free parking – Parking will be free at all Massachusetts state parks and beaches from July 3 to July 5, Gov. Maura Healey announced, waiving typical Department of Conservation and Recreation fees as a nod to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Officials say par
For a lot of families, the Fourth of July weekend starts with a familiar calculation: how much parking will cost once you arrive. This year, Massachusetts is changing that math at its state parks and beaches.
Parking at all Department of Conservation and Recreation, or DCR, sites will be free over the holiday weekend. Gov. Maura Healey announced Thursday that the typical parking fee at all DCR properties will be waived from July 3 to July 5.
Healey framed the move as part of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
“We want people to enjoy the Fourth of July weekend, especially as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding,” Healey said. “In recognition of that, we’re making parking at all of our state properties free this weekend.”
DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle called the Fourth of July weekend the “busiest weekend of the year.” She said the waiver will be implemented across the department’s paid parking system and will operate on a first come, first served basis.
“By waiving parking fees. we’re making it easier for more people to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate in the places that belong to all of us. ” LaChapelle said. “As we mark the 250th anniversary of our nation. we look forward to welcoming visitors to our properties across the state. and we encourage everyone to plan ahead and enjoy the time outdoors.”.
Even with free parking, officials said the practical reality of peak summer crowds still applies. High-demand locations may still close if their parking lots reach capacity. The state encouraged residents and visitors to check the DCR Park Alerts webpage to plan ahead.
The holiday plans are landing amid a separate wave of weekend confusion on the North Shore. Several North Shore beaches were closed after two sewer main breaks in Haverhill sent approximately 8 million gallons of untreated sewage into the Merrimack River.
State agencies worked alongside Haverhill officials to install a temporary bypass pipe to end the discharge. Healey announced Wednesday that the operation was successful.
Ahead of the holiday weekend, some state beaches were reopened to the public, while others remain closed due to water quality issues. A full, regularly updated list of which beaches are closed is available on the state’s site.
Fourth of July free parking Massachusetts state parks beaches Department of Conservation and Recreation DCR Park Alerts Maura Healey Nicole LaChapelle American Revolution 250th Merrimack River Haverhill sewer main breaks
Free parking? So they’re just letting people clog the lots all weekend then like always.
This is nice I guess but check it says first come first served so basically no one wins. Also why only July 3-5? Isn’t the 4th the whole point lol.
Wait, does this mean the beaches in Haverhill are open now? Because I heard there was sewage in the river and that’s not something you can just “fix” before the holiday. People are gonna go anyway.
They’re doing it for the 250th anniversary which is cool but I’m not convinced it matters when the water quality stuff is still a mess. Like they say check the Park Alerts page… who even does that on a holiday weekend? Also I thought Massachusetts already had free parking at state parks sometimes, maybe I’m thinking of New Hampshire.