In 2016, a committee was formed by the Select Board to study and make recommendations to improve the community recreation space behind the North Andover Middle School, which includes Hayes Stadium. After years of community meetings gathering public input, the Committee brought forth a proposal to provide an updated recreational space for the entire community.
In 2019, Town Meeting committed to funding $7.5M from the Community Preservation fund and Town general funds. The remainder of the funds would come from private donations by community partners, such as youth leagues and other supporters. At that time, total cost of the project was estimated to be $8.4 million dollars.
Unfortunately, due to lawsuits filed, the project has been delayed by six (6) years, which has caused a massive increase in project cost.
The lawsuits have been resolved, so the Town is now able to move forward with the project. At the May 2024 Town Meeting, the Town, along with the support of the Community Preservation Committee brought forward a plan to fund the now $18.3 million dollar project (see Town Meeting 2024 slides). Town Meeting voted against the funding plan, which required a 2/3 vote due to the need to borrow funds.
Working with Waterfield Design Group, the Town is moving forward with a phased approach to the project, using the $7.5 million dollars to begin Phase 1. Phase 1 design plans are in the process of being finalized over the summer of 2025. After obtaining the necessary approval from the Planning Board, the project will be put out to public bidding in the fall of 2025, with an anticipated construction start of spring 2026. Phases 2 and 3 will be contingent upon the additional funding needed to complete the project.
The improvements to the field will benefit generations to come. The project includes recreational space for all sorts of inter-generational activities; adult and youth leagues, families, individuals, and seniors. Baseball and softball fields, pickle ball courts, playgrounds, accessible walking paths and picnic tables, and multi-use fields that can be used for soccer, lacrosse, football and other similar athletic activities are all planned for the site. There will be sports lighting for the athletic activities, and lights along the walking and jogging paths so that the recreational area can be used throughout the seasons, even during the short days of the fall and winter. The project also includes expanded parking with lighting and landscape screening to ensure access for the entire community.
.
