Governor Announces Free Parking at State Parks, Beaches This Weekend

10:24AM / Friday, July 03, 2026Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey today announced that parking will be free at all Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) properties statewide in recognition?of?the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution from July 3 to 5.

"We want people to enjoy the Fourth of July weekend, especially as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding," said Governor Healey. "In recognition of that, we're making parking at all of our state properties free this weekend."

DCR will implement the waiver across its paid parking system, including the Yodel app, pay stations and field staff parking operations. Parking is first come, first served. High-demand locations may still close when parking lots reach capacity. Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead by visiting the DCR Park Alerts webpage for the most up-to-date information on facility closures.

"The Fourth of July is DCR's busiest weekend of the year, when families, friends and neighbors from across Massachusetts and beyond come together to celebrate America's birthday in our parks and beaches," said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. "By waiving parking fees, we're making it easier for more people to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate in the places that belong to all of us. As we mark the 250th anniversary of our nation, we look forward to welcoming visitors to our properties across the state, and we encourage everyone to plan ahead and enjoy the time outdoors."

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15 People Displaced in Pittsfield Home Fires

Staff Reports11:35AM / Sunday, October 11, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Fifteen people were displaced after 2-alarm home fires this weekend on Springside Avenue and Elaine Drive.

On Friday evening, the Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 209 Springside Ave., which took a four-hour battle to extinguish and resulted in a partial roof collapse. The next day, on Saturday evening, crews knocked down a fire at 121 Elaine Drive in about an hour.

The garage and part of the single-family home on Elaine Drive were gutted to the frame, along with a vehicle parked in the driveway. On Springside Avenue, the top level and porch of the multifamily were burned through.

A GoFundMe has been started for the family of the Elaine Drive home, which includes several young children. The fundraiser, with a $5,500 goal, explains they lost their home and all of their belongings. (iBerkshires.com does not confirm or endorse fundraisers; they are provided as information only.)

There were no civilian or firefighter injuries, and both incidents are under investigation. One dog was rescued on Springside Avenue.

On Oct. 10, around 6:15 p.m., PFD responded to the Springside Avenue home for a reported structure fire and saw a 2 1/2-story wood frame multifamily with a heavy blaze showing from the second-floor front porch, extending out.

The building suffered a partial roof collapse, which prolonged extinguishment. The fire was brought under control after about four hours.

“An aggressive offensive attack was mounted by first arriving crews stretching hose lines into the building as well as primary searches that proved negative. Ladders were placed around the structure to provide access as well as escape if needed. An off-duty Fire Captain had also been on scene early in the incident to help evacuate the structure and rescue a dog,” PFD wrote in a press release.

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