The Woburn Community Resource Center is pleased to partner with Woburn Welcomes to bring you the Neighborhood Block Party Kit. For personal assistance call or text 781-382-5057.
Borrow items from our lending library to up the fun factor
We have a collection of activities to help make your neighborhood party a day to remember. There is no cost to borrow items including: a karaoke machine, giant Jenga, traffic cones, cornhole boards (thank you 2-16 Boards for the donation), hula hoops, and more!
Visit our lending library page to see what’s available and to make a reservation request.
Get started planning
A block party is a great way to have fun and build community! If you’re interested in organizing one, but aren’t sure what’s required or where to start, this section is for you.
- Block parties help make and grow connections in your neighborhood by bringing everyone together for a few hours of food and fun.
- There’s not a right or wrong way to have a block party. The goal is to benefit your community, so plans can be whatever works best for you and your neighbors!
- Block parties don’t have to be complicated, but a little planning will take the stress away so you can enjoy the fun.
A private event just for your neighbors does not require a permit, but if you are opening to a larger group, hosting a fundraiser, charging a fee, etc. a special event permit may be required. Reach out to the City Clerk at (781) 897-5850 for questions related to permitting.
Road closures
Road closures can only be requested on low-travel roads and are done at the discretion of safety personnel.
- Contact the traffic sergeant at the Woburn Police Department at least 2-3 weeks in advance: (781) 933-1212 (non-emergency line). If approved, the traffic sergeant will log that your road will be closed on the date & time of the event. If your road is approved for closure, please remember emergency vehicle access must be maintained at all times. Do not use cars or other immobile materials to block the road as they may impede emergency service access. Notify the Fire Department 1-2 days before the event: (781) 897-1380 (Administrative office phone) only after securing police safety approval.
Organizing committee
- Have a small group of neighbors help with plans, ideas, and supplies to make the most of the day.
- Consider using a free online service to share event details, track RSVPs, and share updates when needed such as ○Evite.me – Quick and easy to use ○Sites.google.com – More flexibility & customization options
- Print & share small flyers with a URL (website address) or QR code (scannable image) that connects neighbors to the event site. You can find a QR code generator at this site: https://qr.io/
- Share a web-based sign-up sheet for attendees to offer food & supplies. Google sheets is a great tool to make sure there is a variety of food and fun at the party.
Typical supplies needed
- Folding tables
- Camping/tailgate tents
- Chafing dishes & fuel
- Serving and eating utensils
- Chairs
- Plates
- Trash bags (Consider purchasing Woburn Overflow Trash Bags in advance to make clean up and disposal easy)
- Coolers
Additional supply ideas (optional)
- Games (e.g., Giant Connect 4, bean bag toss, Jenga, portable badminton set, etc.)
- Kids activities (e.g., street chalk, water tables, bubbles, arts & crafts table, kickball, etc.)
- Speaker or sound system for music/karaoke
Visit our lending library page to see what’s available to borrow and to make a reservation request.
Tips to make your block party accessible for everyone.
Accessibility
Is the location of the block party accessible to someone with mobility challenges? Think about the width of a path, distance for those travelling, and how smooth the surface is. It may be challenging for some to get to a grassy area.
Bathroom Access
Are the bathrooms intended to be used during the party accessible to someone with mobility challenges? Be sure doors are wide enough for walkers/wheelchairs and there is a path that doesn’t require using stairs.
Label All Food/Beverages
Clearly label all food and beverages to ensure those with allergies know what is safe to eat
Emergency vehicle quick access
Never use a car or other hard to move item to block the road. If there is an emergency, be sure first responders can provide help fast. Orange cones can be borrowed from the lending library.
Sensory aware
Block parties can be a ton of fun, but they may be overstimulating for some neighbors. Keep music and loud noises to a reasonable level and consider having headsets on hand for those who might be overwhelmed.
Consider service animals
Be sure there are safe passages that service animals can traverse with their handlers.