An Act relative to the Pilgrim Memorial Park in Plymouth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kathy LaNatra

authorize a 99-year lease to Town of Plymouth to oversee Pilgrim Memorial Park’s land, facilities, and operations with Commonwealth protections and public access preserved.

Referred to the committee on House Rules

Overview

This Massachusetts bill seeks to modify how the Pilgrim Memorial Park in Plymouth is managed by authorizing a long-term lease arrangement between the Commonwealth and the Town of Plymouth. It provides a framework for the Town to oversee the park’s land, facilities, and related appurtenances while outlining responsibilities, protections for the Commonwealth, and public access considerations.

Main purpose and intent

To authorize a 99-year lease of Pilgrim Memorial Park (79 Water Street, Plymouth) from the Commonwealth to the Town of Plymouth.

To enable the Town to oversee, maintain, and operate the park and its associated land and facilities, with certain conditions and protections for the Commonwealth.

To delineate responsibilities for who can design, fund, operate, and regulate park use during the lease period.

Key provisions and changes

Parties and subject: The Commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (CAMM) may enter into a 99-year lease with the Town of Plymouth for the park’s fields, facilities, land, and appurtenances.

Scope of lease: The lease may include authority for improvements to the field and facilities and related land and appurtenances.

Terms and conditions: The lease must be on terms acceptable to CAMM, in consultation with the Commissioner of Conservation and Recreation.

Town oversight and liability:

The Town of Plymouth shall provide general oversight for the land, facilities, fields, and appurtenances during the lease term.
The Town must carry comprehensive general liability insurance naming the Commonwealth as a co-insured, protecting against personal injury or property damage arising from park land and improvements.

Public access: Pilgrim Memorial Park shall be accessible to the general public when not in use by permittees.

Design and construction: The Town may not design or construct facilities on the parcel without written approval from CAMM and the Commissioner of Conservation and Recreation.

Utilities and maintenance: The Town is responsible for all utility costs (subject to the lease) and for day-to-day maintenance.

Rules and fees: The Town shall have sole responsibility for developing rules, regulations, and fees for the use of Pilgrim Memorial Park.

Who/what is affected

Commonwealth of Massachusetts: Maintains ownership/control via CAMM and the Department of Conservation and Recreation; reserved protections include insurance and approval rights.

Town of Plymouth: Primary beneficiary and operator under a 99-year lease; assumes oversight, maintenance, utilities, and governance of park use, subject to Commonwealth approvals.

Pilgrim Memorial Park users: Public access is preserved when the park is not in use by permittees; rules and fees for use will be set by the Town.

Permittees: Entities or groups that use the park will operate under the town’s rules and approved access.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill authorizes the lease but does not specify funding; terms are to be negotiated and accepted by CAMM in consultation with the Commissioner of Conservation and Recreation.

The 99-year lease duration sets a long-term framework for management, with ongoing oversight and approval processes to be maintained throughout the term.

Bill