Lawrence, MA Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- LMC § 12.24.100
- Permitting official
- Director, Dept. of Public Works
- Filing deadline
- At least 6 hours before use
- Permit grants
- Exclusive right to reserved area
- Maximum fine
- $300 per offense (§ 1.16.10)
- Larger events
- Handled under § 12.24.020 instead
Summary
Reserving exclusive use of a Lawrence city park or playground for games requires a written permit from the director of the Department of Public Works. Applications must be filed at the DPW office at least six hours before the desired use, and no one may interfere with a permit holder's exclusive access.
No person shall have the exclusive right to engage in any games in any park or playground of the city, or any part thereof, except upon a written permit from the director of the department of public works. Application for such permit shall be made at the office of the department of public works at least six hours before the time of which the use of the park or playground is desired. No person shall interfere in any way with any person having a permit for the exclusive right to any park or playground, or any part thereof, while engaged in any game.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 8).
Full Breakdown
24 (Public Parks, Playgrounds and Similar City-Owned Properties), is Lawrence's mechanism for reserving exclusive use of park or playground space: no person may claim the exclusive right to engage in any games in a park or playground, or any part of it, without a written permit from the director of the Department of Public Works. 28 requires for parades. Once granted, the permit is protected: the section separately bars anyone from interfering with a permit holder's exclusive right to the reserved park or playground while play is underway.
050 requires separate written DPW permission before discharging firearms, building fires or setting off fireworks on park grounds. 10: a fine of not more than $300 per offense, with each day of continued violation counted separately. 110.
Violations & Fines
Using a Lawrence park or playground for exclusive games without first securing a written DPW permit, or interfering with someone who holds one under Section 12.24.100, is punishable under the general penalty in Section 1.16.10: a fine of not more than $300 per offense, with every additional day of violation counted as a separate offense. The Department of Public Works and Lawrence Police enforce Chapter 12.24's park-use rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reserve a Lawrence park for a game?
Can someone else use my reserved park space during my permit?
Is a carnival or exhibition handled the same way as a games permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lawrence
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