New London Community Recreation Center

“Downes assigned the right people with the right character to a public-facing building—people who could handle extra meetings, community input, city council approvals, and all the opinions. That takes experience.” 

– Felix Reyes, the City’s Director of Economic Development and Planning

Downes Construction proudly served as Construction Manager for the new 58,200 SF New London Community Recreation Center — a transformative project that turns a long-envisioned community hub into reality. Located on a seven-acre site at the heart of the Fort Trumbull peninsula, the new facility provides a permanent home for Recreation and Youth Affairs programs, and a vibrant place for residents of all ages to gather, grow, and celebrate.

The Center features an eight-lane swimming pool, gymnasium, indoor track, classrooms, multi-purpose event spaces, and a community lounge, all thoughtfully designed to support a wide range of programs — from basketball, volleyball, and wrestling to batting cages, pickleball, and even weddings.

“This will be the place we go for community, camaraderie, friendship, well-being, healing, and health… bringing us together no matter our age, background, or means.”

– Mayor Michael Passero

Proactive planning and future-ready solutions

From the start, Downes took a solutions-driven approach that positioned the New London Community Recreation Center for long-term success. When an early five-month permitting delay arose due to additional stormwater review, the team seized the opportunity to order and store critical materials — including steel and switchgear — well ahead of typical schedules. This strategic move protected the project from market volatility and ensured a smooth ramp-up once permits cleared.

As site work progressed, Downes efficiently managed the removal of more than 900 tons of unexpected buried concrete foundations from previous site uses. Thanks to the foresight in material procurement, construction advanced in parallel, maintaining momentum and avoiding costly delays.

Cold-weather construction was met with equally thoughtful solutions. To safeguard quality during winter foundation work, the team used ground heaters and thermal blankets, ensuring concrete strength and durability despite challenging temperatures. For the eight-lane swimming pool, Downes coordinated closely with specialty contractors and employed aggregate piers to precisely stabilize the shell — delivering a key feature of the facility with confidence.

Built for today — and tomorrow

Throughout, Downes and the City of New London focused on future-proofing. The project included installing conduits for rooftop solar and EV charging stations, along with a permeable parking lot system that manages stormwater on site — reducing strain on New London’s infrastructure and setting a benchmark for sustainable design.

A community’s promise fulfilled

This project was far more than bricks and mortar; it was the realization of a collective dream more than 15 years in the making. Felix Reyes, the City’s Director of Economic Development and Planning, captured it powerfully: “At the end of the day, I’m just a kid from New London — and this space was designed with every kid, every family here in mind. It’s built to transform with the needs of this community for decades to come.” Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz added, “This isn’t just a gym or a community center. It’s a place for learning, for connecting, for growing. And it’s here to be vibrant and welcoming for the long haul.”

Downes is honored to have partnered with New London to bring this vision to life, building a place that nurtures pride, well-being, and opportunity — for today, tomorrow, and generations to come.

Location: New London, CT
Owner: City of New London
Architect: Silver Petrucelli + Associates
Project Cost: $34M
Square Footage: 58,200 SF
Services: Construction Management