City Council Approves $4.2M Loan for McMackin Field Renovation

Advocate Staff Report

The Revere City Council has unanimously approved a $4.2 million loan to fund the second phase of the McMackin Field renovation project. The funding brings the city closer to completing the $6.5 million project by mid-summer next year, according to Public Works Director Chris Ciaramella.

The loan order, first introduced last month, was delayed after Ward 4 Councillor Paul Argenzio requested more detailed plans before moving forward. On Monday night, Ciaramella and Parks and Recreation Director Michael Hinojosa presented the updated designs, receiving widespread praise from council members.

The project includes a multi-use turf field adaptable for little league baseball, regulation softball, and Under-10 youth soccer. Phase one—site elevation and drainage installation—is already complete.

Two new structures will be added: a two-story press box behind home plate with a 4×8-foot window, and a storage building with three handicap-accessible bathrooms. Other planned features include:

• An 8-foot decorative fence
• Protective netting to shield nearby streets and condos
• A new scoreboard
• Three bleachers accommodating 144 spectators
• 17 parking spaces along Winthrop Avenue

Improvements will also be made to the surrounding area, including pedestrian bump-outs and solar-powered crossing beacons at two crosswalks on Winthrop Avenue. The sidewalk along the field will be fully replaced, with new tree pits and decorative lighting.

“The new layout, along with a retaining wall extension, has created additional parking and enhanced safety for residents,” Ciaramella explained.

Councillor-at-Large Robert Haas III expressed enthusiasm for the project. “These renderings are fantastic. A field of this magnitude brings so many benefits—multiple sports, rentals, practices, games. It’s a huge plus for the city and its residents.”

Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto suggested incorporating a memorial to the field’s past identity as “Little Fenway,” calling it an important piece of Revere’s history.

The council also discussed public access. Argenzio emphasized that public spaces shouldn’t be locked during the day, but Hinojosa cautioned that vandalism—such as recent issues at Della Russo Stadium—might necessitate security measures. The council agreed to revisit the public access policy in the future.