Constructed in 1939, the Joseph L. Ferris Community Center has served numerous community functions throughout its storied history as the focal point of a growing city. From Eastern Maine High School Basketball Tournament games to concerts featuring such great names as Neil Diamond and the Beach Boys. To the present day the community center has served the citizens of Brewer well.

In 2000, a $750,000 renovation was completed to bring the building up to code. This involved may areas of the building, including handicap accessibility, baseboard heating, new doors, windows, shower rooms, alarm system, renovation of the balcony area to include a large conference/activity room, and the addition of two offices.

In the fall of 2005, a new electronic marquee was installed at the Wilson Street entrance, enabling the department to keep the community updated on programs and special events. The building continues to be the focal point of the community and is open an average of 95 hours a week during the cold weather months for general program offerings.  The building is rented year round for craft fairs, birthday parties, receptions, training seminars, job fairs, dances, and meetings. The Afterschool Program and Summer Rec Camps are headquartered in the community center along with the Brewer Parks and Recreation Department’s extensive adult and youth programs all which utilize every room of this three level facility.

Gymnasium Banner Program

Since 2005, numerous area businesses have participated in the banner program, which allows the display of advertising banners in the community center’s gymnasium. There are various locations for the banners with an annual fee. In addition, participating businesses have their name on the electronic marquee, (a minimum of 200 days a year), listing in our summer program, and excellent visibility of their banner in the gymnasium for thousands of visitors to see.

The following area businesses are currently participating:

• Allen/Freeman/McDonnell Agency
• Bangor Tire Company
• Beal Realty
• Brewer Firefighters Union Local 2162
• Brewer Center for Health & Rehabilitation
• Brewer Kiwanis Club
• Downeast Mobile Power Wash
• Dunkin Donuts
• Edible Arrangements
• Guidance Point Advisors, LLC
• Jody and Jackie Dearborn
• Mark A. Lloyd – LeaderOne Home Loans
• Northern Light Health (formerly EMHS)
• Pine Hill Golf Club
• Quirk Auto Group
• Rand and Rand Dentistry
• Tricia Largay – Realty of Maine
• W S  Emerson
• Zone Radio

Contact Michael Martin at (207) 989-5199 for further details on how you can get your business involved in supporting Parks & Recreation!

Rental Information

Gymnasium:  The center’s gymnasium measures 100 x 80 feet with a stage, concession stand, and mezzanine area. Contact our main office at (207) 989 – 5199 for rental rates and availability.

The gymnasium makes for a great venue for your youngster’s birthday party. There are two hour rental blocks available at an affordable rate.

Kenneth E. Hanscom Community Room:  The community room is located on the lower level of the building and features a 40’ x 45’ meeting room with a conveniently attached kitchen.  This room seats 120 people with tables and chairs, or 150 with chairs only. Contact our main office at (207) 989 – 5199 for rental rates.

Conference Room:  The Mezzanine Conference Room comfortably seats 45 people with tables and chairs and up to 90 with chairs only.  Wireless internet access is available for an additional fee. Contact our main office at (207) 989 – 5199 for rental rates

Veteran’s Memorial: Located in the front of the community center, this memorial honors all branches of service.  Highlights are the engraved bricks placed in the walkway that surrounds the memorial.

For $50.00 families and friends can honor a beloved veteran by purchasing a brick in their name.  The fee covers the cost of  the brick as well as future maintenance costs. Each brick will contain three lines, with 20 spaces per line for the veteran’s name, rank, and branch served.  For more information and the brick application click here

Farmer’s Markets: Two farmer’s markets, Bangor-Brewer and Penobscot County, are located on the Wilson Street side of the auditorium parking lot, and operate from Tuesday through Saturday, May 1 – October 31.