The large open multi-purpose lawn inside Fort Taber/Fort Rodman Park on Clark's Point, used for pickup soccer and softball as well as public events like military reenactments and concerts. It isn't a separate facility; it shares the parking, hours, and rules of the roughly 50-acre park that surrounds it.
What to expect
Parking
Paid lot $5/day for New Bedford residents, $10/day for non-residents, charged late June through Labor Day, 10am-5:30pm; free the rest of the year · unconfirmed
Dogs
Leashed dogs only; leash/chain must not exceed 6 feet and dogs may not come within 100 feet of an active recreation area. This citywide rule does not apply at Captain Jack Peterson Dog Park.
Hours
Roughly 5am-9pm daily, as part of the broader Fort Taber/Fort Rodman Park.
Accessibility
The broader park is described as handicap accessible, including a Braille trail, though accessibility specific to the playfield itself was not separately confirmed.
Soccer/Pickup Ball Sports
Allowed
Public Events (Concerts, Reenactments)
Allowed
Managed by
Parks, Recreation & Beaches Department (the fort/museum buildings within the park are separately run by the nonprofit Fort Taber-Fort Rodman Historical Association)
508-961-3015 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Paid lot
Cost$5/day for New Bedford residents, $10/day for non-residents, charged late June through Labor Day, 10am-5:30pm; free the rest of the year
Details unconfirmed
What's here
On site
Picnic area
Picnic areas with panoramic views are part of the broader park.
Common questions
Is Fort Rodman Playfield its own park?
No. It's the large open lawn inside Fort Taber/Fort Rodman Park on Clark's Point, and it shares that park's parking, hours, and rules rather than having its own.
Where do I park at Fort Rodman Playfield?
Paid lot ($5/day for New Bedford residents, $10/day for non-residents, charged late June through Labor Day, 10am-5:30pm; free the rest of the year).
Is there an entry fee at Fort Rodman Playfield?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Fort Rodman Playfield?
Leashed dogs only; leash/chain must not exceed 6 feet and dogs may not come within 100 feet of an active recreation area. This citywide rule does not apply at Captain Jack Peterson Dog Park.
Is Fort Rodman Playfield wheelchair accessible?
The broader park is described as handicap accessible, including a Braille trail, though accessibility specific to the playfield itself was not separately confirmed.
What rules should I know at Fort Rodman Playfield?
No firearms, firecrackers, or fireworks in city parks. No alcohol, gambling, open fires, or vending without a permit in city parks. Park use is not permitted between 10pm and 5am.