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Selectmen approve limited Waveney Park vehicle closure for benefit car show
Summary
The board approved closing Waveney Park to vehicular traffic during the June car show day to manage visitor flow and safety; organizers will use passes, volunteers and satellite parking to prevent traffic backups.
The Board of Selectmen on March 25 agreed to close Waveney Park to vehicle traffic for a short, five‑hour car show window to address safety and circulation issues that arose during a larger event last year.
What was approved: The parks and recreation director asked the board to authorize a closure to vehicle traffic only on Oct. 19, 2025, from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., so the special-events committee can limit onsite vehicle movement to registered exhibitors and preserve emergency access. The board approved the request unanimously.
Traffic plan and mitigation: Organizers described a multilevel traffic-management plan that includes exhibitor windshield passes, two designated entry/exit flows for non-registered vehicles (out to Tiger Trail/high school and out toward Lapham/pool), CERT volunteers and police at key points, satellite parking and shuttle buses from offsite lots and electronic signage. CERT volunteers and police will staff entry points so non-registered vehicles can be directed quickly and traffic remains moving.
Fundraising and community benefit: Event fees were described as funding merchant gift certificates and a fund to help vulnerable residents with auto repairs; presenters said the 2024 event raised about $16,000 with $4,000 used for merchant gift certificates and remainder placed in a community assistance fund.
Board context: Selectmen emphasized minimizing traffic backup and ensuring emergency-vehicle access; staff said organizers will communicate strongly with neighbors, sports groups and churches that use the park.
Outcome and next steps: Motion to approve the closure was seconded and recorded as unanimous. Organizers will finalize signage, bus plans and communications and coordinate with DPW, CERT and police.
