Event organizers invite all residents who like to camp to the 9th Annual Great Urban Campout, Saturday to Sunday, Aug 25 and 26. Also, people who aren’t regular campers can test out tenting and still have a way to get home in the middle of the night if need be. Join and share the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/509737246108227/ Come by at any point, whether or not you want to stay over.

Families and anyone else who likes to camp are welcome to come spend the night on Nunziato field, or just join in for afternoon/evening activities. Set up tents and hang out anytime on Saturday. If rain is forecasted, the event will occur on Friday, Aug. 24. No need to register in advance.

The idea is to use a familiar open space in a new way to build community. Come by to play, chat, and hang out. You can sit on the grass or on a lawn chair to watch the temporary town pop up over the course of the afternoon and evening. The event started in Lincoln Park in 2009, moved to Conway, and now finds a new home at Nunziato field. Over the years, campers have ranged in age from newborn to age 70. They have ranged in wilderness experience from those who have hiked the Appalachian trail to people who have never camped. One year, a life-long Lincoln Park neighbor camped with her grandkids. She said, “I’ve spent my life living next to Lincoln Park, but never slept IN Lincoln Park. But I’m going to do it this year!” It’s a unique experience that’ll leave you with interesting memories (if not necessarily a good night’s rest).

What to bring: Camping stuff (tents, air mattress, chairs), instruments, toys, field games, etc.

Food: There will be grills, so feel free to bring food to grill and potluck snacks, salads, or desserts to share with other campers. There will be a breakfast with lots of coffee the next morning for anyone who makes it through the night.

Bathrooms: There will be a clean port-a-potty on site.

There should be plenty of adults on hand and in ear-shot to keep an eye on things, however, the Police Department will send a cruiser by regularly throughout the night.

Please note alcohol and animals are not allowed in this city park. Quiet hours will be from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.

If you have questions, please contact Stephanie Hirsch at stephanie@stephaniehirsch.org or 617-512-4847 or Ilana Krepchin at ikrepchin@gmail.com.