Construction materials, barriers, and vehicles, along with workers, are now at Chadwick Lake Park, preparing the future site of the new Town of Newburgh Recreation Center. The recreation center is anticipated to open by September 2025.

The construction is taking place on the site of the former ice rink behind the park pavilion. The rink was in poor condition and needed repair, leading to the selection of this site for the center. The recreation center is a longtime project for Parks Commissioner James Presutti.

In 1991, Presutti explained, a study recommended constructing a center for the town. The project went before the public in 1998 but did not move forward. During Presutti’s time as chairman of the Recreation Advisory Board in 2005, the idea resurfaced but did not progress.

When Presutti became parks commissioner four and a half years ago, planning stages started again on the project with Jason Szeli, assistant director of Parks and Recreation for the town. The project came before the town board in 2021. After several revisions and presentations, the town was able to move forward with a design and cost.

“For me, it’s been a long time coming. Having worked here out of high school and then coming back to this position, it’s come full circle for me, and I’m extremely excited to see this happen,” Presutti said.

Construction of the center was originally planned to begin in September after the summer camp at Chadwick Lake concluded for the season, Presutti said. However, plans changed, with construction beginning in June. With the help of the Newburgh Enlarged City School District, the camp was moved to Meadow Hill School for the season.

The site is undergoing preparation with a retention pond and new drainage water lines being installed. Soon, they will start the footings for the center, Presutti said. The building is anticipated to be constructed before winter, with interior work conducted during that time.

Presutti emphasized that the center will cause no increase in taxes for residents.

The amenities included in the building are an indoor walking track, two full-size basketball courts, and an astroturf playfield. The recreation department offices will move from their current building down the hill to the new facility once it is ready. Two large rooms for meetings or exercise are to be included, and there will be spaces for younger children’s programs. Presutti also envisions the design and installation of learning gardens around the center, such as sensory gardens and pollinator gardens.

Most of the feedback and comments from residents have been positive, Presutti said. Residents have known about the project and appreciate having a facility for events and other functions during inclement weather or colder months. “I think the residents will be really excited once they see the facility and can use it. This is nothing but positives all the way around for the community, and that’s what we’re trying to do,” Presutti said.