Framingham Parks & Recreation COVID-19 Updates, Closures, Cancellations and Re-opening GuidElines

Update October 16, 2020  

-Parks & Recreation Administration Building: Parks & Recreation Administration Building located at 475 Union Ave continues to be open from 9:00am to 4:00pm for walk in visits. Please contact the Department at 508-532-5960 for more detailed information. 

- Park & Facility Use: While City Parks and Facilities remain open to the public, several restrictions have been put in place to help stop the spread of COVID and ensure a safe environment. Some of these restrictions include the closure of the basketball courts and skate park as well as the implementation of masks being worn during all permitted activities. For facility-specific questions, please contact our office at 508-532-5960. 

- Recreation Programs: The Parks & Recreation Department has adjusted their schedule to accommodate for safe and exciting programming this Fall. Some programs will be offered in-person, others will be offered virtually. For in-person classes, there are strict COVID procedures in place, oftentimes more robust than the state recommendations. There are very limited class sizes and registration has been restricted to Framingham Residents only. Please make sure to read each program description carefully. Some adjustments to our typical programs have been made to accommodate the current situation. Please visit; www.FraminghamRec.com for the latest and most up to date programs and COVID procedures.

- Park & Field Permits - Field permits are currently being issued for a wide range of activities. Prior to issuance of a permit, the requester must submit a proposed COVID Management Plan to the Department for review. The proposed Management Plan must follow the specific guidance issued by Governor Baker for the relevant reopening phase/activity. The Framingham Public Health Department will also review the proposed Management Plan for adherence prior to the issuance of a permit through our Department. Furthermore, there are several additional restrictions placed on field usage that are available upon request. If you are interested in applying for a field usage permit, please email Parks.Recreation@framinghamma.gov or call 508-532-5960.

- Callahan Senior Center - The Senior Center is not currently open to the public. However, there are many programs available for people, 55+, on Zoom and by phone. Please call 508-532-5980, or check the latest issue of the Courier newsletter at; www.framinghamma.gov/360/council-on-aging for more information.

*SHINE appointments for Medicare Open enrollment will be by phone. Please call 508-532-5980 for an appointment.

*Volunteers are available by phone to teach people how to use Zoom.

*Social Services staff are available by phone to assist with fuel assistance, funding assistance for taxi transportation beyond Framingham’s borders, food stamp applications for people 55+, and for other pressing needs. In-person appointments with Social Service staff can be arranged, as needed, if scheduled in advance.

*Transportation is available! – The Callahan Center van is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 3:30 for destinations within Framingham. If you are already registered, please contact the MWRTA Call Center 508–420-4650 to schedule your ride. If you have not yet registered to use this service, please contact the Callahan Center at 508-532-5980.

- Loring Arena - Loring Arena is currently open to rental groups only. Public Skate, Stick Time, and Skate Rentals are not available at this time. All rental groups, and participants, must follow the COVID Management Plan listed on the Loring Arena website as well as present a Management Plan for their usage to Loring Arena Management prior to approval of contract. Proposed Management Plans are also reviewed by the Framingham Public Health Department for adherence. For more information, please visit; https://www.framinghamma.gov/678/Loring-Arena

EFFECTIVE FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020 - CITY TO SHUT-DOWN RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, INCLUDING BASKETBALL COURTS, AND THE SKATE PARK -  In response to the recent uptick of positive COVID-19 cases in Framingham, effective immediately, the City will begin to close recreational facilities, including basketball courts, Farm Pond Skate Park, and other facilities as necessary. These steps are being taken to combat the spread of the virus and discourage people from gathering at the facilities. 

Please remember to keep a distance of 6 feet or more from another person, wear a face covering over both your nose and mouth, wash hands frequently with soap and water, do not gather in large groups, and stay home if you are not feeling well. For more info on how to stop the spread and how to get tested for COVID-19 we invite you to visit the Public Health Department's page HERE

Effective 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. We are requiring all permit requests to include a COVID-19 management plan that incorporates the requirements from the Governor's Phase III, Part I guidance as well as the guidance from the CDC and EEA. Once received, the request will be reviewed by the Parks & Recreation Department and Public Health Department. Please contact the Department at (508) 532-5960 for field permitting information and COVID-19 related restrictions. 

- Parks & Recreation 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