About the McPherson Youth Center

The Myles McPherson Youth Center is a city-owned community asset that provides Beverly teens ages 11–18 with a safe, welcoming, and engaging place to spend time. The center operates on a drop-in model, giving youth a chance to hang out with friends, shoot pool, play air hockey, use the computer lab, enjoy video games, and participate in a wide range of fitness programs, recreational leagues, and special activities. Our goal is to create a space that feels fun and supportive while promoting positive youth development.

The McPherson Youth Center is part of the larger Beverly Youth Collaboration, a partnership between the City of Beverly, the Greater Beverly YMCA, the Beverly Recreation Department, and the Beverly School Department. Through this collaboration, we combine resources and expertise to better serve the recreational and developmental needs of Beverly youth in a safe and positive environment.

Our Mission: The Beverly Youth Collaboration is committed to supporting the young people of Beverly by offering opportunities for recreation, connection, and growth. By providing teens with a safe and inclusive space, we help strengthen not only individual development but also the community as a whole.

Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday: 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm Saturday: 3:00 pm - 9:00pm Sunday: CLOSED

Youth Collaboration Board

Todd Rotondo Chairperson
Y.M.C.A.

Nancy Marino
Y.M.C.A

Katie Nelson Vice Chairperson 
Y.M.C.A

Jon Paddol
Y.M.C.A

Deb Ploszay
Y.M.C.A

Carla Femino Y.M.C.A

Betty Spak Y.M.C.A

Mike Collins Beverly Public Schools

Bruce Doig
City of Beverly Recreation Department

Wangari Fahari
City of Beverly, Mayor’s office

Sgt. Daniel Brown
City of Beverly, Police Department

SRO Steve Fiore
City of Beverly, Police Department

SRO Tim Mezza
City of Beverly, Police Department

Sarah Barth McPherson Teen Coordinator

  • August 13, 2025

    Greater Beverly YMCA ⋅ 6:00-7:00pm

    October 14, 2025

    Greater Beverly YMCA ⋅ 6:00-7:00pm

    November 26, 2025

    McPherson Youth Center ⋅ 1:30-4:00pm

    January 20, 2026

    Greater Beverly YMCA ⋅ 6:00-7:00pm

    February 18, 2026 (EVENT)

    Greater Beverly YMCA - 6:00-7:00pm

    April 23, 2026 (EVENT)

    Location/Time TBD

    May 19, 2026

    Greater Beverly YMCA ⋅ 6:00-7:00pm

    June 18, 2026 (EVENT)

    Location/Time TBD

City of Beverly Website

YMCA of the North Shore website

Honoring the Legacy of Myles McPherson

The Myles McPherson Youth Center is more than a place for young people to gather. It carries forward the vision of a Beverly Teen whose commitment to his community began more than half a century ago.

Myles J. McPherson (1948 - 1968) was a Beverly High School student, athlete, and natural leader who believed Beverly’s young people deserved a space of their own. In the spring of 1966, while still in high school, Myles helped lead efforts to establish a Youth center at the Monastery in Lynch Park. Those who knew him remembered him for his determination, generosity, leadership, and willingness to give back to others.

Myles was active throughout the Beverly community. He served as president of the Beverly High School Tri-Captains, captained the football team, was an Eagle Scout, and was a member of the Key Club and honor group. After graduating from Beverly High School in 1966, he attended UMass before enrolling in North Shore Community College. Even while battling leukemia, Myles remained committed to the idea of creating opportunities for Beverly Youth.

Myles passed away in September 1968 at just 20 years old. In remembering him, those closest to Myles described him simply and powerfully: “Myles was a giver, not a taker”. Today we are proud to honor Myles by continuing the work he helped begin. Named in his memory, the Myles McPherson Youth Center provides Beverly teens with a free, welcoming place to connect, grow, create, play, and belong. The newly rebuilt center celebrated its official grand opening in July 2026, brining new life to a vision first imagined by a local high school student decades ago.

Every young person who walks though our doors becomes part of Myles’ legacy. His belief in the importance of a space created for young people continues to guide what McPherson is today and what we hope it will be for generations to come.