfield fence. These sponsorships will generate funds for continued improvements to Dewey Park and support the baseball, softball, and soccer programs hosted here.

As part of the upgrades, we also relocated the park’s two storage sheds for better functionality. The smaller shed—used for storing the pitching machine, field grooming equipment, and other gear—was moved behind the home dugout for easier access. The larger shed was repositioned on a stable base and rotated to serve as a future concession stand while also functioning as a primary storage space for the Rec program.

Tilton Park is home to Sunapee’s only free 9-hole disc golf course! It also features the Abbott Library Story Walk and the Nona Park Playground, making it a favorite spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

This area has a rich history of recreation, once serving as the site of our beloved Ski Tow Hill. Today, it continues to bring the community together for fun and adventure in every season.

Coffin Park is a hidden gem among Sunapee’s local parks, offering a scenic and historic escape along the Sunapee Riverwalk. Accessible from the Town Hall parking lot, this narrow green space winds its way toward the harbor, blending nature with history.

As you explore the park, you’ll find exercise equipment donated by a local Scout, along with interpretive signage at the base of the hill detailing the park’s industrial past. Midway up, a refreshing swimming hole provides a perfect summer retreat for locals looking to cool off. Continuing along the trail, you’ll spot remnants of the area’s industrial era on both sides of the river, offering a glimpse into Sunapee’s rich history.

In the winter, Coffin Park transforms into a favorite spot for sledding, with ski and snowboard jumps often built along the hillside for added fun. Whether visiting in summer or winter, this park is a unique and cherished part of the community.

The Ben Mere Bandstand has been home to countless performances over the years, with Sunapee Recreation hosting a beloved summer music series there every Wednesday night. It’s also the perfect spot to experience the Fourth of July celebration, as families gather on the lawn to enjoy an evening of entertainment and fireworks over the harbor.

History

The bandstand sits on the former site of the historic Ben Mere Inn, built in 1890. This grand hotel replaced the original Runals House, which was removed as steamship travel became the primary way to bring visitors to Sunapee. With 100 guest rooms, the Ben Mere Inn welcomed travelers arriving by the Lady Woodsum, a 75-passenger steamboat connecting the Newbury railroad station to landings around the lake.

A wooden boardwalk once led guests directly from the harbor docks to the inn’s wide front porch, where rocking chairs provided a stunning view of the harbor. The inn offered a variety of activities, from ballroom dancing and tennis to sailing—and even had its own bowling alley!

For 77 years, the Ben Mere Inn stood as a centerpiece of Sunapee Harbor, until its closure in the summer of 1967 and demolition the following year. Today, its legacy lives on through community gatherings and performances at the Ben Mere Bandstand.

The Hames Park is a another one of Sunapee's hidden gems! It sits on the north side of the Sugar River just south of the intersection of Central and Main Street very near the Watering Trough Garden.

The Park was dedicated by the town of Sunapee in 1999 to remember the deep history around the production of “hames” in Sunapee at this location. “Hames” is a horse collar composed of two rigid pieces made of iron or wood that form the sides of a horse’s collar to which the traces are attached.

In 1865 the hames business was the first building to be built on the north side of the Sugar River . The business remained in this location until 1913 when the bending room and the plating room were destroyed by fire. The hames plant shut down and the building that remained was purchased by the town of Sunapee in 1914. More of this history is displayed on a sign on the lower level of the Park. We encourage visitors to explore!