HAVERHILL — The city looks to serve up a win for recreation with the unveiling of its newest sports center, a $4.2 million project.
Join in celebrating the grand opening of the Ernie DiBurro Recreation Center on Tuesday. The center is a state-of-the-art indoor tennis and pickleball facility located on the Haverhill High School campus.
The 2,000-square-foot building features two tennis courts and four pickleball courts, providing a resource for fun and athletics to both students and the public.
The multi-million dollar project was made possible through a $1 million donation from local businessman and Haverhill High School alumn Ernie DiBurro.
Remaining costs were covered by an investment of $3.2 million by the city. Funds were resourced from the city’s capital projects account.
Construction of the center began in 2022, when DiBurro announced the million-dollar donation.
Previously, the high school’s tennis teams were challenged by inclement weather because their season, which runs from March to June, would often be disrupted by snow or rain.
The facility now ensures practice and play will not be interrupted.
The ceremony will include remarks from Mayor Melinda Barrett, former Mayor James Fiorentini, Superintendent Margaret Marotta, Haverhill Public Schools Director of Athletics Tom O’Brien, and DiBurro himself.
Members of the Haverhill High School tennis teams and their coaches will be in attendance as well as various city officials.
DiBurro has donated much more than $1 million to Haverhill High’s athletic programs, however. The Class of 1952 graduate has a history of philanthropy, contributing $800,000 to build a clubhouse at Trinity Stadium among other donations.
He has donated money to renovate a fitness room at the Charles C. White Pool on the high school’s campus and funded the electronic announcement sign that was installed at the front of the school.
DiBurro, and many others, will be present at the grand opening ceremony, which will be held from 9 to 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Haverhill High School, 137 Monument St.
The recreation center is behind the high school’s gym. Parking is limited as there are only 20 available spots in the area.