Lynn — A multi-million dollar transformation is underway at McManus Field, where city and state officials are working to turn the long-used recreational space into a modern, multi-sport athletic complex.
Backed by federal ARPA funding, the $7.5 million project is estimated to be completed by September 2025.
Originally budgeted at $5.5 million in 2022, the project’s cost rose due to contaminated soil, which required raising the entire field three to four feet. As of now, the field has been raised, and the bases for new scoreboards are already in place, which is a visible sign of progress on one of Lynn’s most ambitious park redevelopments.
The new facility will feature synthetic turf fields designed to simultaneously accommodate football, soccer, baseball, and softball games. ADA-accessible walking paths and modest bleacher seating will also be added.
“This is probably the most extensive of all the park renovations we’ve done,” said Councilor Fred Hogan. “McManus is going to be a state-of-the-art facility.”
The project is part of a broader $16 million citywide investment in park improvements. Management is being coordinated by Leftfield, a third-party owner’s project manager, in collaboration with city departments including Inspectional Services, DPW, and Community Development.
Danye Smith of the Mayor’s Office said public feedback helped shape the scope of the project. “We had to fill out surveys, and the support was really high,” Smith said. “We fought hard to make this happen. The community really stepped up.”
Smith also acknowledged concerns over lighting and seating. While current funding doesn’t cover stadium lighting, a conduit is being installed to allow for it in the future. “The project got up there in cost, but we’re working with the state delegation and the Mayor’s Office to try and get lights added down the line,” he said.
Council President Jay Walsh agreed. “We don’t need public pressure — we’re already on board,” Walsh said. “What we need is money. The lights themselves aren’t the issue; it’s the remediation of the soil for the light bases that drives up the cost.”
Despite challenges, city officials remain optimistic.
“With so many kids playing sports, we need the field capacity,” Walsh said. “McManus is going to help take pressure off our other fields. Even without lights at first, it’s a major win.”
