Town of Ipswich Shares State Guidelines for Outdoor Recreational Activities and Spaces

IPSWICH — Town Manager Anthony Marino and Public Health Director Colleen Fermon would like to share the state’s guidelines for outdoor activities and spaces, such as parks and tennis courts.

These spaces are open to the public as part of Phase 1 of the state’s reopening plan, and restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of those using the amenities and to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The following guidelines must be followed while using any recreation space or facility:

  • Visitors over the age of 2 must wear face masks or coverings when they cannot maintain a social distance (at least 6 feet) from others. Those under the age of 2 or are unable to do so due to a medical condition do not need to wear a face mask or covering. More information about face masks and coverings can be found here.
  • No groups larger than 10 are allowed to gather. This number includes both instructors and participants for any activity.

Parks and Open Spaces

Walking, hiking, biking, running and other activities like yoga and tai chi are allowed in parks and other designated areas such as rail trails, multi-use trails and bike paths.

While on trails, walkers and hikers should move aside to leave room for others to pass. Cyclists and runners should alert others when they are approaching so that they can step aside to make room for the biker or runner to pass.

Outdoor classes must have a pre-registration process and participants cannot use any shared equipment, tools or materials. Participants must be at least 6 feet apart from each other and activity stations should be at least 12 feet apart from each other. Classes must be less than 10 people, including any staff or instructors.

After visiting these spaces, visitors should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer.

Athletic Fields and Courts

Athletic fields and courts can be used for non-contact sports, such as tennis and pickleball. This includes the track and tennis courts at Ipswich High School. However, the turf field remains closed to the public and cannot be used for any type of sporting activity.

While playing, users should not share equipment and avoid touching others players’ equipment. Players should either wash or sanitize their hands before and after each game, and clean and wipe down their equipment.

Those waiting to use a section of the field or court should wait outside the field of play or the court’s gate/fence until the previous group has left to ensure proper social distancing.

Players should not participate in any pick-up games, organized games or tournaments at this time.

Additional guidance and directions for outdoor recreational activities can be found here.