- You Are Here:
- Home
- Departments
- Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs
- Closures, Cancellations, and Re-opening Guidelines
Framingham Parks & Recreation COVID-19 Updates, Closures, Cancellations and Re-opening GuidElines
As the response to COVID-19 continues, please know that Framingham Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department is taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety of residents and employees. We intend on opening recreational facilities in a phased approach based on the State Guidelines, guidance from our Mayor’s Office and the Department of Health. The health and well-being of all our residents and employees is of utmost importance.
With reductions in part time and seasonal staff, Park amenities will be slow to reopen. Specifically, we anticipate a delay in installation of rims/backboards, and swings at playgrounds. In addition, infields will be slow to reopen as a result in reduced staff continue to slow down our Department’s ability to reopen and perform routine maintenance.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.
For information on Summer Recreation Programs we are offering, please visit www.FraminghamRec.com
Beginning June 29, 2020 the following Framingham Recreational Facilities will begin to re-open:
- City Basketball Courts - open daily until dusk, lighted courts until 10 p.m. (Skills and drills allowed. No games, scrimmages or tournaments until further notice.)
- Athletic Fields and Permits - various locations, please call 508-532-5960 for information. (Group size limited to 12 including coaches. No games, scrimmages, or tournaments until further notice.)
- City Beaches - will open the week of June 29. Lifeguards will staff beaches July 1-August 9, 2020, 7 days/wk from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. BEACH TAGS ARE REQUIRED. Register for a free resident beach tag beginning Friday, June 26.
- Summer Recreation Program - registration is now open for residents only. Please visit www.framinghamrec.com for offerings and updates.
Per Governor Baker’s Order and the City of Framingham’s Emergency Order, face coverings will be required for entry into any City facility. Residents are also asked to practice social distancing.
Beginning June 22, 2020 the following Framingham Recreational Facilities will begin to re-open:
- Playgrounds - Cleaning will happen weekly at Parks Department playgrounds
- Field Permits for drills and skills only to specific permit holders. Group sizes restricted to 10 athletes and 2 coaches. Those who historically pull permits for games only (EMass Softball; men’s/women/s soccer groups; route 9 softball; etc) will not be issued permits until Phase IV when games/tournaments/competitions can continue.
- Permits for outdoor fitness, yoga, etc. classes with restrictions. We will waive normal permit fee for the summer/fall season.
For any questions in regards to Field Permits, please contact Nicole Leone at nnl@framinghamma.gov
Beginning June 15, 2020 the following Framingham Recreational Facilities will begin re-opening with guidance:
Tennis Courts - Open daily until dusk, lighted courts open until 10 PM. Usage guidelines found here.
Bowditch Track - Open daily until 10 PM. Usage guidelines found here.
Bocce Courts, Farm Pond Park - Open until dusk. Usage guidelines found here.
Pratt Street Community Gardens - Open until dusk. Usage guidelines found here.
Farm Pond Skate Park - Open until dusk. Usage guidelines found here.
Press release: Phase II Re-opening
Parks and Recreation Summer Programs, Please visit www.framinghamrec.com for updates
Beginning July 13, 2020 the following Framingham Recreational Facilities will begin to re-open:
-Athletic Fields: following Governor Baker’s guidance, the Parks Department will begin issuing permits for games as fields become available (some are expected to open Monday). Teams will be required to follow the Centers for Disease Control, Energy and Environmental Affairs, and local Public Health requirements. Please contact the Department at (508) 532-5960 for permitting information and COVID-19 related restrictions.
- Parks Department Administration Building, 475 Union Avenue, open 9 a.m.-4 p.m., for walk-in visits. Face coverings are required. Residents are asked to practice social distancing. Please contact the Department for additional information at (508) 532-5960.
Link to Governor Baker's Order
Link to City of Framingham State of Emergency Order
City of Framingham Coronavirus News Updates
Special Message to Parks Users: While parks and trails remain open for passive recreation, please be respectful of others, dispose of pet waste and litter appropriately (if waste receptacles are full, please take it with you), practice social distancing (at least 6 feet), cover coughs and sneezes, wear a mask or facecloth when entering any buildings or when social distancing is not possible, and stay home if ill. The more people follow the recommended preventative guidelines, the faster we can return to our "normal" activities.
Rest assured, your dedicated Parks & Recreation Staff is here for you, we can be reached by phone, 508-532-5960, or by email during regular business hours. Feel free to follow us on Instagram and Facebook and check out our fun activities for your family to enjoy.
Go to www.framinghamrec.com for information on Recreation programs we are offering this summer.
Stay Safe & Be Well!! #StopTheSpread
Previous Updates:
- Buildings - Parks & Recreation Administration Building, Callahan Senior Center, Loring Arena, Maintenance & Operation Building, and all other Parks & Recreation Building.
- Recreational Facilities - Bowditch Field and Track, All Playgrounds, All Basketball Courts, All Tennis Courts, and Farm Pond Skate Park. Framingham City Beaches.
- Athletic Fields - All Athletic Fields. Permits will not be issued at this time.
- Recreation Programs – All Spring Recreation Programs have been cancelled until further notice. You will be contacted by Recreation Staff via email regarding refunds, credits, and rescheduling.
For more info on COVID-19 updates we invite you to visit Framingham Department of Public Health website.