City of Amesbury

09/14/2026

Adult Soccer & Volleyball start this week!

Looking to stay active, meet people, and get some games in this fall? Join Amesbury Recreation for our adult sports programs.

Adult Volleyball
Tuesdays | Sept. 15–Oct. 20 | 7:00–8:30 PM

Adult Pickup Soccer
Thursdays | Sept. 17–Oct. 22 | 7:00–8:30 PM

For more information and to register, visit amesburyrec.com

09/14/2026

Just as a reminder. Fall hydrant flushing continues. Schedules are posted weekly on the city website.

www.amesburyma.gov/hydrantflushing

Fall hydrant flushing will begin on Tuesday, September 1st and will continue for approximately 5 weeks.

Hydrant flushing is performed twice a year to remove accumulated sediment that occurs in the pipes.

When hydrant flushing is in progress, you may lose water temporarily, experience air in your pipes, or experience brown/discolored water. Water will be restored shortly after the flushing is complete in your area. You may need to run your water briefly to clear the air or the discoloration from your pipes.

If you have long-term issues, please contact the Water Department at (978) 388-0853.

The (estimated) schedule will be posted on the city website weekly and is subject to change.

www.amesburyma.gov/hydrantflushing

09/13/2026

After the emergency closure of the Upper Millyard Pedestrian Bridge, our team immediately started coordination meetings with MassDOT, SPS, and TEC to recover the bridge as quickly as possible.

All professionals involved agreed the bridge had deteriorated beyond a point of repair. The east and west truss were observed to show 100% section loss, which was a new critical finding that had not been previously documented. Together, we are working on removal of the existing bridge while simultaneously designing and preparing for the installation of a new pre-fab bridge.

To prepare for the demolition some early site work will occur in the area on Monday September 14th. To keep everyone safe and provide adequate space for performing the work, a few parking spaces and the pedestrian walkway in the immediate vicinity will be closed for a short time.

The demolition plan prepared by SPS and reviewed by MassDOT and TEC is being submitted to the Conservation Commission for review at their October meeting. Removing the bridge prior to winter weather is a priority for eliminating the risk of snow load adding to the stress of the structure.

The extended disruption to local business is challenging and we are all working to keep an urgent pace on this project. Remember, businesses in the Upper Millyard remain open and appreciate your support. Access is available via lower fall pedestrian bridge. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

09/11/2026

Today, we honor the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the heroes who showed unwavering courage on one of our nation’s darkest days.

We pause to reflect, to remember, and to stand together in unity and compassion.

09/11/2026

NEVER FORGET — SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

Twenty-five years later, we remember the 2,977 lives lost on September 11, 2001, and all those whose lives were forever changed.

Here in Amesbury, we especially remember Robert Jay Hayes, an Amesbury resident, and Laurie Ann Neira, who was born in Amesbury. Both were aboard American Airlines Flight 11 and lost their lives that morning.

We remember the 37 Port Authority Police officers and 23 NYPD officers who lost their lives that day, along with the 343 members of the FDNY and other first responders who ran toward danger. We also remember those who worked at Ground Zero in the days and months that followed, and those who later became sick or lost their lives as a result of their service there.

We also remember what came after. Americans came together. Flags flew from homes and businesses. Neighbors helped neighbors. For a time, our differences seemed small compared to what we shared. Twenty-five years later, that spirit of unity is worth remembering too.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget

09/10/2026

Is your child interested in acting? Amesbury Rec is offering fun classes this Fall taught by Danielle Bourgeois, a Helen Hayes–nominated actor, award-winning producer, and professional performer who spent a decade in New York performing in and producing Off-Broadway theater.

Elementary Theater
For 4th & 5th graders, this class is an invitation to experience theater through imagination, ensemble work and play. Students will learn acting fundamentals as they work on their short plays!

Tuesdays
10/06/2026 - 11/17/2026
03:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Cashman Elementary School

Middle School Theater Ensemble
A foundational theater class designed to help young actors build confidence, creativity, and collaboration skills. Through ensemble work, improvisation, and scene study, students will develop their voice on stage .

Thursdays
10/01/2026 - 11/19/2026
03:00 PM - 05:00 PM
The Annex (Former City Hall)

Thursdays
Teen On-Camera Acting Class
For aspiring actors curious about the world of film and television, this class introduces the skills to approach auditions, build on-screen characters, and understand the unique demands of acting for the camera.

10/01/2026 - 11/19/2026
06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
The Annex (Former City Hall)

For more information and to register, visit: amesburyma.myrec.com

09/10/2026

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced a risk level increase to MODERATE for West Nile virus (WNV) in the city of Amesbury. WNV is transmitted to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state and are found in both urban and rural areas. WNV can infect people of all ages, with people over the age of 50 at higher risk of severe infection.

By taking a few precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones until heavy frost:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

• Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.

• Clothing Can Help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

• Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours - The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. When risk is increased, consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up, and/or wearing repellent.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

• Drain Standing Water – Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change water in birdbaths frequently.

• Install or Repair Screens - Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly fitted screens on all your windows and doors.

If you have areas of standing water around your home or any old passenger tires left outside, please request service for larviciding (spraying), site inspection, and/or Tire Removal. Services are free.

https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/323ede5d6f1f44eb91e930c7d443d380

Information about WNV and reports of current and historical WNV virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at: www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito

09/09/2026

On Tuesday, September 8, the Amesbury City Council announced that the District 2 Councilor seat is now open following the resignation of Claudel Frederique.

The position will be posted for 30 days, during which the Council will accept applications from District 2 residents for review. After the 30 day posting period, the City Council will vote at one of its regularly scheduled or special meetings to appoint someone to serve out the remainder of Frederique’s term.

The appointed Councilor will have the option to run for the seat in Amesbury’s next municipal election in 2027.

To apply for this open, elected position, please visit: http://www.amesburyma.gov/479/Board-Vacancies

The City of Amesbury and the City Council extend their appreciation to Claudel Frederique for his service to our community. Amesbury moves forward thanks to the dedication of volunteers like him—and so many others—who give their time and energy to make a difference.

09/08/2026

The Energy, Environment, and Sustainability Committee is conducting a streetlight audit focused on the 44 flood lights that are part of the approximately 1200+ streetlights the city owns and operates.

Each 400w flood light costs the city $577 a year in electric costs. Unlike the city’s other streetlights, the flood lights have not undergone a LED conversion.

The goal of this audit is to confirm the location and condition of each 400w flood light, then meet with the City's stakeholders to determine if the fixture is still required to meet the city's needs.

Fixtures that no longer serve a useful purpose will be removed and then removed from our Streetlight utility account, saving annually on operational and additional maintenance costs.

Fixtures the have a viable purpose, will be targeted for conversation or retrofit to energy efficient LED fixtures with new controls to lower our operational cost by up to 70%.

The committee anticipates this project to be funded though solar credits (or possible grant) and be completed within the next 9 months.
The result will be better, more effective lighting of our public spaces at a lower cost.

If you would like to get involved with the Energy, Environment, and Sustainability Committee, there is an open position for a community member.

To apply for this appointed position, visit: www.amesburyma.gov/479/Board-Vacancies

09/06/2026

Labor Day is an observed holiday for G.Mello. For all locations with regular trash and recycling pick-up scheduled on or after Monday, September 7th, collection will be delayed by one day this week. The downtown business district is not affected.