Cambridge, MA Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

030 puts the Recreation Commission, or its authorized agents, in charge of issuing every permit for Sunday sports or games on a public park or playground. The permit itself sets the start and end times, and games must begin early enough to finish within that window. At least one police officer has to be assigned to duty on any Sunday a permit is active for a park or playground game. Russell Field carries its own fee structure: permits there are issued at the Commission's discretion, and when admission or any collection is taken, the charge is set by the Commission but cannot go below $25, payable at the Recreation Commission office before the permit issues.

If no admission or collection is taken, there is no charge for the permit. An additional $50 fee applies to any permit for hurling, soccer or Gaelic football on the field, and that money is earmarked for reconditioning or repairing the field. Police protection satisfactory to the Commission must be furnished by the permit holder or organization. 010 lets the City Manager, after consulting neighborhood representatives and with City Council approval, adopt rules for playgrounds under 15,000 square feet, including posted hours, with the rules displayed on-site by sign. 140.