Parks FAQs
Parks
What hours are City parks open?
Parks are open 8:00 am to dusk. If artificially lit park close at 10:00 pm.
When do water parks get turned on?
All water parks get turned on Memorial Day weekend and are turned off in the late fall weather permitting.
What time do water parks open?
The hours for the City’s water parks are as follows:
- Arsenal Park: 8:30 am-8:30 pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, and on weekends when the temperature is higher than 70 degrees. Get directions.
- Filippello Park: 9 am - 8 pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, and on weekends when the temperature is higher than 70 degrees. Get directions.
Which fields are grass?
All fields in Watertown are natural grass fields except the Victory Field Complex on Orchard Street.
How often is grass cut at the City’s parks?
The City cuts the grass at all public parks once a week between the months of April and November.
When do playing fields open?
All playing fields in the City open for play in Mid-April (weather dependent) and close for the year on December 1st (weather dependent).
Who determines when fields should close due to inclement weather?
This decision is left to the discretion of the Parks Supervisor.
Are permits required to use grills to cook out at Arsenal or Filippello Parks?
Yes, a permit must be obtained to use grills at the public parks. Please call the Recreation Department at 617-972-6494 to obtain the necessary permit.
Who is responsible for servicing/fixing Playground Equipment?
The DPW Parks Division is responsible for servicing and fixing all playground equipment in the City. Please report issues on the SeeClickFix website or download the Watertown App and report via "Report Issues with the + button" on your smartphone to report any broken equipment as repairs are the department’s top priority.
Are there bathroom facilities in the Parks?
Yes, all City Parks either have buildings with public access to restrooms or Porta Johns available for use between April 15th and December 1st.
Cemeteries
How do I pre-buy a cemetery plot?
Due to space constraints, it is the City’s policy to not allow pre-need sale of cemetery plots.
Who is eligible to purchase graves and how many can I purchase?
Watertown residents are eligible to purchase graves on an as needed basis. You may purchase one grave which includes 2 full casket burials.
What is the cost to purchase and burial?
The current rates are $1050 for the plot, $800 for each opening and $350 for perpetual care.
What about a monument?
Monument and Markers may be erected subject to approval of the manager or his designee. Lot and section identification must be on the base of the monuments. All monuments must be erected on concrete foundations to be built by the cemetery personnel. Statues are prohibited.
Monuments must be erected during regular working hours – Monday thru Friday between 7:30 AM and 3:00 PM. One monument is allowed per lot, and it must be centered on the lot. The cemetery is not responsible for damage to monuments.
The cost for a foundation is $300, and the cost for a flush marker is $60.
Are plantings allowed?
No. They City cannot be held responsible for anything left at a grave site (I.e. toys, balloons, solar lights, plants, etc.) Cemetery cleanups are performed by the City semiannually.
What are cemetery hours?
All cemeteries are open from dawn to dusk, but they are only staffed Monday through Friday 7am-3pm.
How often are grave side bushes trimmed?
The Cemetery Division trims bushes once per year typically during the month of August.
When is the water turned on/off?
The water in the cemeteries is on between May 1st and November 1st. (weather dependent)
How often is the grass cut?
The grass is cut in the cemeteries once per week during the months of April through November.