Lynn athletes have a modern multi-sport facility with the completion of the new McManus Field on Commercial Street.
The $8 million project represents the City’s biggest investment in a single project using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The Capital Projects unit, led by Michael Donovan, coordinated the project along with the DPW. Laura Stockfisch was the project manager.
The new facility features artificial turf fields that can accommodate football, soccer, baseball, and softball, as well as walking paths. A ribbon cutting for the new McManus Field was held Friday.
“We are excited to complete this project and make this outstanding facility available to our athletes,” said Mayor Jared C. Nicholson. “This represents a significant investment on the part of the City in recreation, particularly for our young people, in collaboration with our state and federal partners.”
McManus field is named for the late Robert A. McManus, former Lynn Tech director, who was the father of late Lynn Mayor Patrick J. McManus.
Public feedback helped guide the scope of the project, according to Danya Smith, Senior Director of Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs for the mayor’s office. While there are no lights at this point, the mayor and city council authorized additional funding for lights to be added in 2026.
“The passion and hard work that went into this project is clear,” said Ward 6 Councilor Fred Hogan. “We are so proud of this project and the positive impact it will have on our young athletes, who are already making the most of this new space.”
The McManus Field project is part of a more than $18 million citywide investment in improvements to parks and playgrounds. Leftfield served as project manager working with City departments including Inspectional Services, DPW and Community Development.
“With so many kids playing sports, we needed to expand our field capacity,” said City Council President Jay Walsh. “Having this new facility will take some pressure off the other fields in the city. It’s a major win.”
