Mayor Charles C. Kokoros wishes to provide the community with regular updates about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The first stage of Governor Baker’s reopening plan allowed for some industries to reopen as of May 18, and additional industries to open on Monday, May 25, including certain outdoor recreational facilities and activities.
“I am excited that our residents can once again utilize our open spaces, parks and recreation areas, but am asking that we continue to be vigilant in our efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 by taking all necessary precautions as we begin to reopen our community,” said Mayor Kokoros. “Ensuring the safety and wellness of our residents remains the top priority and, along with the COVID-19 Response Team, we are working to ensure that we reopen responsibly as allowed for by the Governor’s Four Phase Reopening Plan.” |
Braintree High School Track, Town Parks and Open Spaces
Based on the Governor’s Phase 1 Reopening Plan, effective Monday, May 25, the Town has opened the track at Braintree High School, Town parks and open spaces. This does not include playgrounds, which will remain closed until further notice. |
Those who visit the track, Town parks or open spaces must abide by specific protocols. The full list of guidelines can be found here(link). The guidelines, which will be posted at the track and in parks and open spaces, include:
|
- All visitors must comply with the order that any person over the age of 2 and not exempt due to a medical condition wears a face covering in public places where social distancing is not possible;
- No groups larger than 10 are allowed to gather in any one location;
- Walking, running and other individual activities, such as yoga, tai chi, etc., are allowable activities following required protocols;
- Visitors must practice proper social distancing by remaining 6 feet away from others and follow all site-specific rules, regulations and posted signage regarding permitted uses;
- Walkers on the track and walking paths in town parks and open spaces must move aside and leave room for others to pass and runners must alert others when approaching and wait for them to step aside before passing;
- After visiting public spaces, visitors should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer;
- Social distancing should be maintained in picnic areas of Town parks or open spaces;
- Visitors to the track and Town parks or open spaces should expect limited or no trash disposal receptacles, and should take trash with them or properly dispose of trash if trash receptacles are provided.
These guidelines will remain in effect until further notice.
Recreation Department Summer Programs, Camps and Activities
After much consideration, all Town sponsored camps and traditional summer programs and activities have been cancelled for Summer 2020. “This is not a decision made lightly, but in consultation with Mayor Kokoros and Health Director Marybeth McGrath, we feel this extraordinary choice is necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of our community,” said Recreation Director Nelson Chin.
- The following is a list of programs that will not be held this year.
- General Sports Clinic, Kiddos Clinic, and Field Trip Clinic Programs
- Special Needs Day Activity Program
- Braintree Community Arts Center Summer Programs
- Organized play at neighborhood playgrounds
- “Parties in the Park”
- Family Movie Nights at French’s Common
- Kid’s Day on French’s Common
- Summer Concert Series at Sunset Lake
- Summer Concert at Smith Beach
- Junior Tennis Lessons Program
- Braintree Track Club
- Sail Plus Maritime Program at Wessagussett Yacht Club
- Waterfront Operations at Sunset Lake and Smith Beach
Also, Town properties, including all fields, courts and turf, remain closed for organized sports. No contact sports or activities, pick-up games, organized games or tournaments are permitted on Town properties until further notice. The Splash Pad at Watson Park will also remain closed until further notice.