Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery - Rules & Regulations

The Department of Parks, Recreation, & Cemetery by virtue or the authority delegated to it under chapter 45 of the General Laws of Massachusetts and every other power thereto enabling, hereby makes and publishes the following rules and regulations which shall not only be limited to the following and Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery reserves the right to make additional changes or expansions without notice at any given time.

1. Permit request for fields and events will be issued between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday - Friday (Non-Holidays business days). The City of Worcester Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery has a fee schedule, policies, rules, and regulations governing all parks. The Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery reserves the right to deny permits to those individuals and organizations that have in the past shown disregard for the policies, rules & regulations.
2. A permit application must be filed with the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery for any park or pavilion reservation involving 15 or more people. Failure to have all proper documentation submitted prior to the event may incur additional permit fees to the permit holder or possibly delay the event.
3. There shall be no transferring of permits from one permit holder to another.
4. Only one (1) Special Event Permit will be authorized by the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery per day, per park location. If a park already has a Special Event Permit scheduled for a given date and time, no other special event will be allowed at that park on the same day.
5. All permit holders have the right to use the vendors/concessionaires of their choice. Daily vendor/concessionaire that have been assigned a park cannot vend unless written permission is given to the Parks office from the permit holder.
6. Any sport league or organization hosting, managing, or operating a sports tournament, must submit a Sports Tournament Permit Application.
7. Any field, facility, or structure improvements that are requested by any organizations permitted to use a public park, must receive approval from The Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery Administration and/or may need approval by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
8. In the event of inclement weather conditions on a given date, Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery may rescind a permit and restrict the use of any field or park at their determination if they deem such use will have a negative long-term effect on the facility.
9. All vending/concessions must have been approved by the standard city process and have an official vending/concession permit.

On all land under the management of the City of Worcester Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery, it is unlawful for any person/organization:

10. To use, but not limited to confetti, rice, artificial flowers, paint, balloons, etc., are prohibited at any park due to the environmental impact, safety of wildlife, and the debris that is left behind. A fine or cleanup cost may be assigned to those who disregard this regulation.
11. To deface, remove or destroy any sign or notice or protective device placed in a park facility, playground, athletic field, open space, or beach under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery.
12. To commit any unlawful act of violence, disturbance toward other people, or remove wildlife or plants, or commit any act of nuisance in any park facility, playground, athletic field, open space, or beach under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery.
13. To obstruct, hinder, or interfere with employees working in any public park (including its boundary roads) or in any other public place (including parkways) under the authority of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery, or to fail to follow any reasonable direction given by a City employee, a Department employee, or any notice posted by the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery.
14. To play golf or to practice with a putter or other club or stick of any kind upon or within any public park, playground, athletic field, open space or beach, except in those areas purposely set aside for this activity or in conjunction with any organized city recreation program.
15. To play any active ball games in any park, playground, or beach except in areas set aside for such games that might impact other activities.
16. To boat/float on a flotation device, motorized watercraft, or winter snow/ice vehicles (snowmobiles, etc.) are not allowed on or in any body of water (ice or snow covered) within a public park unless specifically authorized by a written permit issued by the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery and use of a US Coast Guard Approved life jacket. No motorized watercraft shall be launched within 150’ of any public beach.
17. To ice skate on any body of water within a public park except those water bodies designated for such use. Those designated for such use are Elm Park (3 meres) and University Park Pond. At all sites the ice must be declared safe by the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery.
18. To sell, offer, or distribute for sale, any goods or ware, or to advertise sponsorships that relate to tobacco, alcohol, political endorsements, marijuana, religious believes, drugs, or pornographic material is prohibited in any park facility under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery.
19. To commit any trespass in any public park, playground, or beach within the City between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., or other set times. A trespass shall be any unauthorized entry in, upon, or across any property under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery.
20. To drive any vehicle into any park, upon any sidewalk, grass area or all other areas is prohibited, except with approval or on business for the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery.

Furthermore:

21. Climbing, hanging banners, or attaching signs (flyers) to park trees under the management and jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery is prohibited.
22. Drying laundry or blankets in parks under the management and jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery is prohibited.
23. Motorized vehicle repairs, washing & cleaning of vehicles, and overnight parking are prohibited in city parks, except for emergencies under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery. Such vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense, except City of Worcester equipment.
24. The removal of plants, rocks, minerals, and fossils from city parks under the management and jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery is prohibited.
25. Roller blading, roller skating, skateboarding, or riding a bike (electric or non-electric) are permitted in any park unless specifically prohibited.
26. Erecting a booth, sleeping tent, pop-up canopy, sleeping bag, inflatable, stall, camper, motor home, or other structures or to sleep/camp or lodge in any park, playground, beach, or open space is prohibited. Stake-less tents, pop-up canopies, inflatables, sports equipment are allowed during regular operating hours, or for park permit events.

City of Worcester Ordinances & Regulations

27. Drones: Please refer to the Federal Aviation Administration Regulations (FAA).
28. Smoking: Please refer to the City of Worcester Ordinance, Chapter 15 - Fines and Penalties. It is unlawful and you are not allowed to smoke in any public park, playground, or beach under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery.
29. Alcoholic Beverages: Please refer to Chapter 138, Section 1 of the Massachusetts General Laws. To possess, sell, or drink any alcoholic beverages while on, in, or upon any park, playground, or beach or other areas under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery. Except on Worcester Common as approved by the Worcester Parks & Recreation Commission and with a special liquor permit in addition to the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery permit.
30. Illegal Dumping & Public Trash Receptacles: Please refer to the City of Worcester Ordinance, Chapter 8, Section (6) & (6A): No person shall deposit any litter, garbage, trash, or waste, of any kind, in a public trash receptacle. The section may be enforced by civil process, criminal process or by noncriminal deposition as provided in General Laws, Chapter 40, (21D) First Violation: $50.00, Second Violation: $100.00, Third Violation: $200.00, Fourth Violation and each subsequent violation: $300.00
31. Dog Ordinance: Please refer to the City of Worcester Ordinance, Chapter 8, - Public Health, Section (10 - 13): It shall be unlawful for any person to: Section 13 (8), allow any dogs, except a registered service dog, to be in in any city park, public cemetery or playground, excepting only such city park as may be designated by the parks and recreation commission as being open to on leash dog use. Dogs are allowed in City parks on leash, except, athletic fields, athletic courts, playgrounds, fitness areas, and beaches between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Off leash dogs are allowed in the City Worcester designated Dog Parks under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery.
32. Excessive and Unreasonable Noise Ordinance: Please refer to the City of Worcester Ordinance, Part 1, Chapter 9, Section (1A) of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 Part One - As Amended through July 2018, 2023, of the City of Worcester. Sound from activities in the public parks, playgrounds, playing fields, or public property or building of the City used under the written permission of the municipal official or body charge with the care, custody and control of said facility; provided that, any amplified sound generated by such activities shall not be plainly addible at a distance of 50 feet or more from said public park, playground, playing field, or public property or building.
33. Snow Removal: Please refer to the City of Worcester Ordinance, Chapter 15- Fines and Penalties. To place any snow or ice from adjacent property from private property upon any park property, sidewalk, open spaces, roadway, parking areas, or any boundary road of a public park or of any parkway under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery.
34. Malicious Bonfires & Inflammable Fluids: Please refer to the City of Worcester Ordinance, Chapter 10, Section 3 - 5. No campfires are allowed in city parks under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery.
35. Fireworks & No Color Fireworks: Please refer to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Law; MGL Chapter 148, Section 39 regarding the use of fireworks. No fireworks or No color fireworks are allowed in City parks under the management and jurisdiction of the City of Worcester Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery. Permitted and approved Fireworks are allowed for the Fourth of July Celebration by a Professional License Pyrotechnic Certified Company approved by the City of Worcester Administration and Worcester Fire Department.
36. Busking: Please refer to the City of Worcester Ordinance, Chapter 12, Section 26 (H) of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 - Part One - as amended.
37. Feeding or Baiting Waterfowl: Please refer to the City of Worcester Ordinance, Chapter 15, Number 23, Section (9B): To feed waterfowl & animals is prohibited in any park facility, playground, athletic field, open space, or beach under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery.
38. Firearms, Air Rifles and BB Guns: Please refer to the City of Worcester Ordinance, Chapter 9 - Public Safety, Section 8 (a).
39. Use of Personal Watercraft on Indian Lake Prohibited: Please refer to the City of Worcester Ordinance, Chapter 9 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 is hereby amended by a new section "17."

DPW & Parks Division Park Security Guards

All Parks Security Guards have been sworn-in and have taken the Oath of Office from the City Clerk Office to be authorized to issue parking citations within the boundaries of the City of Worcester.

Additional Policy for the use of the Worcester Common

To commit any trespass between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., except with a written permit from the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery. A trespass shall be any unauthorized entry in, upon, or across the Common during these hours; Common may be used only as a walk through. No active leisure activities are permitted on the Common, including but not limited to bicycle riding, skateboarding, roller blading, roller skating, Frisbee, unless a written parks permit is obtained through the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery.

Park Closing Hours

Parks shall be closed to the public between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. or as posted except if authorized in a written permit from the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery. Salisbury Park (Bancroft Tower will require a permit to open) hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Waiver Right & Penalties

The Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery reserves the right to waive and/or limit these rules at any time if in the best interest of the City of Worcester.

Per Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 45, Section 24, Amended May 20, 1977, and The City of Worcester Revised Ordinances of 2008 Part One as amended, Chapter 15 - Fines and Penalties, whoever violates a rule or regulation for the government or use of any land or way taken or held under this chapter or for like purposes under any special act, and made under authority of law by any board or officer in charge thereof, shall be punished as stated within these sections. Violators also risk permanent revocation of current and future Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery facility permits.

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

Human Rights Policy. It is the policy of the City of Worcester to assure that every individual shall have equal access to and benefit from all public services, accommodation, and employment opportunities to protect every individual in the employment and exercise of civil rights and to encourage and bring about mutual understanding and respect among all individuals of the City. It is clear that behavior which denies equal treatment to any of our citizens as a result of their race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, disability, or source of income undermines civil order and deprives persons of the benefits of a free and open society. Nothing in this section shall be constructed as supporting or advocating any religious view or lifestyle. To the contrary, it is the intention of this section that all people be treated fairly and equally, and it is the expressed intent of this ordinance to bring about the elimination of prejudice, intolerance, bigotry, discrimination, and the disorder occasioned thereby.

Violations of the City of Worcester Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cemetery Rules and Regulations may result in action by the Parks & Recreation Commission. Such actions may include verbal or written warnings, in-person review with Parks & Recreation Commission, suspension, or revocation of permits, at the discretion of the Parks & Recreation Commission, if the permit holder or league has failed to correct the violation(s) after all other options have been exhausted.

The Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery reserves the right to close a park facility for the purpose of maintenance, renovations, repairs, or safety concerns at any time.

The above Rules and Regulations have been approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on December 4, 2025