Page 22 - Bristol Magazine Spring 2025

conversation, contemplation, or a Birge Pond and Nature Preserve,
welcome sit down after a stroll. 54 Ambler Road. Fishing and
non-motorized boating are permit-
Pine Lake Adventure Park is a 40+ ted, and pets must be on a leash.
acre outdoor challenge course Affectionately known as “The Hop-
that includes high and low rope pers” to the locals, this preserve
courses, ladders and bridges, and is simply known as “home” to its
even ziplines. Their group adven- thriving wildlife.
ture programs are meant to foster
growth and connection. Note that WEST END
they are only open to the public by Rockwell Park, 63 Dutton Avenue,
reservation. To arrange for group is 105 acres of open space with
use of the park, please contact the woodlands along the Pequabuck
Bristol Parks and Rec Department River. Here you will find hiking
at [email protected] or 860- and mountain biking trails, a bike
584-6160. pump park, volleyball courts, play-
grounds, picnic areas, and a bas- Rockwell Park Skate Park
LAKE DISTRICT ketball court. An accessible fitness Photo Credit: City of Bristol, Department of
Casey Field, 43 Lake Avenue, is pad and four para fitness stations Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community
Services - Erica Ussery
home to a lighted softball field are unique features here. A walk-
where many league games are ing trail to connect those para sta- provides a chance for practice and
held. Check schedules and field tions is being built. thrills with ledges, stairs, rails, and
availability on the Facilities tab at a bowl all just begging to be taken
bristolct.myrec.com. on.
Muzzy Field, 15 Muzzy Street, is
next door to Rockwell Park. Babe
Ruth and the Yankees graced the
diamond here back in the day and
is the current home to the Bristol
Blues. They are in the New England
Collegiate Baseball League (NEC-
Rockwell Park - Amphitheater BL) and often hold themed game
Photo Credit: David Rawolle nights. Muzzy Field also serves as
Rockwell Park is also known for its a soccer stadium, and the field is
Stocks Playground Splash Pad - Photo lighted. For game and roster infor-
Credit: City of Bristol, Department of Parks, annual summer concert series held
Recreation, Youth and Community Services in the amphitheater, and is the site mation, visit the Bristol Blues on-
- Erica Ussery of an outdoor pool, one of two in line at https://bristolblues.point-
Stocks Playground is home to Bristol. The second one is in Page streaksites.com.
Bristol’s popular basketball and Park, and a year-round indoor pool
volleyball courts and includes a is at the Dennis Malone Aquatics I hope you’ve enjoyed this look at
picnic shelter. Located at 218 Mid- Center, 325 Mix Street. just some of the ways you can em-
dle Street, this site is lit at night brace spring and explore outdoors
and boasts a new playground and Rockwell Park - B.A.R.K Park is the in Bristol. Remember to bookmark
splash park. city’s official off-leash dog park lo- the BPRYCS site bristolct.myrec.
cated on a wooded hillside with com, and become a registered
NORTHEAST several trees for shade, and two user. Be sure to also visit the Bristol
Kern Park, 160 Ivy Drive, is a 22- separate fenced areas for small and All Heart website at bristolallheart.
acre passive recreation area that large dogs. Benches are available, com for events and more places to
includes a pollinator garden, na- as well as recently added elements visit in town.
ture trails, wetlands and uplands for the pups to enjoy. Please re-
habitats, and educational kiosks. member to bring your own water, Special Thanks to Bristol Parks,
Additional entrances and access to as none is available on-site. Also, Recreation, Youth and Community
the park are located off Primrose pets must be leashed once they are Services Department, Superinten-
Lane and Sims Road. outside the dog park. dent, Dr. Joshua Medeiros, Ed. D.,
CPRE, and Community Engage-

NORTH END Skateboarders and bikers of all skill ment Coordinator Erica Ussery, for
Bristol’s North End offers hiking levels love Rockwell Park Skate their invaluable assistance with
and walking trails at the Hoppers Park! This free, outdoor skate park this article.

22 Bristol Magazine - Spring Issue 2025