Superintendent's Compendium

Here you will find the 2026 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 (NPS), within the boundaries of Springfield Armory National Historic Site (NHS). Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7.The compendium actions in this document apply in addition to all other laws that apply to lands and waters administered by the NPS within the boundaries of Springfield Armory NHS. These include:

• Regulations in 36 CFR and other CFR titles such as Title 43, which contains regulations that apply on public lands administered by the Department of the Interior. The current version of the CFR can be found at www.ecfr.gov. Click on “Title 36” and then “Chapter 1” to access 36 CFR.

• Statutes codified in U.S. Code, in particular provisions in Titles 16 and 54.

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.Please E-mail Springfield Armory NHS if you have any questions or comments about the Superintendent’s Compendium.NPS regulations in 36 CFR 1.4 define certain terms that are used in 36 CFR. Other sections in 36 CFR may define terms that are used in those sections. To the extent any terms defined in the CFR are used in this Compendium, those definitions apply.

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 and historic grounds are open to the public from 9:30am to 4:00pm Wednesday through Sunday. The site and grounds are closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Visitors are welcome to walk their pets on the historic grounds, but the pets must remain on leash during their visit. 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 public is prohibited from possessing and/or consuming food or beverages inside the visitor center and museum.

The Armory Museum contains 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:

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). 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 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 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.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 is prohibited.Passive recreational activities that do not hinder tours or visitor experiences (e.g., self-guided tours, nature observation and photography, plein air painting and sketching) are permitted.Activities that restrict the park’s mission to preserve and interpret the resources and history of Springfield Armory are prohibited.The park is closed to public camping.To preserve the historic landscape and ensure the security of the site and its resources, the park is closed to camping by the public.

36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) - Designate areas, conditions or restrictions on a use or activity.

• 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.

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.

• UAS Language: 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 Springfield Armory National Historic Site is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.

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.

First Amendment Area Designation

• 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 to maintain visitor and staff safety.

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 NPS. Parking is not permitted in any other area, unless specific permission is given, or under the terms of a permit.

Parking areas and vehicle access are designated to ensure safety for visitors and staff and to protect the cultural and natural resources of the park.

Passenger Carrying Buses

• Engines must be shut down when not underway.

36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT

36 CFR 1.6 (f) Activities that require a permit.The following activities are prohibited without a permit. Criteria for approving or denying permits are established by applicable law (statutes and regulations) and policy. Permitted activities are subject to applicable terms and conditions.

• Some filming, still photography, and audio recording (depends upon the facts and circumstances; contact the park for more information). 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) and 54 U.S.C. 100905.
• Specimen collection for research purposes. 36 CFR 2.5.
• Gathering of plants or plant parts by Federally recognized Indian tribes. 36 CFR 2.6.
• Operating a power saw and a motor or engine. 36 CFR 2.12.
• Operating a public address system 36 CFR 2.12.
• Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter, or other airborne means. 36 CFR 2.17.
• Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods or services. 36 CFR 2.37.
• Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives; using or possessing fireworks or firecrackers. 36 CFR 2.38.
• Conducting a special event. 36 CFR 2.50.
• Conducting a demonstration by groups of more than 25 people. 36 CFR 2.51.
• Selling or distributing printed matter and other message-bearing items by groups of more than 25 people. 36 CFR 2.52.
• Residing on federal lands. 36 CFR 2.61.
• Scattering of human ashes from cremation. 36 CFR 2.62.
• Displaying, posting, or distributing commercial notices or advertisements. 36 CFR 5.1
• Engaging in or soliciting any business. 36 CFR 5.3.
• Commercial passenger-carrying motor vehicles 36 CFR 5.4
• Using commercial vehicles on NPS-administered roads. 35 CFR 5.6.
• Constructing or attempting to construct any building, structure, road, trail, path, or utility. 36 CFR 5.7.
• Rights-of-way. 36 CFR part 14.
• Excavating or removing archeological resources. 43 CFR part 7.
• Collecting paleontological resources. 43 CFR part 49.

To apply for a permit, contact the park by writing, calling, or emailing:Special Use Permit CoordinatorSpringfield Armory National Historic SiteOne Armory Square, Suite 2Springfield, MA 01105-1299(413) [e-mail]

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

36 CFR 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) Non-fossilized and fossilized paleontological specimens, cultural or archaeological resources, or the parts thereof.(iv) A mineral resource or cave formation or the parts thereof.36 CFR 2.1 (c) (1)-(2) Designation of natural products for personal use or consumption. The following fruits, nuts, and berries 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.

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. To reestablish historic plantings, cutting or picking of tree blooms, fruit or flowers is prohibited.

36 CFR §2.5 – RESEARCH SPECIMENS

36 CFR 2.5 (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

36 CFR 2.10 (a) Permits, designated sites or areas, and conditions for camping.

• Camping is prohibited, except pursuant to a special use permit.

36 CFR §2.11 – PICNICKING

• Picnicking is allowed at designated picnic tables or on the grounds during daylight hours only. All trash must be taken away or disposed of in designated trash receptacles.

36 CFR §2.12 – AUDIO DISTURBANCES

36 CFR 2.12 (a)(2) Operating a power saw in developed areas is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.36 CFR 2.12 (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.36 CFR 2.12 (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 §2.13 – FIRE MANAGEMENT

No fires are permitted on any Springfield Armory NHS grounds or buildings. This action is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental or scenic values, protection of natural or cultural resources, and the implementation of management responsibilities. Materials other than approved combustibles – especially fire accelerants and substances prone to wind transport or explosion – create serious risks when used to light or maintain fires. These combustibles can ignite or spread wildfires that directly threaten people and valuable resources and assets. The burning of manufactured or synthetic materials can contribute to air pollution, contaminate soil and water, and be toxic to humans and the environment. Less restrictive measures, such as an education campaign, would not be commensurate with the substantial risks associated with those activities and could lead to adverse outcomes that might be prevented by establishing an enforceable condition.

36 CFR §2.19 – WINTER ACTIVITIES

1. 1. Skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, sledding, inner tubing, tobogganing, and similar winter sports 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

The Springfield Armory NHS is located on the campus of Springfield Technical Community and adheres to their Smoke/Tobacco-Free Campus policy, which states that “Smoking is prohibited everywhere on the STCC campus, including indoors, on the grounds, and with external parking lots, except in private vehicles. Related, it is understood that for the purpose of this policy smoking includes any and all burning of tobacco; use of any smoking or vaping equipment; and includes but is not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes, or vaporizers.”

36 CFR §2.35 – ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

36 CFR 2.35 (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 §2.50 – SPECIAL EVENTS

36 CFR 2.50 (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 an associated permit has been issued by the superintendent.

36 CFR §2.51 -- DEMONSTRATIONS

36 CFR 2.51 (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 seven days prior to the date desired for commencement of the activity.

36 CFR 2.51 (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

36 CFR 2.25 (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 seven 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 §2.62 – MEMORIALIZATION

36 CFR 2.62 (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.36 CFR 2.62 (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

36 CFR 4.21 (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 §4.30 – BICYCLES

36 CFR 4.30 (a) Park roads

• The use of a bicycle is permitted on park roads and in parking areas that are otherwise open for motor vehicle use by the public.

36 FR 4.30 (i) Electric bicycles

• Class 1, 2, and electric bicycles are allowed in the following locations where traditional bicycles also are allowed on park roads and parking areas.

Allowing electric bicycles on roads and parking areas will not create new, adverse impacts to resources or visitors because those locations are already used by motor vehicles and traditional bicycles. Electric bicycles provide a recreational opportunity for visitors who want to ride a bicycle but might not otherwise because of physical fitness, age, or convenience, especially at high altitudes and on terrain with changing elevations.

Appendix

Park Map: