Summer concert series set to go ahead, other programs cancelled

May 5, 2020

The town’s summer concert series will be continuing as planned — for now. 

Parks and Recreation Director Tim Lancaster stated the plans in a video update on May 4, adding that the department will wait for further guidance from Governor Charlie Baker later this month.

The concert series is slated to kick off with New Bedford-based ska band the NB Rude Boys on June 10, then continue every Wednesday in the summer until August 26.

The full schedule is available on the town’s website.

Lancaster also said that although the department is currently operating with minimal staff, its priority is to keep maintaining the town’s recreational areas and green spaces, with special attention to cemeteries ahead of Memorial Day.

He said parks are currently open for passive recreational use, while the use of active facilities such as baseball fields remains suspended.

But with an increase in littering in the town’s parks and trails, he noted, the department may have to close the facilities entirely. 

“We hope that this activity ceases,” he said. “The last thing we want to do is to be forced to close those facilities to the public.”

Summer recreation programs have been suspended for the time being.

Lancaster also announced that beach sticker sales are suspended until officials decide what services can be made available.

Currently, he said, there are not enough lifeguards to staff the town’s beaches this year due to lifeguarding classes being cancelled during the pandemic.

“We’re all anxious for the return to normalcy, but know we must be patient before it is safe to do so,” he said.