The City of Newburyport is moving forward with construction of a new Recreation and Youth Services Center at 59 Low Street, designed to serve residents of all ages with expanded programming and modern, flexible space. The project will renovate the existing city-owned building and add a new 4,000+ square foot modular gymnasium.

Inside, the building will include a teen room, art and maker space, early childhood classroom, multipurpose activity room, quiet study area, and staff offices. The design is fully ADA accessible and all-electric, with high-efficiency systems, triple-pane windows, and solar-ready infrastructure.

Outside, the site will include a fenced early childhood play area, a sport patio, open lawn, and a half-court basketball area. Basic pedestrian improvements are planned for the surrounding area, including sidewalk connections and a crossing beacon.

Construction is set to begin the week of July 14, with initial work focused on site prep and demolition. The contract has been awarded to L.D. Russo following a competitive bid process. The new center is expected to open in late 2026 and will serve as the permanent home for Newburyport’s Recreation and Youth Services department.