[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6223740,"mediaKeyId","3564372-fa57f43a49cc16e6f188edb5be004572","parentId",3564372,"title","Board asks parks department to explain ‘Field use by permit only’ signage after members raise fairness concerns","audioSeconds",183,"startMs",5032000,"endMs",5215000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3564372-fa57f43a49cc16e6f188edb5be004572&start=5032&end=5215","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3564372-fa57f43a49cc16e6f188edb5be004572/thumbnail_5032000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6223740/Lowell-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Board-asks-parks-department-to-explain-Field-use-by-permit-only-signage-after-members-raise-fairness-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6223740-12048d1c6ea6fb1fe80ac808d2d551b3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177475&Signature=bt6PkflIecYdG~0xRYM0jmGAqSXuhXxWvFsklQI7pRpUU2LsHUM5zk5kKl79HC~Agc2GVsZpEWhyr-FoP1ig2SFmLkAyrkP9HWw25D8LzFMW3EBVEeJf2qk6AQoEeWB2p-QBj~5pYQchXmwE1Q0D~nmbQsm7yKRN3xddj3d6GtbSe747fD1l0-quqcE1fs1uuZwLbJ1FALlJ1RHz3zZjpixIeoTL3-M7QHIqf2kmWBgBedzOONRewG36-dLZNeLkLJIgVkw4uAZsiHMLtaTes~bAgDy7d1kCN~VkxYoBegaMvRNLVgUxm6lODC0wvdC9BxZnVDNWJa5taEqPznGPUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lowell City, MA","date","2025-05-29T00:27:22Z","article","Board members on May 20 raised concerns that some Lowell park fields bear “Field use by permit only” signage while other neighborhood fields do not, and they asked the parks department to explain the policy and its application.

Members said the signage appears at some facilities and not at others, and asked whether the signs are intended only to remind outside organizations that organized, permitted activities take precedence. One board member said inconsistent signage can create confusion for residents who may assume all parks are equally available for casual use. The board voted to ask the parks department to send a representative to the next meeting with information about which parks have signage, the rationale for placement, and any intended policy language such as “organized activities require permits.”

Parks staff noted the signs had been placed at certain fields to prevent unsanctioned use by outside groups and to protect turf and scheduling for school and youth teams; board members asked staff to present a standardized explanation and to recommend whether the language should be harmonized across city parks.

Board members said they want clearer public messaging rather than ad hoc signs, and asked parks staff to return with photographic examples, a list of affected fields and recommended wording for signage and any operational changes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lowell Board of Parks - May 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Board members questioned why some city fields carry “use by permit only” signage while others do not and asked parks staff to return with an explanation of where signage is posted and why; the board requested a parks representative at a future meeting.","taxTitle","Lowell City, Middlesex County, Massachusetts","taxId",4223,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6223745,"Board approves June 14 rally permit at Carawack Park, asks organizers and staff to notify police",679,2247000,2926000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3564372-fa57f43a49cc16e6f188edb5be004572&start=2247&end=2926","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3564372-fa57f43a49cc16e6f188edb5be004572/thumbnail_2247000.jpg","/articles/6223745/Lowell-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Board-approves-June-14-rally-permit-at-Carawack-Park-asks-organizers-and-staff-to-notify-police","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6223745-df042415c58a2ca8748f957fd72105ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177475&Signature=iKJWXNvYn8Bgb7HYRY70ltlIHwB-Mq8HdAOt1TI-IaEkQb6li5H7tLJtJS4vKLKIX~XukRl3g-vjnDPjz79BAYu74UMkygFelzZvf07PxkUMoNReQ~yPbcY5tm~-oumO4da02UbswzR29Lh641UEjPdiqKS~XOENV0J0dkYWrvcWj-TrqO~9TbT8scrNuhFbf2Iq24jH9SqQTBsypjq1dc85BCVDP7Mx6dIVNqx-PN0tTqVDQVFyy1AfPhQX2dF~HCgZXc9XTFO~uENDJ-7u-r8IEFv6x70TH1VRYs~cAxcpZFyMf9RtYD7mSl78~iwEjwLPrkQpGpEKg0eN7CC81g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Lowell Board of Parks on May 20 approved a June 14 permit for an Indivisible-affiliated rally at Carawack Park, setting the event for 1–3 p.m. and requiring the organizers and parks staff to notify the Lowell Police Department about the planned gathering.

Judith Durant, representing local organizers, said the rally is part of coordinated statewide and national events; she and board members discussed expected crowd size (organizers projected 50–150 people) and logistics including access to power boxes and public safety plans. The board emphasized that political views expressed at the event do not affect the permit decision; board members said their role is to ensure public safety and that city operations know about the event.

Because some park electrical infrastructure is controlled by the parks department or shared agencies, the board directed organizers to contact the parks department to determine whether on-site electrical outlets are available or whether temporary generators or megaphones should be used. Parks staff noted: if an electrical box is not publicly accessible an electrician or special permission may be required, which could carry extra fees.

The board approved the permit with one explicit condition: the police department must be notified so officers can assess whether traffic control or a police presence is needed. The board said the recreation staff would notify the police about the approved permit and asked the organizers also to confirm directly with the police.","The board granted a permit for an Indivisible-organized rally at Carawack Park on June 14, 1–3 p.m., with the requirement that organizers notify the Lowell Police Department and coordinate with parks operations about power and logistics.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6223750,"Board approves three-month trial for student-built Little Free Library at Shed Park",411,2985000,3396000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3564372-fa57f43a49cc16e6f188edb5be004572&start=2985&end=3396","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3564372-fa57f43a49cc16e6f188edb5be004572/thumbnail_2985000.jpg","/articles/6223750/Lowell-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Board-approves-three-month-trial-for-student-built-Little-Free-Library-at-Shed-Park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6223750-4cb2094026e51959dd1b520c4f32935d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177475&Signature=kD3E935BGd2QqvqNqbny9Qpsql212IACn-06-4ny7jWWojpxU-Z3aKbh0r4IAVmrJ~U-8JIxbEQYWF-L5DX1wnxR~WpK5pPThCuOUVciYaBCthiCCy7y882wokAVGDF6c0XO-wE6nAv3kT4JqLK1pBPQg5JqsgNL1VnfCSmXktClz0lQv1U55yLPkPX2-3vibI-Pyq27gVvt6lN8-X7WO1jNqGIRbU~I21zSMpIP6w8IsHo9WalxeEuH7HNk2TkkXPf3tz7ctXbo2FQWWDRp0E0kLVSoVA2rJZQdxLQuUCj9qYdEVfbDl6DJchIWx1Y3xd2qGMr3wiQx1HP2nuxrCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Lowell Board of Parks on May 20 approved a three-month trial for a student-built Little Free Library at Shed Park, with conditions that volunteers work with parks staff to agree a specific location and accept responsibility for maintenance and damage.

Ellis Dowd, a high-school sophomore, asked the board for permission to install a small community lending box. Board members supported the project as a community literacy effort but repeatedly cautioned that parks operations cannot accept liability for privately built structures placed on park land. A board member proposed the three-month pilot to test location and vandalism risk; the board adopted that plan by voice vote.

The board directed the student group to coordinate with parks department staff on exact siting and size; staff will advise on locations that are out of play lines and visible enough for users. If vandalism or repeated damage occurs during the trial, the board said it would reassess whether to extend permission. If the trial succeeds, the board indicated it would consider an extension or a longer-term approval.

Board members encouraged the students and said the program could be extended if it proves durable; they also emphasized the library must remain removable (no permanent in-ground installation) and that volunteers must manage upkeep and restocking.","Students seeking to install a small take-a-book/leave-a-book box at Shed Park won conditional approval for a three-month trial; the board required coordination with parks staff on placement and warned volunteers the city won't assume responsibility for damage.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6223755,"Lowell parks board approves series of summer permits, waives fees for many community events",370,430000,800000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3564372-fa57f43a49cc16e6f188edb5be004572&start=430&end=800","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3564372-fa57f43a49cc16e6f188edb5be004572/thumbnail_430000.jpg","/articles/6223755/Lowell-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Lowell-parks-board-approves-series-of-summer-permits-waives-fees-for-many-community-events","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6223755-70bff1dd48bafa965bfaecdd4d5e81ae/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177475&Signature=VagjtagYbOga0mmoDFf0Q574EsMfNmAplzKTx2XNf~OdqbE32n2-4PG1LX22nUXEpuXv31QM-Om-r0qKgLQt6VgNWoAW~n7~gOJM3-01FVCxQEkVpJkmiD0JiC5iMEiqikAyAbThYIcnP4KK0oubrEbj418CmkIQdcBRQyhIEMBydphMrFcFD5DpbYDf88822RdWWgUH02x1lggCdI~lwMxpsi27Eja0OukndJXm2RfK8lGxIlXS1Qd2yiggqjKrDmibE1y2R7Dfdhq2pESZpuDVcNNBYUsLubIW6RmjZfAnpQ1vLp1~MXCOeUeQUsUaxCVR9~uqzxKlJXUOHmnV9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Lowell Board of Parks on May 20 approved a broad set of park and field permits for summer 2025, granting no-fee permits for dozens of school and community activities while imposing specific custodial or facility charges on a smaller group of events.

The board approved grouped school requests for field-day and summer-use permits with no fee, and passed motions clearing space and dates for youth-sports clinics, tournaments and community festivals. Organizers who asked for pavilion or custodial services were told those charges would apply: the board approved a $200 custodial/facility fee for a memorial pavilion reservation, and authorized $150 fees for some private rentals and car wash fundraiser dates. Several events received rain dates when requested.

Board members said the agenda that night focused primarily on routine permit business and community events, and they repeatedly emphasized working with parks staff on logistics. Jeffrey Bolan, who requested weekly Wednesday usage at Harry Allen Field for a disability-sports program, told the board the group intended the schedule to serve “kids in disability sports.” The board approved his Harry Allen Field permit for July and August dates with no fee and cleared a related rain-date request.

Other approvals included the annual Salsa in the Park event (permit for July 12 with rain date July 13, no fee), a Community Connections basketball tournament for middle-school–age youth (no fee), and a series of youth-lacrosse and football clinic dates at city fields (no fee for many youth-sports permits, with custodian charges where a custodian is required). The board also approved a number of private birthday and family gatherings; one pavilion reservation carried a $150 fee and another a $200 custodial fee as noted in the motions.

Board members and staff repeatedly reminded organizers to coordinate directly with parks operations for on-site needs such as porta-potties, custodians and access to electrical outlets. When organizers requested port-a-potties or extra trash barrels the board instructed staff to note those needs on permits so crews could supply them. For events requiring custodians—especially weekend and full-day bookings—the board said organizers must pay the custodian fee before the permit is finalized.

Several motions passed unanimously after brief discussion. Where special circumstances existed—such as additional custodial coverage, equipment delivery, or requests to waive established fees—the board handled each as a separate motion. The board did not adopt any new city policy on fees that night; most adjustments were one-time waivers or item-specific decisions.

The board closed the permit block by urging permit holders to follow up with parks staff about logistical details and to pay any required fees promptly so custodians and other services can be scheduled.","At its May 20 meeting the City of Lowell Board of Parks approved a slate of park and field permits for schools, youth sports, cultural events and private gatherings, waiving fees for many organizers while imposing custodial or facility charges on others.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board asks parks department to explain ‘Field use by permit only’ signage after members raise fairness concerns

Board approves June 14 rally permit at Carawack Park, asks organizers and staff to notify police

Board approves three-month trial for student-built Little Free Library at Shed Park

Lowell parks board approves series of summer permits, waives fees for many community events