Superintendent's Compendium

Here you will find the 2024 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.

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 National Historic Site. 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 operating hours for the Armory Museum and historic grounds are Wednesday-Sunday from: 9:30am to 4:00pm. Any changes to operating hours will be posted for the public on site and on the park website and social media platforms as able.

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:

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 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.

36 CFR 1.5 (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:

Uncrewed Aircraft

• Launching, landing, or operating an uncrewed 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 "uncrewed 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.

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.

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.

Parking areas and vehicle access are designated to achieve 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.

• Launching or landing uncrewed aircraft. 36 CFR 1.5.
• Specimen collection for research purposes. 36 CFR 2.5.
• Gathering of plants or plant parts by Federally recognized Indian tribes. 36 CFR 2.6.
• Camping. 36 CFR 2.10.
• 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
• Some audio recording (if conditions are met). 36 CFR 5.5.
• 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.
• Commercial filming. 43 CFR 5.2.
• Some still photography (if conditions are met). 43 CFR 5.2.
• 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 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

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 archaeology 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, 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. In an effort 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 §2.19 – 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

36 CFR 2.21 (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

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 a permit therefore 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 7 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 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 §2.62 – 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 general 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: