Peabody's City Council installed new leadership atop the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department, while Little League and youth soccer moved into their fall schedules.

PEABODY --

TOWN -- The City Council on Aug. 18 approved Jackie Ciardi as director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, a role she had held on an interim basis for six to seven months after the department's structure was changed from a director and two managers to a director and one manager. Her term runs through Dec. 31, 2027. The council also approved Sophia Mercurio, who has run the city's summer outdoor activities program for the past four years, as the department's new Parks and Recreation Manager, also through Dec. 31, 2027. Mayor Bettencourt said Ciardi had put together the department's summer programming and had received positive feedback from staff and families of children in the programs.

YOUTH LEAGUES -- Peabody Little League's schedule shows fall games beginning Aug. 31, with matchups including Green vs. Purple and Navy vs. Silver, and additional games running through at least Sept. 14.

Peabody Youth Soccer said its Grade 3 and 4 Boys Division is now full, joining the previously filled Grade 5 and 6 Boys and Girls Division; families can reach the Grade 3/4 waitlist through coordinator Eric Frey. The league's coaches meeting is set for Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom, ahead of the Fall 2026 season opening Sept. 12 and 13.

Compiled from team and league reports, reader submissions, and local coverage.