Superintendent's Compendium (FRLA/JOFI/LONG)

The Superintendent’s Compendium is the summary of park specific rules implemented under 36 Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR). It serves as public notice, identifies areas closed to public use, provides a list of activities requiring either a special use permit or reservation, and elaborates on public use and resource protection regulations pertaining specifically to the administration of the park. The Superintendent’s Compendium does not repeat regulations found in 36 CFR and other United States Code and CFR Titles, which are enforced without further elaboration at the parks.

Approved by: Jason Newman, Superintendent, February 6, 2026.

 

 

In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations ("36 CFR"), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by Title 54 USC § 100101 et seq., the following provisions apply to all lands administered by the National Park Service (NPS), within the boundaries of Frederick Law Olmsted (FRLA), Longfellow House–Washington's Headquarters (LONG), and John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JOFI) National Historic Sites (the parks). Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7.

Written determinations, which explain the reasoning behind the Superintendent's use of discretionary authority, as required by Section 1.5(c), appear in this document identified by italicized print.

36 CFR §1.5 – Visiting Hours, Public Use Limits, Closures, and Area Designations for Specific Uses Or Activities

(a)(1) The following visiting hours and public use limits are established for all or for the listed portions of the parks, and the following closures are established for all or a portion of the parks to all public use or to a certain use or activity:

Visiting Hours

• The grounds of all three parks:
  • Year-round, daily from sunrise to sunset
• Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site
  • Tour programs and schedules are posted at www.nps.gov/frla/planyourvisit/hours.htm
  • Ranger-guided walk-in tours:
    • Late May to mid-June: Thursday-Friday
    • Mid-June to late October: Thursday-Sunday
  • Ranger-guided group tours:
    • Year-round by appointment
  • Good Neighbors education program:
    • Late September to early November by appointment
  • Archival research
    • Year-round by appointment
• John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site
  • Tour programs and schedules are posted at www.nps.gov/jofi/planyourvisit/hours.htm
  • Ranger-guided walk-in tours:
    • Late May to late October: Thursday-Sunday
  • Ranger-guided group tours:
    • Year-round by appointment
  • Education programs:
    • Year-round by appointment
• Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site
  • Tour programs and schedules are posted at www.nps.gov/long/planyourvisit/hours.htm
  • Ranger-guided walk-in tours:
    • Late May to late October: Friday-Monday
  • Ranger-guided group tours:
    • Late May to late October by appointment: Thursdays
    • November to late May by appointment: Fridays
  • Education programs:
    • By appointment
  • Archival research:
    • Year-round by appointment

Determination: This restriction is necessary for the proper management of the parks. Given operational limitations, these visiting hours are in the best interests of the public and parks.

Public Use Limits

Except for the self-guided exhibits at Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site, the historic building interiors are available to see by ranger-guided tour only. Tours are given on a first-come, first-served basis at scheduled times (check park websites).

Determination: This restriction is necessary for the safety and security of park visitors and staff and the preservation of the parks’ historic and cultural resources. Space in the historic homes is limited and contain original furnishings and museum collections. Visitor access is limited to preserve and protect the structures and their contents.

• Tours of the historic buildings are limited to the following carrying capacities for each tour conducted:
  • Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site: 12 people maximum
  • John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site: 10 people maximum
  • Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site: 12 people maximum

Determination: This restriction is necessary for the safety and security of park visitors and staff and the preservation of the parks’ historic and cultural resources. Space in the historic homes is limited and contain original furnishings and museum collections. Visitor numbers are limited to preserve and protect the structures and their contents.

Pocketbooks, large bags, and backpacks are never permitted in historic houses and may not be left unattended at any time. Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site and John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site both offer locked storage facilities.

Determination: This restriction is necessary for the preservation of the parks’ historic and cultural resources. Space in the historic homes is limited and contain original furnishings and museum collections. Bag size restrictions are required to preserve and protect the structures and their contents.

Closures

• Any or all areas may be closed to public use, or a special use permit or authorization may be cancelled, at the discretion of the Superintendent or his/her designee when an emergency or potentially hazardous condition exists.
• On extremely rare occasions, the Superintendent may close one or two of the parks to reallocate staffing to support a special event at the third park.
• The exterior porches of Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters are always closed to the public. This includes the large, elevated porches that run along the east and west sides of the building, as well as the smaller elevated porch near the northwest corner of the building. Roped off staircases denote the closures.

Determination: This restriction is necessary for the safety and security of park visitors and staff and the preservation of the parks’ historic and cultural resources. In the event of any unsafe conditions that may jeopardize the safety of people, park facilities may be closed if it is determined that specific course of action will mitigate the unsafe condition(s).

(a)(2) The following areas have been designated for a specific use or activity, under the conditions and/or restrictions as noted:

Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording

Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity may require a permit, consistent with 54 U.S.C. 100905.

• Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity that occurs in closed areas, requires exclusive use of a site or area, or involves a set or staging equipment other than handheld equipment (such as a tripod, monopod, and handheld lighting equipment) requires a permit, unless the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
• Filming, still photography, and audio recording that involves more than eight individuals requires a permit, unless the NPS has specifically notified an individual or group that a permit is not required, or if the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
• If a permit is required for the reasons stated above, or if the NPS otherwise determines and then notifies an individual or group that a permit is required for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity, then engaging in that activity without a permit is prohibited. Violating a term or condition of a permit issued by the NPS for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity is prohibited, and may result in the suspension or revocation of the permit, in addition to any penalties that may apply under 36 CFR 1.3.

Determination: Federal law at 54 U.S.C. 100905 states that permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording in park areas if certain requirements are met. These requirements address various topics, including, but not limited to, group size, location, equipment, potential impacts to resources and visitors, and the likelihood that the NPS will incur related administrative costs. If any of these requirements are not met, the law allows the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the NPS, to require a permit for the subject activity. Permit requirements are imposed by the Superintendent under discretionary authority provided by 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2), which allows the Superintendent to impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity, consistent with applicable legislation, to implement management responsibilities. The general regulations for permits in 36 CFR 1.6 do not apply to permits issued for filming, still photography, and audio recording, which instead are governed by the statutory provisions in 54 U.S.C. 100905. The imposition of permit requirements, on a case-by-case basis, for filming, still photography, or audio recording does not require rulemaking under 36 CFR 1.5(b). Requiring a permit with reasonable terms and conditions in accordance with statutory requirements at 54 U.S.C. 100905 is not highly controversial, will not result in a significant alteration in the public use pattern of the System unit, will not adversely affect the System unit’s natural, aesthetic, scenic or cultural values, or require a long-term or significant modification in the resource management objectives of the System unit, because the permit requirement is limited in time and scope to the specific activities authorized by the permit, which contain terms and conditions that protect the values, resources, and visitors of the System unit, and implements federal law.

Use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft

Launching, landing, or operating an uncrewed or remotely piloted aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Frederick Law Olmsted, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, and Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Sites are prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.

Determination: This restriction is necessary to prevent unacceptable impacts to park resources and values from the use of uncrewed aircraft. Potential impacts include harming visitors, interfering with rescue operations, causing excessive noise, impacting viewsheds, and disturbing wildlife. This restriction is required by NPS Reference Manual #60: Aviation Management, Chapter 12 – Uncrewed Aircraft Systems.

36 CFR §1.6 – Activities That Require a Permit

Engaging in the following activities without first obtaining the required permit is prohibited:

• Some filming, still photography, and audio recording (depends upon the facts and circumstances; contact the park for more information and/or visit www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/film-and-photo-permits.htm). 36 CFR §1.5(a)(2) and 54 U.S.C. 100905.
• Collecting research specimens (plants, wildlife, rocks, or minerals), 36 CFR §2.5(a)
• Operating an unauthorized public address system in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51, 36 CFR §2.12(a)(4)
• Noncommercial soliciting, 36 CFR §2.37
• Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events, 36 CFR §2.50(a)
• Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades, and other public expressions for groups greater than 25 people, 36 CFR §2.51(a)
• Sale or distribution of printed matter for groups greater than 25 people, 36 CFR §2.52(a)
• Engaging in or soliciting any business (requires a permit, contract, or other written agreement with the U.S.), 36 CFR §5.3

More information about applying for special use permits may be found on the parks’ websites at:

• Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site: www.nps.gov/frla/learn/management/special-use-permits.htm
• John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site: www.nps.gov/jofi/learn/management/special-use-permits.htm
• Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site: www.nps.gov/long /learn/management/special-use-permits.htm

36 CFR §2.1 – Preservation of Natural, Cultural, and Archeological Resources

(a)(4) Wood gathering is prohibited throughout the parks.

Determination: This restriction is necessary to preserve standing dead, down, and live wood, which provides habitat for cavity-nesting species and insects.

(a)(5) Climbing on park buildings, landscape structures, monuments, and trees is prohibited throughout the parks.

Determination: This restriction is necessary for the safety and security of park visitors and staff and the preservation of the parks’ natural, historic, and cultural resources.

(c)(2) Gathering fruits, berries, nuts, flowers, and/or unoccupied shells is prohibited throughout the parks.

Determination: This restriction is necessary because collection can adversely impact plant propagation and wildlife food sources.

36 CFR §2.4 – Weapons

Individuals are authorized to possess, carry, and transport concealed, loaded, and operable firearms within NPS areas in accordance with applicable state and federal law. Possession of firearms is prohibited in Federally owned or leased buildings. The law regarding discharge of firearms remains unchanged.

Determination: The wording of this restriction reflects implementation of 512, P.L. 111-24, Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, 123 Stat. 1764-65 § 512 effective February 22, 2010.

36 CFR §2.10 – Camping and Food Storage

(a) Camping and food storage is prohibited throughout the parks.

Determination: This restriction is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental and scenic values, protection of natural and cultural resources, and the implementation of management responsibilities.

(d) Food storage is prohibited throughout the parks.

Determination: This restriction is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental and scenic values, protection of natural and cultural resources, and the implementation of management responsibilities.

36 CFR §2.11 – Picnicking

Picnicking is permitted on the lawn areas of Frederick Law Olmsted and Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Sites and the backyard lawn of the John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site. Visitors are expected to clean up after themselves and dispose of waste properly.

Determination: This restriction is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental and scenic values, protection of natural and cultural resources, and the implementation of management responsibilities.

36 CFR §2.13 – Fires

(a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of any fires is prohibited throughout the parks.

Determination: This restriction is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental and scenic values, protection of natural and cultural resources, and the implementation of management responsibilities.

36 CFR §2.15 – Pets

§2.15(a)(5) Any person having possession, custody or control of any dog or other animal that defecates in any area of the parks shall be required to immediately remove the feces. Pet excrement collected anywhere in the parks must be removed from the parks.

Determination: This restriction is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, and protection of natural and cultural resources. Proper disposal of pet waste eliminates water quality, health, and aesthetic hazards.

36 CFR §2.22 – Property

(a)(2) Leaving personal property unattended for longer than 24 hours is prohibited throughout the parks.

Determination: This restriction is necessary for the maintenance of public safety.

36 CFR §2.35 – Alcoholic Beverages and Controlled Substances

(a)(3)(i) Consumption of alcoholic beverages, and/or the possession of a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or has been opened, or whose seal has been broken or the contents of which have been partially removed are prohibited throughout the parks. Alcoholic beverages may only be consumed on park property pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.

Determination: This restriction is necessary for the maintenance of public safety. Areas where the public engages in business with the government or is participating in educational opportunities are not appropriate for alcohol consumption.

36 CFR §2.50 – Special Events

(a) Special events are allowed, provided there is a meaningful association between the park area and the events, the observance contributes to visitor understanding of the significance of the park area, and a permit therefore has been issued by the Superintendent.

More information about applying for special use permits may be found on the parks’ websites at:

• Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site: www.nps.gov/frla/learn/management/special-use-permits.htm
• John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site: www.nps.gov/jofi/learn/management/special-use-permits.htm
• Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site: www.nps.gov/long /learn/management/special-use-permits.htm

Determination: The permit process allows NPS to protect park resources and guarantees groups a priority for a space when multiple groups or individual demonstrators want to use a designated area in a park.

36 CFR §2.51 – Demonstrations

(b) Demonstrations are allowed within park areas designated as available under paragraph (c)(2) when the superintendent has issued a permit for the activity.

(b)(1) Demonstrations involving 25 persons or fewer may be held without a permit within the designated areas under (c)(2).

(c)(2)

• Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site: South lawn between the circular drive and the Jefferson elm tree
• John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site: Backyard area away from the sidewalk
• Longfellow House - Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site: West portion of the front forecourt

 

 

More information about applying for special use permits may be found on the parks’ websites at:

• Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site: www.nps.gov/frla/learn/management/special-use-permits.htm
• John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site: www.nps.gov/jofi/learn/management/special-use-permits.htm
• Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site: www.nps.gov/long /learn/management/special-use-permits.htm

Determination: The permit process allows NPS to protect park resources and guarantees groups a priority for a space when multiple groups or individual demonstrators want to use a designated area in a park.

36 CFR §2.52 – Sale or Distribution of Printed Matter

(b) The sale or distribution of printed matter by 25 people or fewer, and the free distribution of other message-bearing items without asking for or demanding payment or donation, is allowed within the park areas designated as available under §2.51(c)(2).

The sale or distribution of printed matter by more than 25 people is only allowed within designated park areas when the Superintendent has issued a permit.

Determination: The permit process allows NPS to protect park resources and guarantees groups a priority for a space when multiple groups or individual demonstrators want to use a designated first amendment area in a park.

36 CFR §2.62 – Memorialization

(b) The scattering of human ashes from cremation is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.

Determination: This restriction is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, and protection of natural and cultural resources.

36 CFR §4.30 – Bicycles

(f) The use of a bicycle is prohibited except on driveways and in parking areas. Bicycle racks (accessible via driveways and walkways) are located at the rear of the buildings. There are no bicycle routes designated through any of the parks.

Determination: This restriction is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, and the protection of natural and cultural resources.

(i)(1) E-bikes are allowed where traditional bicycles are allowed. E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited.

A person operating an e-bike is subject to the following sections of 36 CFR part 4 that apply to the use of traditional bicycles: sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, and 4.30(h)(2)-(5).

Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within the parks is governed by State law, which is adopted and made a part of this Compendium. Any violation of State law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.

The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 hp).

Determination: This restriction is required due to Federal rules related to e-bikes.

36 CFR §5.1 – Advertisements

Commercial notices or advertisements shall not be displayed, posted, or distributed on federally owned or controlled lands within a park area unless prior written permission has been given by the Superintendent.

Determination: This restriction is necessary for the protection of natural and cultural resources.

36 CFR §5.6 – Commercial Vehicles

(b) & (c) Using commercial vehicles on government driveways within these park areas when such use is in no way connected with the operation of the parks is generally prohibited and requires permission or a permit from the Superintendent.

Determination: This restriction is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, and protection of natural and cultural resources.