Manchester Connects

Manchester Connects is a grassroots coalition of passionate community volunteers who are connecting people, places, and ideas to build a more vibrant Manchester. Group members offer a broad diversity of talents and perspectives representing public, private, and non-profit sectors. Their work centers around three Action Committees that each meet at least once a month to advance key projects in Downtown Manchester and the Millyard:

Multi-modal transportation. This Action Committee focuses on initiatives to enhance connectivity, expand transportation options, and reduce car reliance. Members of this group have been instrumental in shaping Manchester’s transportation investments under the federal RAISE grant, and advancing signature streetscape updates including recent improvements to the Mill Girl stairs.
Public parks and green spaces. This Action Committee explores opportunities to make the most of Manchester’s public realm. For example, members of this committee have helped facilitate connections to the riverfront by incorporating public seating, picnic tables, and informational signage near the eye-catching mural at the Arms Park river stairs.
Arts and connection. This Action Committee leverages the arts and public events to help foster a stronger sense of community in Manchester. Committee members have been personally involved with shaping the Art Walk initiative celebrating Manchester’s abundant murals, sculptures, and historic landmarks. The group is also working to reinvigorate Manchester Connects’ social media presence.

James Chase painting the Arms Park riverfront mural. Photo © Michael Cirelli

Manchester Connects benefits from a rich history of collaboration, with SNHPC providing facilitation support as well as technical assistance. For further background on the origins of Manchester Connects, download this 2017 plan outlining a detailed vision for a well-connected, vibrant Manchester, which continues to inform the work of the group today.
Mill Girl Stairs ribbon cutting, July 2023. Photo Courtesy Manchester Ink Link, © Carol Robidoux

New volunteers are always welcome! If you are interested in getting involved, contact Suzanne Nienaber at snienaber@snhpc.org.

The Manchester Connects group poses at an Arms Park ribbon cutting event in October 2018.
AARP Arms Park grant ribbon cutting, October 2018