NA RecPlex

Update: September 1, 2026

Work is in full swing and now that school has begun, flaggers will be present at drop off and pick up times at the walkway crossings.

Stormwater chambers and catch basins have been installed and grading of the site continues. Bases for the sports netting and light poles have also been completed. Beginning September 8th, the Town will start removing certain trees and trimming others along the fence line. Work will continue through the fall and winter as weather permits.

Update: May 2026

After going to bid, the contract was awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, Heimlich Construction. This is the same company that completed the new fields at the High School. Heimlich was a great contractor to work with and we are confident they will do a great job on this project.

Over the next couple of weeks, you will see the construction fence going up around the site, the concession stand and press box being removed, and the temporary construction access road being built. Although the temporary road is being built, it will not be used until after school closes for the summer.

The project is scheduled to be completed by July 1, 2027.

It has been a long road to get to this point and we are thrilled we are finally ready to break ground on what will be a wonderful addition to Town.

Construction Schedule.pdf

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 have been completed. After obtaining the necessary approval from the Planning Board, the project will be put out to public bidding in March of 2026, 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.

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Recreation Complex at North Andover Middle School Questions and Answers

Legal Decisions

Project Plans

Prior Town Meeting Articles and Presentations

2018 Town Meeting Warrant Articles:
2024 Town Meeting Warrant Articles:
- Information on Articles 10 & 20
- Questions and Answers

Middle School Fields Improvement Committee

Artificial Turf Fields

Board of Health Evaluation and Recommendation