Frequently Asked Questions

The Parks and Recreation department is located at 4 Holcomb Street Westfield, MA off Court Street. Look for the signs on Court Street. The last left before the Baystate-Noble Hospital in a cream color sided building. Office phone is 572-6263.

No, all registrations must be completed with full payment. Register on online at WESTFIELDMAPARKSREC.COM or mail in form from brochure, use the drop or stop in the Parks and Recreation office 4 Holcomb St.

Most of the programs we can accommodate your request unless it requires a tryout or skills assessment. Please put your request on line or on the registration form.

Yes. Some programs fill up quickly. If they are full you will be added to the wait list.

Yes, the request must be received three working days before the program starts. A $10.00 cancellation fee applies. You must complete a vendor form and send along a letter requesting why you want a refund. Refunds take three weeks to process. You can always keep a credit on your household for future programs. Once you have placed a credit on your household you cannot transfer it back to a refund.

We don’t want to have any child left behind due to economic setbacks. The department has a Scholarship Fund to help. The fund will subsidize the program fee for a youth participant 17 years of age or younger or a student in High school. See Scholarship form and requirements.

Yes. The department has always had a policy of first come first serve. When an opening comes up we call those on the waiting list.

Yes. The Park and Recreation department has a program in the summer called Adventure Zone. Full childcare Ages 5-12 a full day camp. Hours 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Participants bring a lunch with ice pack or cooler, water and snacks. Call the department with any questions or attend our parent meeting listed in our brochure. All payments are due the Friday before each Monday online or in person. The staff does not accept payments for the program, only field trip payments. A newsletter will go out each week letting you know what field trips are scheduled. Adventure Zone will offer a rich program experience for participants. Activities include, but not limited to arts and crafts, sports, tournaments, field trips, swimming once a week, guest speakers and visits to the spray park.

The department will advertise for Seasonal positions in Westfield Newspaper. Positions are also listed on the Personnel City Website.

Yes youth can volunteer during the summer only.  Call the department for a Volunteer Packet and list where you would like to volunteer. Some programs are looking for coaches. If you want to coach your child’s team please write it on your registration form. All volunteer coaches require a CORI/SORI Criminal Back ground Check and read then sign the Conflict of Interest Law form.

The department has a scholarship Fund. All donations are made payable to: Parks and Recreation Scholarship Fund or “Add Up” on line or on your registration form.

Under permits use of areas parks and facilities. You will need to call the office at 572-6263 well in advance to get your name on the next agenda for approval by the commission. And drop-off use of area permit to the parks and recreation office. 4 Holcomb St. Please keep in mind, we have a once a month commission meeting.

Contact us at the Parks and Recreation Department at 413-572-6263. We replace all flags in parks each spring in May. If you see a torn flag in a park please call us in the office.

We do not reserve the areas, however you can plan a birthday party, Please keep in mind, that other younger children will be at the park and will wonder why they cannot have any cake or ice cream. Please pick up trash and wash tables down after the event. Please inform your guest’s parent/guardians, that there is no smoking or alcohol allowed at any playground or park per city ordinances. Thank you!

Yes, you may as long as the owners’ of the dogs pick up after them using the dog dispensers. Please pick up any trash after the event and remind all other owners of the rules before entering the gate - including no smoking, or alcohol allowed per city ordinance. Thank you!

Dog Park Rules and Guidelines
Upon entering the dog park, you agree to follow the safety rules and guidelines for the dog area:

• Leash your dog when entering and exiting the dog area and IMMEDIATELY upon any sign of aggression.
• Keep your dog within view and under control. Never leave your dog unattended.
• Clean up after your dog anywhere in the park. Plastic bags and poop dispensers are available on premise in order keep the park healthy and beautiful for all to enjoy.
• Limit (2) dogs per visit.
• Do not bring in aggressive dogs, female dogs in heat, very young puppies, and sick dogs. Dogs displaying aggressive behavior will be asked to leave.
• Smoking, food, and drink (except for training treats) are not allowed within the dog enclosure.
• Young children under the age of 8 are NOT ALLOWED in the enclosed area for their safety and children younger than 16 will have to be accompanied by an adult.
• Dogs must be licensed dogs and up to date with vaccinations.
• Dog tags must be worn or proper documentation must be accessible.
• Respect the park and everything in it, including animals. The park has been unused for many years, please keep all animal habitats clean and be careful of the wildlife. Be on your guard and watch your children at all times. Please help to keep this park clean of litter and use the trash barrels. And remember to pick up after your dog (s) with the waste bags and drop into dispensers.
• These rules are listed on our website here.