Superintendent's Compendium

Here you will find the 2022 Superintendent’s Compendium Of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority. Approved by Kelly Fellner, Superintendent.

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 16 United States Code, Section 3, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Springfield Armory National Historic Site. 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.

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 16 United States Code, Section 3, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Springfield Armory National Historic Site. 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, public use limits, and closures are established:

Visiting Hours:

• The Armory Museum operating hours beginning July 2, 2021 for the Armory Museum and historic grounds will be Wednesday-Sunday from:9:30am to 4:00pm. Any changes to operating hours will be determined based on assessment of public health and safety guidelines in an effort to minimize the risks associated with the COVID 19 pandemic.

These visiting hours were determined to be in the best interests of the park and are necessary for the proper management of the park

Public Use Limits

• The general public is prohibited from possessing and/or consuming food or beverages inside the visitor center and museum.

The visitor center and museum contain historic museum artifacts and are contained within a historic building. Food and beverage consumption is restricted in this area to help protect the resources of the park.

Closures:

These closures are established to protect the lives of visitors and employees, preserve the park’s resources, and fulfill the park’s mission. They are the minimum restrictions necessary to achieve such protection.

• The park Superintendent may, due to severe weather or safety concerns, close park facilities.

Visitor and staff safety are paramount. 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).

• The following roadways are closed to general vehicle traffic (see appendix for map):
  • The driveway east of the Commanding Officers Quarters
  • The circular drive south of the Commanding Officers Quarters
  • The loop road running behind and around the Main Arsenal
  • The road leading to the gate at Byers and State Streets

• The primary route for a vehicle, e-bike (classes 1, 2, and 3) and bicycle through the park is the road running in front of the Main Arsenal Building. The remaining paved roads are not through ways and are primarily used by pedestrians.
  • The term e-bike is defined as a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 hp.) that provides propulsion assistance.
  • Bicycles, including all classes of pedal-assist e-bikes, are not permitted on the lawns, gardens, meadows, pedestrian walkways and trails of the park

Maintenance of the manicured cultural landscape of the park is crucial for interpreting the historic scene and fulfilling the park mission. Bicycling in these areas is incompatible with preservation maintenance and poses a safety threat to visitors/pedestrians.The park is closed to recreational, sporting, or other activities during all seasons that potentially detract from the historic setting of the park, resulting in conflict among visitor use activities, or threaten natural or cultural resources.
Activities that restrict the park’s mission to preserve and interpret the resources and history of Springfield Armory is prohibited.

• The park is closed to public camping

In order to preserve the historic landscape and ensure the security of the site and its resources, the park is closed to camping by the general public

• Unmanned Aircraft: Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Springfield Armory National Historic Site is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.
  • The term "unmanned aircraft" is defined as a devise that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the devise, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the devise (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devises that meet this definition (e.9., model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.

(a)(2) The following areas are designated for a specific use or activity and/or the following conditions or restrictions are imposed on a specific use or activity:

Face Covering Requirement

• When the COVID-19 Community Level is LOW or MEDIUM in the county or all the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals are not required to wear masks.
• When the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in the county or all the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the CDC, all individuals over the age of two must wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, in all common areas and shared workspaces in buildings owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the National Park Service, including, but not limited to, park visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, gift shops and restaurants.
• When the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in one or more, but not all, of the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the CDC, the superintendent will determine whether individuals are required to wear masks. The requirement, if any, will apply to all facilities within the park.
• Masks must cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face. Masks not designed to be protective, masks with ventilation valves, and face shields do not meet the requirement.
• Regardless of the COVID-19 Community Level, individuals may wear masks if they choose to do so. Where a state, local, tribal, or territorial government where the park is located imposes more protective mask-wearing requirements than those indicated by the COVID-19 Community Level, individuals must follow those more protective requirements within the park. More protective state, local, tribal, or territorial mask-wearing requirements are hereby adopted as federal requirements in all units of the National Park System located within that state, locality, area subject to a federally recognized Indian tribe’s regulatory jurisdiction, or territory, regardless of a particular park’s jurisdictional status.
• Additionally, all individuals must wear masks in or on public transportation conveyances and transportation hubs/facilities, to the extent required by current orders or directives issued by the CDC, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), or other federal agencies with jurisdiction over those conveyances or areas. As of March 4, 2022, CDC and TSA orders or directives require all individuals regardless of vaccination status to wear masks in indoor areas of all forms of public transportation conveyances, including busses, trains, and boats/ferries, and in the indoor premises of transportation hubs/facilities. Individuals are not required to wear masks while outdoors on conveyances or while outdoors on the premises of transportation hubs/facilities.

First Amendment

• The designated areas for demonstrations are an area to the northeast of the Main Arsenal Building, and an area on the grass to the south of the circular driveway of Quarters 1 and to the northwest of the road behind the Main Arsenal building. A Special Use Permit is required as outlined in section §1.6. For reference see map at the end of this document.

These areas were determined in order to maintain visitor and staff safety

CTV Policy Statement

• In accordance with National Park Service Law Enforcement Reference Manual 9 (RM-9), notice is hereby given that Springfield Armory National Historic Site uses Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) security camera monitoring.
• The park’s use of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) for law enforcement and security purposes will only be to visually monitor public park areas and public activities where no constitutionally protected reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Such CCTV use – which will have adequate privacy and First Amendment safeguards – will be to help ensure public safety and security; facilitate the detection, investigation, prevention, and deterrence of terrorist attack and crime; help ensure the safety of citizens and officers; help assist in the proper allocation and deployment of law enforcement and public safety resources; and help facilitate the protection of the innocent and the apprehension and prosecution of criminals. (RM-9, 26.1)
• This policy does not restrict the official use of CCTV in government administrative areas, including administrative buildings, jail holding facilities (RM-9, 26.3.7), revenue collection sites, etc., where the government may record/monitor its facilities. For example, the government may perform unrestricted video/audio recording at revenue collection points (entrance stations, visitor center counters, etc.). This policy does not restrict the use of an Audio/Visual Recording Device (AVRD) in patrol vehicles or officer-worn recording devices used by commissioned rangers. (RM-9, 26.1). Operation of CCTV cameras, maintenance of recorded images and use of recorded images will be in accordance with NPS and Department policy and applicable laws and regulations. (RM-9, 26.1-26.4) No person will be targeted or monitored merely because of race, religion, gender, sex, disability, national origin, or political affiliation or views. (RM-9, 26.4.2)

Nothing in this policy statement is intended to create any rights, privileges, or benefits not otherwise recognized by law

Parking

• Parking is restricted to times and days as posted with signs or painted words within the paved areas on the north side of the street opposite the Main Armory Building. Parking is restricted to park visitors or those conducting business with or on behalf of the National Park Service. Parking is not permitted in any other areas, unless specific permission is given, or under the terms of a permit. See Appendix C.

Parking areas and vehicle access are designated to achieve safety for visitors and staff and to protect the cultural and natural resources of the parkPassenger Carrying Buses:

• Engines must be shut down when not underway

The idling of bus engines adds unnecessary exhaust fumes to the air and diminishes the enjoyment by visitors of the peace and tranquility of the park.

36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT

Activities requiring a permit are listed above under Public Use Limits and throughout this document under the specific 36 CFR Section that authorizes or requires the issuance of a permit.

To apply for a permit contact the park by writing, calling, or emailing:

Special Use Permit Coordinator
Springfield Armory National Historic Site
One Armory Square, Suite 2
Springfield, MA 01105-1299
[phone]
[e-mail]

36 CFR §2.1 – PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

Under §2.1(a)(1), possessing, destroying, injuring, defacing, removing, digging or disturbing the following from its natural state is prohibited: (i) Living or dead wildlife or fish, or the parts or products thereof, such as antlers or nests; (ii) Plants or the parts or products thereof; (iii) Nonfossilized and fossilized paleontological specimens, cultural or archaeology resources, or the parts thereof; (iv) A mineral resource or cave formation or the parts thereof.However, pursuant to §2.1(c), the following fruits, nuts, berries or unoccupied seashells may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption, in accordance with the noted size, quantity, collection sites and/or possession and consumption restrictions:

• Fallen fruit or nuts only. No quantity restrictions.
• Cutting or picking of tree blooms, fruit or flowers is prohibited

The above described gathering and consumption of fallen fruit or nuts will not adversely affect park wildlife, the reproductive potential of a plant species, or otherwise adversely affect park resources. In an effort to reestablish historic plantings, cutting or picking of tree blooms, fruit or flowers is prohibited.

36 CFR §2.5 – RESEARCH SPECIMENS

(a) Taking plants, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals is prohibited except in accordance with other regulations of Chapter I of 36 CFR or pursuant to the terms and conditions of a specimen collection permit.

36 CFR §2.10 – CAMPING AND FOOD STORAGE

(a) Camping is allowed in the following designated sites or areas and is subject to the following established conditions:

• The park is closed to public camping, except pursuant to a special use permit. See also 36 CFR § 1.5 “Closures.”

36 CFR §2.12 – AUDIO DISTURBANCES

(a)(2) Operating a power saw in developed areas is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.

(a)(3) Operating any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine in non-developed areas is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.

(a)(4) Operating a public address system is prohibited, except 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 §2.19 – WINTER ACTIVITIES

(a) Skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, sledding, inner tubing, tobogganing, and similar winter sports are prohibited on park roads and in parking areas open to motor vehicle traffic, except under the conditions below:

• These activities are prohibited in all areas of the park pursuant to § 1.5(a)(1) Closures. See § 1.5 of this document.

36 CFR §2.21 – SMOKING

(a) The following portions of the park, buildings, structures and/or facilities are closed to smoking as noted:

• Smoking is prohibited in all buildings, park offices, visitor facilities, maintenance facilities and government vehicles, and within a 25-foot radius of doors, windows, air intake ducts.

This designation is based on Executive Order 13058, published in the August 13, 1997 Federal Register for the protection of visitors and park staff. It is also designed to protect park resources and reduce the risk of fire.

36 CFR §2.35 – ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

(a)(3)(i) The following areas and facilities within the park are closed to consumption of alcoholic beverages, and/or to 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:

• The entire park is closed to the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages, except pursuant to a special use permit.

The park is closed to alcohol consumption because such activity is inappropriate considering the other uses of the park and the purpose for which the park was established and is maintained.

36 CFR §2.37 – NONCOMMERCIAL SOLICITING

Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods or services is prohibited except pursuant to the terms and conditions or a permit that has been issued under §2.50, §2.51, or §2.52.

36 CFR §2.38 – EXPLOSIVES

(a) Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives, blasting agents or explosive materials is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit. When permitted, the use, possession, storage and transportation shall be in accordance with applicable Federal and State laws.

(b) Using, or possessing fireworks and firecrackers is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit and in accordance with applicable State law.

36 CFR §2.50 – SPECIAL EVENTS

(a) Sports events, pageants, regattas, public spectator attractions, entertainments, ceremonies, and similar events are allowed, provided there is a meaningful association between the park area and the events, and the observance contributes to visitor understanding of the significance of the park area, and a permit therefor has been issued by the superintendent.

36 CFR §2.51 -- DEMONSTRATIONS

(b) Demonstrations of 25 people or less are allowed within the park areas designated as available under paragraph (c)(2). Demonstrations of more than 25 people are allowed within designated park areas when the superintendent has issued a permit for the activity.Permits must be submitted to the Superintendent’s Office at least 7 days prior to the date desired for commencement of the activity.(c)(2) The following locations are designated as available for demonstrations:

• The designated areas for demonstrations are an area to the northeast of the Main Arsenal Building, and an area on the grass to the south of the circular driveway of Quarters 1 and to the northwest of the road behind the Main Arsenal building. See map at the end of this document.

36 CFR §2.52 -- SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATTER

(b) The sale or distribution of printed matter by 25 people or less is allowed within the park areas designated as available under §2.51

(c)(2) (see above). The sale or distribution of printed matter by more than 25 persons is allowed within designated park areas when the superintendent has issued a permit.

• Permits must be submitted to the Superintendent’s Office at least 7 days prior to the date desired for commencement of the activity.

• The designated areas for demonstrations are an area to the northeast of the Main Arsenal Building, and an area on the grass to the south of the circular driveway of Quarters 1 and to the northwest of the road behind the Main Arsenal building. See Appendix for a map.

36 CFR §2.61 – RESIDING ON FEDERAL LANDS

(a) Residing in park areas, other than on privately owned lands, is prohibited except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit lease or contract.

36 CFR §2.62 – MEMORIALIZATION

(a) The installation of a monument, memorial, tablet, structure, or other commemorative installation in a park area without the authorization of the Director is prohibited.(b) The scattering of human ashes from cremation is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.

36 CFR §4.21 – SPEED LIMITS

(a), (b) The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:

• The speed limit for all roadways in the park is 15 miles per hour.

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.

36 CFR §5.3 – BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Engaging in or soliciting any business in park areas, except in accordance with the provisions of a permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States, except as such may be specifically authorized under special regulations applicable to a park area, is prohibited.

36 CFR §5.4 – COMMERCIAL PASSENGER-CARRYING MOTOR VEHICLES

(a) The commercial transportation of passengers by motor vehicle except as authorized under a contract or permit from the Secretary or his authorized representative is prohibited in certain parks. See §5.4(a) for more information.

36 CFR §5.5 – COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY/FILMING

Taking photographs of any vehicle or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of commercial advertising without a written permit from the Superintendent is prohibited.(a) Filming, whether commercial or non-commercial, that does NOT meet the following definition MUST provide written notice to the Superintendent at least 10 days before the start of the proposed activity:

• Outdoor filming activities involving five persons or less and equipment that will be carried at all times, except for small tripods used to hold cameras.

Generally, permits are not required for still photography activities unless:

• The activity takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed; or
• The activity uses model(s), sets(s), or prop(s) that are not a part of the location’s natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities; or
• The park would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity; or
• The park needs to provide management and oversight of the activity.

A permit is not required if none of these conditions exist. A permit is required if one of the above conditions exist. Still photography permits are subject to cost recovery and location fees.(b) Audio recording does not require a permit unless:

• It takes place at a location where or when members of the public are generally not allowed;
• It uses equipment that requires mechanical transport;
• It uses equipment that requires an external power source other than a battery pack; or
• The NPS would incur additional administrative costs to manage and oversee the permitted activity to:
  • Avoid unacceptable impacts and impairment to resources or values; or
  • Minimize health or safety risks to the visiting public.

If a permit is issued, cost recovery must be collected, and a location fee based on the location fee schedule for still photography must be collected.

36 CFR §5.6 – COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

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

36 CFR §5.7 – CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS OR OTHER FACILITIES

Such activities are prohibited, except in accordance with the provisions of a valid permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States.

Appendix

Park Map: