Waltham Expands Playground Restrictions Amid Parking Issues

Families delight in the various attractions at the new Waltham playground, designed for inclusivity and fun.

News Summary

Waltham’s new playground on Trapelo Road has become a celebrated destination for families, but rising parking challenges have led city officials to implement restrictions. Starting July, only residents and those with disabilities can reserve weekend parking. On weekdays, parking is open without reservations. The city’s efforts aim to balance the playground’s popularity with community concerns, ensuring an inclusive experience for all visitors while respecting local residents.

Waltham, Massachusetts Expands Playground Restrictions Amid Soaring Popularity and Parking Issues

Waltham, a charming city just a stone’s throw from Boston, has recently found itself at the center of a delightful yet challenging situation. The grand opening of a new playground on Trapelo Road on May 17, 2025, has brought joy to families but also led to some unexpected parking woes. This beautifully designed playground, featuring universal and sensory-friendly elements, a splash pad, mini golf, train rides, a sledding hill, walking paths with fitness areas, and even indoor bathrooms, has quickly become a hotspot for locals and visitors alike.

The playground sits on the historic grounds of the former Walter E. Fernald State School, a site with a painted past dating back to the 1880s, and it aims to honor that history while providing a welcoming space for all ages and abilities. With its stunning features and expansive layout, it’s no surprise that word about this place spread like wildfire across social media, drawing families eager to play and enjoy the outdoors.

However, the increased demand for parking has created some serious challenges. As visitors flocked to the playground, parking conditions quickly became overwhelming, prompting city officials to implement some changes starting in July 2025. As part of a new initiative, guests are now kindly asked to limit their time at the playground to just two hours. To manage the rising number of cars, weekend parking in the playground lots has transformed into a reservation-only system.

New Restrictions for Parking

Beginning July 1, only Waltham residents and individuals with disabilities can reserve parking spots during weekends and holidays, including the upcoming July 4 celebration. This policy has understandably ruffled a few feathers among non-residents who had been planning their summer outings to the area.

On weekdays, things are a bit more relaxed; parking is available for everyone without needing a reservation on non-holiday weekdays. For those who might show up without a reservation, city officials are encouraging visitors to walk, bike, or take ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft to help reduce the congestion.

A City Councilor Acknowledges the Issue

Bill Hanley, a city councilor, has stepped up to acknowledge the overflow parking challenges, noting that visitors parked on nearby streets is a growing issue that needs a long-term solution. The city is actively working on addressing these concerns to ensure that both visitors and locals can coexist peacefully.

Experience the Playground

The playground remains open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., providing ample opportunity for families to enjoy the variety of activities it offers. However, Kim Hebert, Waltham’s director of recreation, has voiced caution about publicizing the park further, hoping to prevent overcrowding for the sake of nearby residents.

At the playground’s opening ceremony, it was impossible to ignore the backdrop of its history, as demonstrators arrived holding signs referencing the legacy of the Fernald School. In response, the park includes memorial grounds and educational signs that reflect on the complex history of the site, ensuring it’s not just a place of play but also of remembrance.

As Waltham navigates these bustling times, city officials are determined to keep the playground a space of inclusion and community, where the spirit of fun cuts through the challenges. With adjustments to parking and continued awareness of the site’s history, the city hopes to create a harmony that benefits all.