SOUTH HADLEY – Mount Holyoke College reopened their outdoor campus grounds to the public on May 29, with an exception that buildings remain closed.

Outdoor facilities such as the tracks and tennis courts are still being repaired and won’t be available during the summer.

According to Director of News and Media Relations at Mount Holyoke College Christian Feuerstein, only approved campus events will be allowed. “The public is welcome to stroll our grounds but not to organize events on our campus. Fishing will again be allowed at the Upper Lake, off Park Street, and behind the Kendall Sports and Dance Complex,” Feuerstein said.

Mount Holyoke College will only be allowing the public onto the campus grounds during the summer and not in the fall. Feuerstein implied that campus access could change, “we ask that visitors note any signage signaling any changes to campus access,” he said.

Masks aren’t required while walking or enjoying the campus outdoors. However,  Feuerstein implied that masks are required at outdoor events for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status.

The decision was made following Governor Baker’s new guidance on COVID-19 in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. “It was made by President Sonya Stephens and her Cabinet, after review of the new Massachusetts guidelines and in consultation with Mount Holyoke’s Health Services team,” Feuerstein said.

The public is invited to check out their events calendar found on their website, events.mholyoke.edu. Mount Holyoke College is located at 50 College St. in South Hadley.