MATTAPOISETT — Weddings and other events will be able to return to Ned’s Point, following a decision by the Board of Selectmen.

Selectmen approved weddings and planned gatherings of up to 50 people at an April 13 meeting.

Town Administrator Mike Lorenco asked the board to make a decision regarding the return of planned events at the park, after he received multiple requests for weddings and other large gatherings.

“I would imagine it’s going to increase as the weather gets nicer and people get towards the summer,” Lorenco said.

Selectman Jordan Collyer noted that as weddings and other events begin to be permitted, the total number of people at Ned’s Point must remain under 150, per state regulation.

“We have to be cognizant and mindful of the fact that there are going to be other people down there,” he said.

Initially he suggested a 30-person limit on gatherings, but Board Chair Paul Silva figured up to 50 people would be appropriate.

“I have no problem with that,” Collyer said. “Just start low and negotiate up, I figured.”
Weddings at the park will be limited to one hour, while gatherings like family picnics will be subject to a three-hour limit.

Additionally, there will be no concurrent events, and there must be at least two hours between each gathering at the park.

“And this is all subject to change,” Collyer said, noting that covid restrictions could be updated.

Collyer also noted, met with agreement from the other Selectmen, that the town may want to “resurrect” talks about designated event spaces in Mattapoisett’s parks after the pandemic subsides.