Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates: Boston Parks and Recreation
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The public health situation is rapidly changing. We will update this post as new and relevant information becomes available. The health and safety of park users is our top priority.
We are in regular contact with Boston Public Health Commission for information and guidance. Please visit the City's COVID-19 website for the latest information.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, our Tree Removal and Parks and Recreation Commission hearings are being held online:
Latest updates
Parks Facilities
Park facilities, including athletic fields, courts, splash pads, and playgrounds are OPEN. Park users are advised to:
- wear a face covering at all times while in public
- remain 6 feet away from others, and
- follow social distancing guidelines recommended by the Boston Public Health Commission.
Recreation and Events
EventsOutdoor events are limited to 100 people or fewer, by permit only. Attendees must wear face coverings and maintain six feet of social distancing. Contact the City of Boston's Licensing Board for more information on entertainment guidelines. Amplified sound or amusements are not allowed.
Youth and Adult SportsFor lower contact sports, games are allowed in addition to practices, aerobic conditioning, skills drills, and lessons for these sports:
- Baseball, softball
- Tennis, pickleball
- Sailing
- Track and field
- Skateboarding
For higher contact sports, ONLY practices, aerobic conditioning, skills drills, and lessons in groups of fewer than 25 people, are allowed (no games or matches). These include:
- Football, rugby (including international versions such as Irish football or Australian rules football)
- Soccer
- Lacrosse, hurling, field hockey
- Basketball
- Ultimate frisbee, bike polo
- Roller hockey, street hockey, roller derby
- Martial arts, karate, boxing, MMA
Player and staff guidelines:
- Players, coaches, staff, and chaperones must wear face coverings at all times.
- No more than 25 participants total (inclusive of parents, volunteers, coaches, and athletes) may occupy a permitted location at any given time.
- Team benches and dugouts are closed.
Permitting
Regularly scheduled, organized activities — such as games, practices, aerobic conditioning, skills drills, and lessons — require a permit.
Spectators
Youth players are allowed one chaperone per child. Chaperones must wear face coverings and maintain six feet of social distance at all times. No spectators are allowed for adult sports.
Lighting
Facility lights will be turned on based on the location’s permitting schedule.
To report enforcement issues, please call Boston Police. For maintenance issues, please contact 617-635-7275 or 3-1-1.
Design and construction bidding
Parks and Recreation Department bid documents are now available at 1010 Massachusetts Ave, 3rd floor Boston MA 02118 on a normal schedule. Bid openings will continue to be held virtually via ZOOM video call. Interested parties will not be able to access the building for bid openings.
All bid openings can be viewed using the zoom link below.