Public Hearing on Recreation and Youth Services Department

On September 25th, Mayor Reardon introduced an administrative order to create a Recreation and Youth Services Department. In accordance with the City Charter, this plan will take effect in 60 days unless the Council disapproves of it through a formal vote. The goal of this plan is to officially create a department that carries out the same activities and programming found within Newburyport Youth Services and recognize that they are also taking on the adult recreation responsibilities that were transferred through the Council-approved Parks Reorganization Plan in February. 

As part of the process, a public hearing will be held at 6pm on Wednesday, October 11th. This meeting is taking place in Council Chambers and is also available in a hybrid format. 

This plan organizes Newburyport Recreation and Youth Services work into two divisions: Recreation and Youth Development.  The Youth Development division will encompass all of the NYS services, supports and youth programming for middle and high school aged youth and their prevention work. NYS staff were consulted throughout the creation of this plan, and believe this structure will continue to support their work and the community.

After the public hearing, the plan will be considered by the Committee on Community Services at their next meeting. Members of the public who will not be able to make tonight's meeting will be welcome to speak on the matter at future meetings of the Committee on Community Services and the City Council. 
 

The listing for the meeting can be found here: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/community-services/events/341691

The presentation slides are below and the Administrative Order can be found here: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/sites/g/files/vyhlif12211/f/events/ordr00497_09_26_2023_sponsorship_0.pdf