WESTFIELD – On Monday, the city’s parks and playgrounds opened to the public under Phase 1 of the state’s reopening Massachusetts guidelines.
Outdoor parks such as Municipal, Papermill, Sadie Knox, Chapman Munger Hill, Whitney, Arm Brook, Boardman, Kane/Wojtkiewicz, Half Mile Falls, Parker Park, Women’s Temperance and Park Square areas, along with bike trails are now open for passive use such as walking, jogging, biking or leisure time activities for individuals or families.
All visitors to parks and open space, as well as those participating in outdoor education programs are urged to comply with COVID-19 Order 31: Order Requiring Face Coverings in Public places were social distancing is not possible.
The order requires any person over the age of 2, whether indoors or outdoors, to wear a face covering or mask when they cannot maintain six feet of distance between themselves and others, unless they have a medical condition preventing them from doing so.
No groups larger than 10 are allowed to gather. Pavilion reservations and sports games are suspended. No basketball is allowed. All basketball courts, bathrooms and spray parks are closed until further notice.
The Department of Public Works Director David Billups, Assistant Director Fran Cain, and Deputy Superintendent Scott Hathaway and the entire Parks & Recreation Department are working closely with Westfield Mayor Don Humason, Public Health Department Director Joe Rouse and other city officials to institute policies and procedures implemented as part of Gov. Charlie Baker’s re-opening orders.
Phase 2, which includes opening up campgrounds, playgrounds and spray decks, and athletic fields – – all with restrictions of some sort – – is expected to begin on or around June 8.
For continuous updates, visit www.cityofwestfield.org. For program information and online registration, go to westfieldmaparksrec.com. For more assistance, call the office staff at 572-6263.
