Commission approves "Bard at Bristow" immersive performance with limited park restrictions

The Parks and Recreation Commission voted to approve a request to hold "Bard at Bristow, an immersive stroll" at the Bristow Bird Sanctuary, with organizers asking for temporary signage and managed access during performance hours.

Ed Livinati, who presented the event plan, described the format as an "immersive stroll": “We are calling it the Bard at Bristow, an immersive stroll,” he said, explaining that small, timed groups will move through multiple scenes and musical vignettes along an accessible path.

Why it matters: organizers said the walking theatrical format uses short, rotating groups to reduce crowding and to protect the sanctuary’s ecology. The event is intended to be family friendly and accessible: the presenter said the main meeting/entrance point is at Mead Park where handicap parking and drop-off are available and that organizers chose a path intended to be wheelchair- and walker-friendly.

Event details and operations: the presenters said groups will enter on a timed schedule (every 15–20 minutes), the full experience will last about 45–50 minutes, and the organizers plan to post signs a week ahead explaining that parts of the park will be used for the event. The presenter said Sunday was chosen to avoid weekend sports conflicts, that there is no formal rain date (the plan is rain or shine with cancellation only for heavy weather), and that rehearsal and staging will occur at times on Friday and Saturday before the Sunday performances.

Commission vote: a motion to approve the event was made and seconded (second recorded as Lindsay). The presiding official asked for those in favor and recorded “Aye,” with no oppositions or abstentions announced in the meeting transcript. No additional permits were issued at the meeting; organizers were directed to follow the town’s private-use process and to appear before the board of selectmen for the required approval.

Ending: Organizers invited commissioners and residents to attend; commissioners wished the event well and noted its longstanding partnership with the town.